Awareness key to suicide prevention Published Jan. 26, 2007 By Maj. Darrick Cunningham Life Skills Support Center POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The passing of the holiday season combined with the onset of the coldest winter months create a dangerous time for those susceptible to suicide. Bills are starting to come due, family and friends have returned to their routines, thus don't call or visit as much, and the magic of the holiday season has passed. For many people, the mere shortening of daylight hours throughout the fall and winter has negative psychological impact. Psychological impact often manifests itself in the form of depression. Depression is a major warning sign for suicide. Unfortunately more than 30,000 Americans end their lives each year by suicide, which in most years is twice the number of Americans murdered. If you encounter someone who is experiencing any of the following symptoms: Feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal, changes in eating or sleeping habits, declining performance at work or school, increased use of alcohol, use of illegal/illicit drugs, abuse of prescribed drugs, loss of a significant relationship, endured the death of a friend or family member, previous history of suicidal behavior, preoccupation with death/dying, and giving away prized/personal possessions, offer intervention; take all warning signs seriously. You could save a life. Immediate intervention should include asking direct questions, such as: Do you feel there is no other way? Do you have a plan to commit suicide? Help is available through all hospital emergency rooms and suicide prevention hotlines. Try to get the person to commit to not hurting themselves. Try to convince them to enter into a verbal contract of safety. Ascertain if they have the means to harm themselves. If you can do so safely, remove those means. Do not leave the person alone. Don't be sworn to secrecy. Most importantly, share your concerns with someone who is in a position to take charge. People always exhibit signs that they are considering suicide, so it is crucial that friends/co-workers recognize and decipher certain behaviors as pleas for help. Post-suicide analyses reveal less than 40 percent of victims sought assistance from helping agencies, which emphasizes the importance of action at informal levels to eradicate suicides. Emphasize that suicide is a permanent solution for a temporary problem. Show understanding, compassion and concern. Avoid expressing any anger you may feel for having to deal with the individual's problem. Since the Air Force introduced a community-based self-aid buddy care model to suicide prevention in 1997, the overall suicide rate in the Air Force has been drastically reduced. As we enjoy the winter months and will soon welcome spring, increase suicide prevention awareness as traditionally suicide rates increase during this time. For any additional information about this subject, contact the Life Skills Support Center at 394-4700.