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What is Suicide Prevention?

Suicide prevention is NOT just a class, an annual training, or an awareness event.  Suicide prevention is a constant balance of various factors. Classes, trainings, and awareness events should augment the everyday practice of strategies in the below areas.

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While factors will differ from person to person, research shows that effective suicide prevention can be grouped into eight focus areas or categories. 

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  • Romantic Relationships

 

  • Finances

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  • Connection to People

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  • Lethal Means Safety

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  • Connection to Resources

 

  • Legal Issues

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  • Purpose

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  • Resilience Skills

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The health of these focus areas for a person can be an indicator of risk. While responding to issues within theses areas is important, if we take time and effort to build up these areas, then we are reducing the risk. 

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Keep scrolling for more information on each focus area.

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Romantic Relationships

Family support and connectedness are protective factors against suicide. Historically, relationship problems are among the top three variables that influence suicide deaths.

 

Are you going through a breakup or divorce? You are not alone!  These are difficult life events and there is support and assistance.

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Finances

Economic stress is a risk factor for suicide. Specifically, financial problems are in the top three variables that influence suicide deaths. Take advantage of these tools to implement healthy financial practices and mitigate the risk. 

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Connection to People

Connections to people are a protective factor for suicide; this could be a connection to family, friends, or coworkers. Connections to people are authentic sharing of lived experiences, empathy, building trust, and showing vulnerability. Connections mitigate feelings of thwarted belongingness. Learn about ways to encourage connection.

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Lethal Means Safety

Lethal means safety is putting time and space between a person in crisis and lethal means. The presence of firearms and certain medications in a home significantly increase the likelihood of a suicide death or attempt for everyone in the home. Learn about time based prevention to mitigate lethal means. 

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Connection to Resources

Access to mental health resources and substance abuse services are a protective factor for suicide. Beyond, those specific resources, connection to resources that address other risk factors or promote protective factors are critical. 

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Legal Issues

A service member under investigation for or involved in a legal issue with the military or outside the military is the last of the top three variables that influence suicide deaths. Several considerations exists for those in such situations. 

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Purpose

Having a purpose (at work, at home, and in life in general) mitigates feelings of perceived burdensomeness.  Not sure what your purpose may be? Speak with a Chaplain or a mentor. Still not sure? Volunteer! Volunteering is a great way to explore your passions. You can talk with A&FRC about opportunities or many of our resources have volunteer opportunities.

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Resilience Skills

Fortifying resilience skills is important so that one is able to bounce back from adversity. These skills deserve deliberate and regular attention. 

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