Suicide Prevention
Healthy People 2000 “Violent and
Abusive Behavior Progress Review”
1997 -
20,000 Homicides
over 30,000 Suicides
which means an average of 50 people
killed each day and almost 80
committed suicide
Healthy People 2000 Violent and
Abusive Behavior Progress Review
1998-
homicide rate dropped by 30%
suicide rate dropped by 14%
DOD Details Stress, Suicide
Prevention Programs
7 June 1999 Dr. Sue Bailey ( Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Health Affair)
unveiled the details of the two major
policies announced by President
Clinton;
Expansion of the Implement a
community combat stress
approach to a control program
Suicide
Prevention
Program.
DOD-Wide Program
Air Force pilot model to be implemented
throughout DOD by the end of 1999
which consists of:
Widely distributed public service
messages by DOD Senior leaders that
express concern about suicide and the
importance of encouraging and
protecting members who seek help
Debrief people and units following
traumatic events
Establish annual suicide awareness and
prevention training
Integrate the delivery of services from
MH, FA, HWC, FSC, C&YC, and the
Chaplains
Include suicide prevention in all professional
military education programs
Develop a larger data base of those who
commit and attempt suicide so risk factors
and trends can be analyzed and preventive
measures taken
Conduct unit risk assessment surveys and
unit intervention as needed
Risk Factors associated with
suicide victims
History of Mental Poor job
Health Problems performance
Substance Abuse Social Isolation
Relationship Legal Problems
Problems Previous Attempts
Poor Coping Skills Financial Problems
Protective Factors
Establish social support in units
Teaching individual coping skills
Establishing a belief among military
people that seeking mental health care
is acceptable and ensuring privacy
protection
Other Initiatives
DOD will emphasize the critical
importance of leadership and education
and make leaders more aware of the
effects of combat stress on individuals
and the military unit.
Combat & Operational Stress
Combat Stress Reactions
are normal reactions to
abnormal situations
Severe stress reactions
occur when a person is
overwhelmed
psychologically,
cognitively and/or
physically
Combat & Operational Stress
Mild to moderate Anticipation of horrible
stress reactions events
may occur - In Bosnia Southwest
exposure to harsh Asia 20% service
members show a
environment sufficient level of stress
long duty hours to warrant evaluation
separation from by a health care
family provider
3% referred for full MH
evaluation
Combat & Operational Stress
During WWII, the rate of Combat Stress
casualties to wounded services
members was about 25% in the
European theater
During Vietnam the rate was about 10%
-lower by comparison because of the
type of fighting during the conflict
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