TSP 081-P-9018 1308, Phase II, OCS TSP 081-P-9018 1308, Phase II, OCS Suicide Prevention

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCSTSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicide Prevention

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

…. Prevented!…. Prevented!

…. Suicide can be …. Suicide can be

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Terminal Learning ObjectiveTerminal Learning Objective

Action: Suicide PreventionConditions: In a classroom setting provides an overview of

behaviors, conditions, and situations that lead to suicide and examines detection techniques, counseling and reporting requirements.

Standard: Completed the quiz prior to class and scored a minimum of 80% on the quiz.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

ReferencesReferences

No. Title Date Para No.

TSP 081-P-9018 Suicide Prevention

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

• SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS NONE• RISK ASSESSMENT LOW• ENVIRON. CONSIDERATIONS NONE• EVALUATION YES

Administrative NotesAdministrative Notes

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Enabling Learning Objective

Enabling Learning Objective

Action: Demonstrate knowledge of the common suicide signals, characteristics, and suicide prevention methods

Conditions: Given homework readings, homework quiz, and in-class review

Standards: Completed the quiz prior to class and scored a minimum of 80% on the quiz.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

DefinitionDefinition

A deliberate act of self harm that results in death.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

StatisticsStatistics

• 30,000 suicides in USA per year on average

• Estimated 300,000 attempted suicides per year.

• 12.5 per 100,000 on average

• Ranked 8th overall cuase of death in USA

• 3rd leading cause of death among 14-25 year olds.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Soldier Suicide by YearSoldier Suicide by Year119

8390 92

102 102

87 9080

76

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

119

8390 92

102 102

87 9080

76

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

SOLDIER SUICIDES BY YEAR1986-1995

YEAR

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicide Rate by YearSuicide Rate by Year

13

11

13.511.9

13.514.6 14.3

15.514.5 14.2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicide by MethodSuicide by MethodSELF INFLICTED

GUNSHOT WOUND75%

HANGING 17%

DRUG OVERDOSE 1%

DROWNING 1%

CARBON MONOXIDEPOISONING 3%

VEHICLE ACCIDENT 3%

METHOD OF SUICIDE

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

US Army Summary: Year 1995

US Army Summary: Year 1995

Profile of a “typical” Army suicide

White 71%

Males 93%

Age 20-25

E-1 through E-7 Majority

Married soldiers 58%

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

SUMMARY1995

Profile of a “typical” Army suicide

White 71%Males 93%

Age 20-25

E-1 through E-7 MajorityMarried soldiers 58%

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicidal LogicSuicidal Logic

• Suicide is not a bizarre and incomprehensible act of self-destruction.

• Suicidal people use a particular logic, death is the only solution to their problems.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicidal WarningSuicidal Warning

• Eight out of ten persons who eventually kill themselves give warnings of their intent.

• Fifty percent say openly that they want to die.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicide ThreatsSuicide Threats• I can’t take it

• You won’t have to worry about me.

• I won’t be a problem to you anymore.

• I want to go to sleep and never wake up.

• Everyone would be better off if I were dead

• They’ll be sorry when I’m gone.

• I don’t want to live anymore.

• Soon this pain will be over.

• I’m going to kill myself.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Precipitating EventsPrecipitating Events

• Illness

• Economic Distress

• Employment Difficulties

• Death of a Loved One

• Domestic Difficulties

• Divorce

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Emotional DisturbanceEmotional Disturbance• A loss of appetite.• Sudden overeating.• Insomnia.• Excessive sleeping over a period of several days.• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms (such

as stomachaches, headaches, constant fatigue, frequent drowsiness).

• Unusual neglect of personal appearance.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Emotional DisturbanceEmotional Disturbance• Prolonged boredom in their surroundings and with

activities that had previously been enjoyed.• Withdrawal and isolation.• Difficulty in concentration • Decline in the quality of work.• Preoccupation with themes of death.• A lack of planning for the future--• I could be dead tomorrow.”• Abrupt outburst or anger, instead of• Controlling their moods.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Characteristics and Warning Signs of Suicide


Unbearable emotional pain

• No one commits suicide out of jou or for the fun of it.

• Pain is what the person seeks to escape

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



Frustrated Emotional Needs

Needs for security, achievement , trust and friendship form much of the landscape of our inner lives. Frustration in achieving these needs results in emotional pain.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



The Search for a Solution

Suicide is not random: it is never done pointlessly or without purpose. It is a way out of a problem. It seems to be the only answer.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



An attempt to End Consciousness

Suicide is both a movement away from pain and a movement to unconsciousness. The aim of suicide is to stop awareness of a painful existence.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



Helplessness and Hopelessness

Shame, guilt, loss of effectiveness, frustrated dependencyhave all been proposed as “real” causesof suicide, underlying all of these is a sense of powerlessness and impotence

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



Constriction of Options

Suicidal individuals think of only two alternatives: a total solution or a total end.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



Ambivalence

To a suicidal person, ambivalence is a matter of life and death.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



Communication of Intent

About 80% of suicidal people give friends and family clear clues about their intention to kill themselves.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



Departure

Suicide is the ultimate escape - a plan for a radical, permanent change of scene.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS



Life Long Coping Pattern

Look at the person’s way of handling emotional pain previously.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicide Prevention: 7 StepsSuicide Prevention: 7 Steps

Step 1: Ask if anything is wrong? (If you observe any of the signs)

• Suicidal thoughts and behavior are often cries for help.

• Most suicidal people will open up during this time of need.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS


Step 2: Take Threat Seriously

• Ask if anything is wrong? (If you observe any of the signs)

• Suicidal thoughts and behavior are often cries for help.

• Most suicidal people will open up during this time of need.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS


Step 3: Confront the Problem

• Ask non-judgmental questions:– Are you feeling depressed?– Are you thinking of hurting yourself?– Are you thinking of killing yourself?

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS


Step 4: Offer Support

• Often people feel alone, hopeless, helpless, and worthless.

• Let them know you and others care.

• Discuss professional counseling and consider referral

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS


Step 5: Do not leave them alone

• Someone needs to stay with them until the crisis passes.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS


Step 6: Remove suicidal person from lethal weapons

• Suicidal soldier may also surrender weapon(s).

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS


Step 7: Get Professional Help

• Emergency:– Immediate threat to life and limb.– Sincere and lethality of method is high.– If in doubt, refer.– Escort soldier to ER or MHP

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS


Step 7: Get Professional Help

• Non-emergency referral:– Consult with mental health professional first.– Counsel service member and give copy of

referral (DOD Directive 6490.1).– Observe service member rights.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicide Prevention: 7 StepsSuicide Prevention: 7 StepsProfessional Agencies• Hospital dept. of psychiatry, psychology, social

work.• Community or Division Mental Health Service.• Family Life Center.• Chaplain.• Alcohol & Drug Community Counseling Center.• Army Community Services• Chain of Command

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

PreventionPrevention

“Human understanding is the most effective weapon against suicide. The greatest need is to deepen the awareness and sensitivity of people to their fellow man.”

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

Suicide is PreventableSuicide is Preventable

The Army’s Suicide Prevention Program is successfully preventing suicides. All leaders must be aware and sensitive to the welfare of our soldiers, and alert to the signs suggesting suicide risk. The key to suicide prevention is recognizing risk factors and taking appropriate action.

TSP 081-P-9018

1308, Phase II, OCS

SUICIDE IS

PREVENTABLEThe Army’s Suicide Prevention Programis successfully preventing suicides. All leadersmust be aware and sensitive to the welfareof our soldiers, and alert to the signs suggesting suicide risk. The key to suicideprevention is recognizing risk factors and taking appropriate action.

Documents

TSP 081-P-9018 1308, Phase II, OCS TSP 081-P-9018 1308, Phase II, OCS Suicide Prevention