thedrifter
10-04-06, 12:21 PM
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C.(Oct. 3, 2006) -- Thirty-four Marines committed suicide in 2004. Seventeen Marines have killed themselves from January through August 2006, said Lt. Cmdr. Aaron D. Werbel, Headquarters Marine Corps behavioral health affairs officer.
While suicide rates may continue to decrease, it is an issue that must never be forgotten.
“The Marine Corps’ suicide prevention program is working, but Marines need to keep watching out for each other,” said Cmdr. Robert A. Callison, Marine Aircraft Group 29 chaplain.
“Suicide prevention starts before a single thought of suicide -- it starts with a lack of belonging.”
The strong espirit de corps in the Marine Corps gives Marines a sense of belonging, which is why suicide is not as high as it is on the civilian side, he added.
“The Marine Corps, compared to the other services, has the youngest, most male, most single, and most armed military members,” Werbel said.
Werbel also explained that incresed stress on Marines due to constant deployment rotations may be a contributing factor in suicides.
“In addition, our (operational tempo) has been very high for the last three years, further stressing not only those who deploy, but those pulling extra weight when manning the post back home.
“Each of these would likely increase the risk of suicide,” he said.
One way a friend can keep another friend from trying to commit suicide is to continually offer them hope, especially when they start talking about death or suicide, said Callison.
“Running out of hope is also a key cause of suicide,” Callison said.
Whether it is hope for finances, in making something of oneself or in finding the love of your life, you have to keep hope and you need to help your friends keep hope, he explained.
Marines are taught at recruit training that we never leave a Marine behind.
If someone you know is thinking of committing suicide, don’t leave them behind -- tell someone. Don’t keep it a secret.
If you can’t tell a friend, talk with a chaplain or call the 24-hour suicide hotline (800)784-2433.
Ellie
While suicide rates may continue to decrease, it is an issue that must never be forgotten.
“The Marine Corps’ suicide prevention program is working, but Marines need to keep watching out for each other,” said Cmdr. Robert A. Callison, Marine Aircraft Group 29 chaplain.
“Suicide prevention starts before a single thought of suicide -- it starts with a lack of belonging.”
The strong espirit de corps in the Marine Corps gives Marines a sense of belonging, which is why suicide is not as high as it is on the civilian side, he added.
“The Marine Corps, compared to the other services, has the youngest, most male, most single, and most armed military members,” Werbel said.
Werbel also explained that incresed stress on Marines due to constant deployment rotations may be a contributing factor in suicides.
“In addition, our (operational tempo) has been very high for the last three years, further stressing not only those who deploy, but those pulling extra weight when manning the post back home.
“Each of these would likely increase the risk of suicide,” he said.
One way a friend can keep another friend from trying to commit suicide is to continually offer them hope, especially when they start talking about death or suicide, said Callison.
“Running out of hope is also a key cause of suicide,” Callison said.
Whether it is hope for finances, in making something of oneself or in finding the love of your life, you have to keep hope and you need to help your friends keep hope, he explained.
Marines are taught at recruit training that we never leave a Marine behind.
If someone you know is thinking of committing suicide, don’t leave them behind -- tell someone. Don’t keep it a secret.
If you can’t tell a friend, talk with a chaplain or call the 24-hour suicide hotline (800)784-2433.
Ellie