thedrifter
03-13-09, 08:37 AM
Education key factor in combating suicide
Lance Cpl. Shelby Shields
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (March 13, 2009) -- Suicide claimed 41 Marines' lives last year, making it the second leading cause of death for Marines in non-combat related incidents.
The Marine Corps Community Services Counseling and Advocacy Program offers classes that help Marines manage or alleviate many factors that can lead to suicidal thoughts. The program offers classes in stress and anger management, relationship counseling and victim advocacy among others.
There are countless risk factors that lead someone to commit suicide, including financial and relationship trouble, childhood trauma, domestic violence and mental health problems such as depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, said Yemanja Krasnow, a prevention specialist with Counseling and Advocacy Program.
"Suicide always comes with various risk factors combined with stressors that increase the likelihood that persons will harm themselves and if people knew they could get help for these problems they may never even consider suicide," Krasnow said.
Of last year's suicides, 33 percent of the victims suffered from 10 or more risk factors.
"We offer help for the things that directly and indirectly contribute to suicide," Krasnow said. "A lot of Marines are worried coming in for help will hurt their careers or get them into trouble, which is not the case. Even though suicide itself is not a confidential matter, it's important people know that the other services we offer are confidential."
The MCCS Counseling and Advocacy Program specialists also go out and provide suicide prevention briefs to service members. The presentations highlight the causes of suicide, prevention techniques and where to go for help.
"I think the most beneficial part of the class was identifying the warning signs, because younger Marines have no idea what to look for," said Sgt. Harrison L. Gardner, chief instructor at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, who recently attended the suicide brief. "Through this class they will be able to notice the signs and say, 'Wait a minute. I remember that from class.'"
Suicide briefs are intended to educate young Marines and give them the tools to help play an active role in preventing suicides.
"We're not asking you to be the experts, we're just asking you to do your part, and if you notice something don't be afraid to say so," Krasnow said.
To contact the Counseling and Advocacy Program for more information on services, or to schedule a brief, call 645-2915.
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Shelby Shields
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (March 13, 2009) -- Suicide claimed 41 Marines' lives last year, making it the second leading cause of death for Marines in non-combat related incidents.
The Marine Corps Community Services Counseling and Advocacy Program offers classes that help Marines manage or alleviate many factors that can lead to suicidal thoughts. The program offers classes in stress and anger management, relationship counseling and victim advocacy among others.
There are countless risk factors that lead someone to commit suicide, including financial and relationship trouble, childhood trauma, domestic violence and mental health problems such as depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, said Yemanja Krasnow, a prevention specialist with Counseling and Advocacy Program.
"Suicide always comes with various risk factors combined with stressors that increase the likelihood that persons will harm themselves and if people knew they could get help for these problems they may never even consider suicide," Krasnow said.
Of last year's suicides, 33 percent of the victims suffered from 10 or more risk factors.
"We offer help for the things that directly and indirectly contribute to suicide," Krasnow said. "A lot of Marines are worried coming in for help will hurt their careers or get them into trouble, which is not the case. Even though suicide itself is not a confidential matter, it's important people know that the other services we offer are confidential."
The MCCS Counseling and Advocacy Program specialists also go out and provide suicide prevention briefs to service members. The presentations highlight the causes of suicide, prevention techniques and where to go for help.
"I think the most beneficial part of the class was identifying the warning signs, because younger Marines have no idea what to look for," said Sgt. Harrison L. Gardner, chief instructor at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, who recently attended the suicide brief. "Through this class they will be able to notice the signs and say, 'Wait a minute. I remember that from class.'"
Suicide briefs are intended to educate young Marines and give them the tools to help play an active role in preventing suicides.
"We're not asking you to be the experts, we're just asking you to do your part, and if you notice something don't be afraid to say so," Krasnow said.
To contact the Counseling and Advocacy Program for more information on services, or to schedule a brief, call 645-2915.
Ellie