Help Is Only a Phone Call or Mouse Click Away

The burdens and crises that lead some to consider suicide do not follow simple patterns. Yet, whatever the reason, when suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved.

National Suicide Prevention Week, September 9-15, acknowledges the efforts of all who are working to prevent suicide and raises awareness about suicide and suicidal behaviors.

Someone considering suicide may exhibit reduced work performance, neglect duties or responsibilities, begin to have poor work attendance or experience feelings of hopelessness. He or she may lose interest in personal appearance or increase alcohol or drug use. If you notice someone start to give away his or her possessions or make unusual purchases such as guns, ropes or pills, be aware that this person may be at risk. Someone at risk may even share intentions by saying things like, “I wish I were dead;” “I'm not the person I used to be;” or “You won't be seeing me around anymore.”

Social support is important. Those who enjoy close relationships cope better with various stresses. Reach out and talk to people who seem distressed. Offer to listen—don’t be judgmental or minimize the pain felt. There are places available that will provide assistance.

The Defense of Department offers free online and telephone mental health self-assessments. Voluntary and completely anonymous, the Mental Health Self-Assessment Program is a mental health and alcohol self-assessment for service members and their families. It’s offered online at www.militarymentalhealth.org and via telephone 24 hours per day, seven days per week at 1-877-877-3647, as well as through local in-person events. Once completed, the self-assessment gives information on where users may go for a full evaluation.

Another valuable resource is Military OneSource, a 24-hour, seven-days-per-week, toll-free information and referral service for active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, deployed civilians and family members. A Military OneSource consultant may refer service members or eligible family members to licensed professional counselors in the local community for six sessions per problem at no cost to the service member or their family member in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Face-to-face counseling confidentially addresses short-term issues such as dealing with relationships, grief and loss, adjustment to deployment, stress management and parenting.

For more information, please contact Military OneSource by using the following information:

Website: www.militaryonesource.com
Phone: Stateside (toll free): 800-342-9647
Overseas (toll free): access code + 800-3429-6477
Overseas (collect): access code + 484-530-5908

TRICARE offers behavioral health care coverage for medically necessary services. To save money, beneficiaries should seek behavioral health care from a military treatment facility, when available, or from a TRICARE network provider. Beneficiaries should consult with their primary care managers or a mental health specialist about treatment options and associated requirements.

For additional information about covered and non-covered behavioral health care services, beneficiaries should consult the handbook for their TRICARE program option, access the TRICARE Behavioral Health Benefits Pamphlet or contact their regional contractor at www.tricare.mil.

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