- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Saying they feel empty or hopeless or have no reason to live
- Describing a feeling of being trapped or feeling like there are no solutions to their problems
- Expressing that they have unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Withdrawing from Family and friends
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and Family
- Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, like driving extremely fast
- Talking about death often
- Displaying extreme mood swings (suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy)
- Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves (searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills or buying a gun)
- Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Changing eating or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Are you having thoughts of suicide?
- If so, how would you do it?
- Do you have access to the means to carry out your plan?
- When would you do it?
- Ask if the person is thinking about harming themselves.
- Care about the person by listening and reassuring them that immediate help is available.
- Escort the individual to a safe place (like the emergency room) and encourage them to use resources for support.
- Inside the continental U.S. call:
- 988 and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line.
- Outside the continental U.S. call:
- Europe: +1 844-702-5495 or DSN 988o Pacific: +1 844-702-5493 or DSN 988
- Southwest Asia: +1 855-422-7719 or DSN 988
- Korea: 0808-555-118 or DSN 988 or 118
- Text: 838255
- Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/.
- Scan this QR code: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
Stay resilient through every season with Family and MWR. For more on staying ready and resilient, check out our Presenting Sponsor's website: Army Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness.
Fall brings the excitement of change! School starts. Leaves change color. Labor Day and Halloween start the march toward the holiday season. Some of us are finding our way around a new home, a new job, an empty house now that the kids are in class.
MWR is here for you through every season, helping you get the most out of life. Whether you want to learn a new skill, blow off some steam, maintain physical fitness, or just get a better handle on life…MWR programs and services keep you grounded and connected.
Here’s some of what MWR has for you this season:
School Support Services. Let your School Liaison Officer, a youth sponsor, and SSS assistance smooth the educational path.
ACS Programs. Build resilience and get help for handling deployments, marriage, parenting, finances, moving, and other challenges Army Families face.
Library Online Resources. Head to the library for a page-turner…or enjoy an eBook, magazine, movie, or other electronic material without even coming in.
Library Warrior Wellness “At EaZzz” Collection. Give your brain and body a boost by sinking into digital resources on sleep, mindfulness, and stress relief.
BOSS. Let Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) introduce you to your peers—and to opportunities for service and fun.
Intramural Sports. Compete against other athletes for installation-wide bragging rights in fall athletic offerings like flag football and volleyball.
Outdoor Recreation. Enjoy autumn leaves and crisp air while hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, boating…or enjoying other Outdoor Rec options.
Auto Skills. Tune up your car for the winter, whether you’re a pro or a novice.
Fitness centers. Visit the gym, go for a swim, take a class, or sign up for a race—all great ways to take a cue from the weather and make a change for the better.
Fall travel. Plan a fall getaway nearby or far away without paying a fortune…with American Forces Travel and Army Leisure Travel Offices
ACS Family Advocacy Program. Let FAP help you improve your Family situation, whether with support to new parents, free and confidential counseling, or support to victims of abuse.
MWR Employment Opportunities. Let the change in seasons inspire a change in careers—join MWR for a fantastic job with great benefits and a mission that’ll make you smile!
Suicide Prevention Program
Helpful tips and resources for prevention
To support year-round prevention efforts, the Army Suicide Prevention Program provides a variety of resources to strengthen prevention, encourage intervention and reduce stigma associated with help-seeking. A community approach that emphasizes the importance of strong, supportive relationships is integral to prevention of suicide.
Each member of the Army team can play a role in reducing the risk of suicide. Know the warning signs so you can do your part to help save lives.
What to look for
Leaders, Soldiers, Families and other community members should watch for these warning signs that someone may be considering suicide:
Other serious warning signs that someone may be considering suicide include:
Intervention
Thoughtful questions may prevent someone from attempting suicide. By asking questions, you are building a connection, which is a key factor in intervention and prevention. Questions also help all those involved understand the degree of risk the person in crisis faces. Direct questions about suicide do not increase thoughts of suicide and may even decrease them.
Questions to ask
Be alert and engage with a Soldier or Family member before they become overwhelmed by life’s stressors and risk factors.
Training and education resources
The Army conducts annual training for all Soldiers using the Ask, Care and Escort model that covers suicide risk factors, warning signs and available resources, as well as encourages intervention. When someone needs help, remember the following:
See the ACE training videos at the following link for more information:
For additional ACE training resources, visit this link: https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/suicide-prevention/pages/about.html.
Other suicide prevention resources
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress. You can access this emergency assistance in the following ways:
Military OneSource is the Defense Department’s 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. For more information, visit https://www.militaryonesource.mil/.
Our responsibility
Thoughts of suicide or actions that indicate suicide risk are signs of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.
Let’s #ConnectToProtect.
#WeAreStrongerTogether.
