TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- September is National Suicide Prevention Month and is a time to raise awareness of this national crisis, to share prevention resources and information and to provide support to those affected by suicide.
Suicide is among the top nine leading causes of death for people ages 10-64, and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34. Between 2000 and 2022, 49,000 people died from suicide — that’s about one death for every 11 minutes.
“Daily connections can make a big impact on someone who is feeling lonely or stressed,” said Nicola Maye-Leith, director of Integrated Prevention. “If you find yourself needing to help someone in crisis, remember that you don’t have to be a trained mental health professional to show compassion for someone in crisis. Help is available, but that initial contact is so important to show compassion and let the person know they are worthy and important.”
Tinker has some events planned for the month that are open to anyone with base access.
- Communication Between Generations with guest speaker, Kathy Peterson – Sept. 9, 10 a.m. at the Base Theater
- Ice Cream Social with the Chaplains – Sept. 20
- 1 p.m.; Location: 72 MDG and Bldg. 7017 & Bldg. 1088 [72 SFS area]
- 2 p.m.; Location: Bldg. 282 and fitness [552 MXS Gate]Wingman ‘Wing It Day’ resiliency event – Sept. 27 from 7:30 a.m. -3 p.m.; Location: field behind DFAC
Suicide has been identified as a national public health issue, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Depression, anxiety and substance abuse are most often associated with suicide.
There are many factors that may increase the likelihood of suicide, including relationship or marital problems, financial stress, mental health disorders (such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety), and legal and/or disciplinary problems.
Some warning signs to look out for include:
- Talking about death, or wanting to die or kill themselves
- Talk about feeling empty, hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about guilt, shame, or feeling trapped with no way out
- Talk about being a burden, withdrawing from family/friends
- Developing a plan to kill themselves
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Saying goodbye or making a will
It is important for those struggling with thoughts of suicide to have access to mental health care, and to feel a sense of connection to family and friends in their community.
“Reaching out for help is a sign of strength,” said Maye-Leith. “We are committed to fostering a culture that values and encourages help-seeking behavior and enhances individual confidence, knowledge and skills in accessing appropriate helping resources as required.”
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, along with prevention and crisis resources.
Additional base resources include: Mental Health Clinic 582-6603, Tinker Chaplain 734-2111, Military and Family Readiness Center 739-2747.