Any is too many: Watch for warning signs of suicidal thoughts Published Sept. 3, 2015 By Senior Airman Patrick Allen 72nd Medical Operations Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Have you ever assumed a role that you didn't feel adequately prepared to fill? Have you found yourself feeling uncomfortable after a co-worker shared something very personal with you? Would you question what to do if someone directly told you that they felt like they'd be better off dead? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are not alone, as suicide and other mental health issues are very much a part of our lives (even if we pretend they aren't). Team Tinker has a multitude of resources at your disposal, but that should not discourage you from offering someone your assistance. If you feel unprepared about being a confidant for someone, imagine how embarrassed, anxious and terrified that person felt when considering whether you were the person who would not judge or ridicule and would listen (with intent to help). The Helping Agencies -- such as Employee Assistance Program, Chaplain Corps, Military OneSource, MFLC, Mental Health Clinic and Airmen and Family Readiness Center -- are only a fraction of support we can make available for someone. In other words, you do not have to be a chaplain or a psychologist for your support to make a positive difference. The reality is that people need help with things we're not experts in, and neglect is not the proper response. So, how do you provide support for someone, you ask? We, as in all of Team Tinker, need to become very familiar with the warning signs for suicide and to act when we see them. According to Heartline Oklahoma, warning signs for suicide include significant changes in behavior, withdrawal from friends/family, discussing a suicide plan, increased hostility, and abrupt changes in mood. Risk factors for suicide include problems with romantic relationships, work, the legal system, finances, and feeling shame and guilt. These are only a handful of warning signs and risk factors but they do not always mean someone is contemplating suicide. We are expected to take care of our people and we must know the red flags to offer concern and support. The acting piece requires that we make phone calls, showing interest in each other's goals and engage in activities our Wingmen like. By doing this, we may not be able to eliminate the depression someone is battling, but we can at least be in their corner for support. Mental health concerns affect us all and suicide is no exception. Consequently, it is having empathy, acceptance, and compassion for each other that will build a family environment and not a base of strangers. Offering support for a person dealing with a crisis may be uncomfortable, but it is not and never will be about us. The Air Force mission is embodied by Airmen supporting one another. Thus, we must all look for ways we can assist and encourage others to maximize their potential. Helping agencies Airman and Family Readiness Center: 739-2747 Employee Assistance Program: 1-800-222-0364 Military Family Life Consultant: 432-6311 Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Tinker Chapel, (405) 734-2111 Tinker Mental Health Clinic, (405) 582-6603