Preventing loss of life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  With September being National Suicide Prevention Month, it's important for everyone to take some time to reflect upon the significance of taking care of one another and checking in with friends, family and co-workers to make sure everything is going well with them.

Capt. Lea Laffoon, 5th Medical Operations Squadron mental health clinic resiliency officer in charge, explained there has been a strong push throughout the entire Air Force in educating the public about suicide prevention.

"It's really important that we push the prevention message out," said Laffoon. "We don't want to lose lives in the Air Force."

She stressed the importance of looking out for abrupt changes in people's attitudes.

"People might suddenly act differently, become withdrawn or really down and depressed," said Laffoon. "They might give away their belongings and become distant. Watching out for an increase in substance abuse or engaging in risky behavior is something to look out for as well."

Laffoon said being proactive and aware of how our fellow wingmen feel is key in preventing someone from getting to the point of feeling suicidal.

With as big of a mission focus this base has, some feel as though they don't have time to be delving into personal issues co-workers or friends might have because they are working long hours, said Laffoon.

Nonetheless, it is essential supervisors and fellow Airmen sit down and listen to what others have to say because one never knows when they can make a world of difference.

"It's all about being resilient and caring for fellow wingmen," said Laffoon. "If it comes down to it, we have to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal directly and not go around the issue."
She explained suicidal ideations are acute moments when one feels in complete despair. But once given the time to get away from the situation, they have a little more clarity and realize the situation is not worth committing suicide.

Senior Airman Odette Wardrip, 5th MDOS resiliency acting Airman in charge, said that oftentimes Airmen don't seek help because there is a stigma with the Personnel Reliability Program on this base.

"Some Airmen resist coming here because they don't want to be down from their job," said Wardrip.

Wardrip explained that this is why the resiliency element of the mental health clinic is doing their best to go out and educate units on intervention and stress management, including ways to cope and overcome depression.

"We are working hard to get people information without having to have people come over here," said Wardrip.

Laffoon added that while PRP is an obstacle for everyone on this base, they are trying to find creative ways to keep people on PRP and provide services.

"We have our behavioral health optimization program in both our primary care and PRP clinics," said Laffoon. "We have several psychologists and social workers embedded in those clinics who can work as consultants for primary care managers."

She added individuals can also seek help from chaplains, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Military One Source, or even call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

"Frankly, if a person is at the point of contemplating suicide, anybody who just offers help can make a difference," said Laffoon. "If we can get people who are truly feeling in despair and having suicidal ideations treatment, then we can get them to a better place."

For any questions regarding National Suicide Prevention Month, please contact the 5th MDG Mental Health Clinic at 723-5527.