Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. -- Saving lives isn’t always running toward the sound of gun fire or pulling people from burning buildings. Sometimes it requires vigilance of small nuances and having the tools to help those struggling around you. Signs of suicidal ideations may be small, but missing them leaves lasting effects on families, friends, and Marines left behind.
As leaders, we must be aware of the signs and conscious of the many available resources available to those struggling internally. We can do this by participating in the Suicide Alertness for Everyone (Safetalk), and The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), or just talking to your Chaplain to see what you can do to help your brothers and sisters in arms who may be in crisis. This year, National Suicide Awareness Week is September 6-12, 2020, and National Suicide Prevention Day is September 10, 2020. During this time, we encourage you to become more familiar with these resources.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, seek assistance immediately by contacting the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
(U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Micha Pierce)