Suicide Prevention Published Sept. 13, 2023 Suicide is a public health problem that affects all of us, our units, families, the enterprise and country. It has no single cause, and indicating otherwise implies an overly simplistic and mis-leading understanding of suicide. Risk factors are those factors that may make it more likely individuals will develop or pre-dispose one to high-risk for self-injurious behaviors, to include feelings of disconnection, burdensomeness, substance use, access to lethal means, fear of accessing support/help, or isolation. Protective factors are those skills, strengths or resources that help people deal more effectively with stressful events—can include family, our occupations, a sense of connectedness, spirituality, a sense of purpose, optimism, a sense of agency, engagement in treatment or supportive services. Protective factors enhance resilience and help to counterbalance risk factors. Risk and protective factors, like all of us, are dynamic. BRANDON ACT – THE COMMANDER/SUPERVISOR FACILITATED REFERRAL PROGRAM On May 5th, 2023 the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel signed a policy to implement the Brandon Act and improve the process for servicemembers to seek mental health support. The Brandon Act is a law that creates a self-initiated referral process for service members seeking a mental health evaluation and aims to reduce stigma by allowing them to seek help confidentially. The Department of the Air Force program will be called the Brandon Act – The Commander/Supervisor Facilitated Referral Program. When Airmen and Guardians voluntarily request a mental health referral by contacting their commander or supervisor (in the grade of E-6 or above) it invokes the Brandon Act and expedites the process. Servicemembers may request a referral for any reason, including, but not limited to personal distress, personal concerns or trouble performing their duties. They are not required to provide a reason or basis for the referral. Once members request assistance under the Brandon Act, their commander or supervisor must contact the mental health clinic and request an appointment for the member the same or next day. The mental health provider will do either a face-to-face, telephonic or tele-health appointment. A referral under the Brandon Act differs from a command-directed or independent referral in several ways. A Brandon Act referral is initiated by the service member to their commander/supervisor, while a command-directed mental health referral is initiated by a commander or supervisor and is mandatory. An independent self-referral is handled completely by the member themself. How can the Integrated Prevention Office help? Promotes suicide prevention awareness Provides resiliency training Coordinates suicide prevention training Provides information & resources to the community Protective Factors Build your resilience - Proper diet - Rest - Exercise regularly - Practice mindfulness, muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, prayer, music, or time in nature - Do things that you enjoy doing Think positive Avoid drinking too much or mixing alcohol and medications Avoid spontaneous spending Take a break from the news or social media, or any other stressful activity Stay connected. Seek support from your “Community of Care.” Support from friends and family can improve well-being when facing stress. Risk Factors Access to lethal means Relationship challenges Experience a failed or failing relationship Does not feel a part of the group or organization Bullying Administrative or legal problems Financial trouble Perceived stigma Hesitancy to access mental health or other support services due to perceived stigma associated with help-seeking ACE is proven to make a lifesaving difference in critical moments when a person is considering suicide. ASK the question directly “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Talking about suicide does not encourage suicide. Silence is dangerous. Being able to openly address these thoughts and behaviors can help prevent loss. CARE Be genuine, express authentic concern. This doesn’t mean you have to have the solutions or answers. You just have to see & hear someone. ESCORT Never leave the person experiencing difficulty or crisis alone. Connect them to the professionals within your “Community of Care.” For more information visit the Yokota Integrated Prevention & Resilience Office, Bldg. 314, second floor, Room 234, or at 315-225-5505 and connect with them online at the Air Force official resilience site or on Facebook. Click here for the Department of the Air Force Suicide Prevention Campaign Plan, the Five Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain, or the Leaders Suicide Prevention Safe Messaging Guide. Team Yokota has a robust system of helping agencies, speak to someone today using our Helping Agency Matrix.