YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --
Two words are all it takes to
possibly save someone. Two words can change a community, a work center, or even
a life. “Be there.”
It is a simple phrase, but it is the lead thought behind the
Department of Defense’s #Be There Campaign, encouraging people to make everyday
connections and build relationships.
The Air Force is committed to preventing suicide, but the
task of caring should not be left only to doctors and chaplains. The words #Be
There express the importance of Airmen knowing how everyone around them is
doing, if they are coping with stress, and most importantly, when help is
needed.
“Early resolution of stress helps Airmen maintain a balanced
lifestyle which intern allows them to withstand, recover and grow in the face
of adversity,” said Maj. Jose Ortega 374th Medical Operations Squadron mental
health flight commander. “By strategically throttling back and doing mental
check lists of themselves and those around them, Airmen could better ensure
that they are sustaining their wellbeing.”
Airmen need to know how to identify common stressors, such
as relationship, legal, workplace and financial. Substance abuse and changes in
behavior or mood can also be indications of stress. These stresses are risk
factors that can lead to thoughts of suicide.
Supervisors, first sergeants, commanders, and peers should
be who Airmen are comfortable with coming to for help, and may be more
approachable if known on a personal level.
“Leaders are encouraged to remain vigilant on potential
stressors and to take immediate action to mitigate negative impact before it
occurs,” said Ortega. “Proactive intervention to prevent minor stressors from
progressing to a point when there is negative impact of individuals’ physical,
emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing is necessary.”
“It’s okay to not be okay,” said Master Sgt. Erica Neiser,
374th Airlift Wing chapel operations superintendent. “Life is full of
challenges that we have to learn to overcome and work through.”
Having a
well-balanced life style and knowing that life’s challenges don’t have to be
faced alone is what the wingman concept is all about.
“Wingman ship has a direct correlation to the prevention
suicide, it’s an absolutely huge part of the resources network,” Neiser said. “Military
life is full of extra stressors that come with sustaining the mission. Working
to balance ones social, physical, mental, and spiritual needs, on top of family
life and completing the mission, is difficult.”
Some stresses that come with military life can’t be avoided,
but the military and Yokota have resources and service to assist Airmen. Wingman
Online and Military One Source are great resources, according to Neiser. Airmen
also have access to the mental health clinic and the base chapel (available to
all religious preferences). Chaplains are 100 percent confidential and also
trained in suicide prevention. Military and Family Life Consultants located in
the Airman and Family Redlines Center, provide counselling and have the
flexibility to meet and talk anywhere at any time. They don’t replace mental
health specialists, but they do provide great short-term services, and have
knowledge of many helpful programs, according to Ortega.
There are different ways Airmen can continuously #BeThere
for fellow service members, friends, family and veterans. More help can be
found at the Wingman Toolkit and the Yokota 24-hour suicide prevention hotline
at 94-800-273-TALK (8225), or direct dial DSN: 118.