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AFH 1 · Chapter 22 · Section 22.35

Recognition

Part of Force Development · 2 sections · ~522 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Recognizing Warning Signs and Leader Actions

Anyone Can Become Suicidal

Anyone At Risk
Airmen must know the importance of recognizing that anyone can become suicidal, regardless of how well they have previously managed military or personal stress.

Warning Signs Can Be Sudden

Warning Signs Sudden
Warning signs can be sudden, may signify a person is in distress, and require immediate support.
Sudden Changes
Sudden changes, such as sleep difficulties or discipline problems, may be warning signs.

Who Is Best Positioned to Spot Risk

Daily Contact Best Positioned
Those most likely to spot a person at risk for suicide are the ones with whom an individual interacts on a daily basis:
  • Friends
  • Coworkers
  • Immediate supervisors
Behavior Change Detection
These individuals are best positioned to notice changes in:
  • Behavior
  • Mood
  • Performance

What to Do If You Hear a Suicide Comment

Take It Seriously
If you hear someone comment or indicate they're considering suicide:
  • Take it seriously
  • Get involved
  • Get them the help they need

Even Without Clear Indication

Be Observant
Even if there appears to be no real indication of a serious problem, be observant for any sudden changes in behavior or attitude that could be a sign that they need help.

Three Steps

  1. Find out what caused the observed changes
  2. Assist in choosing resources to resolve stressors
  3. Communicate concerns with the chain of command, as appropriate

Five Leader Actions

Five Actions for Leaders
Leaders and Airmen of all ranks have a vested interest in knowing the people they work with. The following actions can be taken to support and help resolve life's challenges and reduce the number of suicides:
  1. Know co-workers — their usual moods and behaviors, and how they are functioning
  2. Recognize early signs of risk, stress, and distress
  3. Engage with Airmen to determine what may be stressful or problematic
  4. Assist Airmen with choosing the most appropriate resource to help resolve the problem
  5. Follow-up with Airmen to ensure the stressors are resolving and new ones are not taking their place

Risk Factors and Protective Factors

Risk Factors

Risk Factor Categories
Risk factors for suicide can include, but are not limited to:
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Problems at work
  • Legal and financial problems
  • Mental health diagnosis
  • Substance misuse
  • Previous suicide attempts

What Leaders Should Watch For

Leader Awareness
Some factors leaders should watch for and address to ensure effective supervision and open communication exist in the organization:
  1. Tunnel vision on the mission
  2. Not engaging with Airmen
  3. Difficulty recognizing risk factors and warning signs
  4. Lack of knowledge of USAF supported resources and the true impact of seeking help on a USAF career
  5. Inappropriately sheltering Airmen from the consequences of their actions or failing to take proper action

Protective Factors

Protective Factor Categories
Protective factors include:
  • Social support
  • Connectedness
  • Sense of belonging
  • Sense of purpose
  • Effective individual coping skills
  • Cultural norms that promote and protect responsible help-seeking behavior

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