DISCLAIMER: The next three episodes are part of a series on Mental Toughness and the discussions will share very vulnerable stories and resources about suicide. If hearing about and discussing suicide is triggering, we encourage you to come back and listen at a time that is right for you. Talking about suicide does not lead to suicide, but we know that people are scared to talk about it.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Our Navy Life is digging in to talk about suicide, suicide prevention, and how we can support our service members, spouses, and children as we navigate the challenges of Navy life. Today’s episode is a discussion with Lt Dale Hirsch, a Research Psychologist of the Navy Leadership and Ethics Center to discuss more about the mental health crisis in the Navy and how we can work towards developing mentally tough sailors and families. As a disclaimer, the thoughts, opinions, and ideas discussed in this episode are solely from the purview of Lt Hirsch and not of the Department of Defense.
Show Links:
Show Takeaways:
- One of the most protective factors in suicide prevention is connectedness.
- Mental health is too de-stigmatized.
- Toughness is what the Navy is working towards to create resilient Sailors and families. Many people seek specialty care when they are really in need of a friend, mentor, or non-medical counseling.
- Support can be found in leadership, Fleet and Family Support Center, MWR, Chaplain, and medical.
- Ask, Care, Treat: This has been taught to Sailors for the past 5 years. It is simple, ASK the person if they are thinking of suicide. Listen and CARE. You do not have to be a professional, just care. And lastly, TREAT, take them to a professional or chaplain who can continue helping.
