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. Our first episode in this series chats with Shelly Bohner, Navy spouse of 29 years and a mother surviving the loss of her only son to suicide. Her story is vulnerable and compelling, and we are honored to share it so that others may find solace in it and learn from it.
Show Links:
Show Takeaways:
- Suicide can sometimes occur without indicating any warning signs.
- Friends and family close to someone who commits suicide increase their chances of committing suicide.
- The Navy family and community provides an incredible network of those who showed up to be with the Bohner’s during the darkest time in their family’s life.
- Support for dealing with suicide can be found Fleet and Family Support Center, MWR, Chaplain, and medical.
- If you are impacted by someone close to you committing suicide, please seek help.