MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS, September 05, 2013) – Each year America’s Armed Forces recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month.
For 2013, Navy is focusing on the importance of community and self-purpose when dealing with adversity, officials announced in NAVADMIN 212/13.
The theme of this year’s Navy Suicide Prevention (SP) Month is “Thrive in Your Community,” encouraging Sailors to work together as commands, units, installations or other groups to contribute to a project of their choice that benefits others. Participation is not mandatory and there is no minimum for engagement. Sailors can work together to do something positive for their commands or installations, or get involved in their local communities. Family and civilian engagement is encouraged.
“While we don’t often think of it this way, suicide prevention actually happens every day at the deckplate, in our neighborhoods, even in our own homes,” said Capt. Kurt Scott, Navy Resilience chief. “When we do small things that make a difference to those around us, we may not realize the effect we’re having on others’ lives-or our own,” Scott said. Navy seeks to promote unity and cohesion in this context to emphasize the positive impacts of seeking help; Sailors that are willing to help others may be more willing to receive it when needed.
Throughout the month, resources will be released on www.suicide.navy.mil > Suicide Prevention Month to guide discussion on stress navigation, comprehensive wellness, and a sense of community-all protective factors against suicide. The website also houses ideas and guidance for “Thrive in Your Community” engagement for any command environment. Command Suicide Prevention Coordinators will also be available to help organize local efforts. Sailors are encouraged to send details and/or photos of their September events to suicideprevention@navy.mil to be shared with the fleet on the SP Month website and Navy Operational Stress Control social media.
“Navy’s efforts to help Sailors better navigate their stress are an all hands evolution, all of the time. These initiatives extend far beyond September and serve as a launch pad for year-long local efforts to build resilience and unit cohesion, promoting a Navywide culture supportive of seeking help,” said Scott.
For more information, reference NAVADMIN 212/13 or visit http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/SUPPORT/21ST_CENTURY_SAILOR/SUICIDE_PREVENTION/SPMONTH/Pages/default.aspx and receive the latest updates by following @NavStress on Twitter and Facebook.
For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.