Suicide Prevention

• Talk to someone if you are having thoughts of suicide, such as a chaplain.
• Help is always available. Call Military and Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (Press 1).
• Put your safety first.
• Wait. Give yourself time between your thoughts and taking any action.
• Make your home safe by removing lethal means like knives, guns, or medications from your space, and/or turn them over to a loved one or trusted friend.

Take the steps to put your safety first.
Reducing access to lethal means (objects, instruments, and/or methods one could use to inflict self-directed violence or injury. Examples include, but are not limited to, firearms, suffocation (including hanging), poisoning (including prescription and non-prescription medication, illegal drugs, chemicals, and gas). The term “lethal” is important because some methods are more harmful or destructive than others used to attempt suicide. Practicing lethal means safety includes properly storing weapons and medications to help save lives. Many suicides and suicide attempts happen during a short-term crisis. Lethal means safety techniques, policies, and practices put time and space between someone considering suicide or self-harm and reduce access to means and methods for deliberate self-harm. 

Lethal means safety ensures that lethal means, are removed during times of increased stress when risk of suicide is heightened.

Lethal means safety practices:

• Firearms account for nearly half of deaths by suicide in the military. The time period between thinking about suicide and acting on it is short; can last only a few minutes. Increasing the time and distance between suicidal intent and access to firearms reduces the risk of death by suicide.
• Proactively disposing of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce medication-related suicides and suicide attempts and can help save your life or the life of your loved ones.
• Empty medications into a small plastic bag mixed with water and undesirable substance (e.g., kitty litter or used coffee grounds) and throw the bag in the trash. Cross out all personal information from the label before discarding the bottle.
• Go to any military/non-military pharmacy or local law enforcement to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs/over-the-counter medications.
• Medication lockboxes are available online and in many pharmacies. Be particularly careful about locking medications that can be abused, such as opioid medications and others.
• Other leathal means. Other household objects can be used in a suicide or suicide attempt so recognize warning signs. If someone is at risk; reach out to them often, utilizing the Recognize. Ask. Care. Escort (R.A.C.E.) method. Do not hesitate to ask directly – “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” and follow-up.

Lethal Means Storage Tips:

Create your own storage safety plan for lethal means and use your support system, such as family and friends to store firearms if necessary. Brainstorm other ways to protect your home with means that are not a danger to yourself or the individual at risk. Use cable locks - which may be available at your installtion - to prevent a firearm from being loaded and fired. Check with your command Suicide Prevention Program Officer (SPPO) or Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator (SPPC). Store firearms at an installation/unit armory. Local police department, gun shop, or shooting range. Some local and state laws require weapon registration for legal storage; follow the law in your jurisdiction. Lock up firearms and put the key in a lock box or give the key to a friend until the crisis has passed. Make sure to store your medication safely and dispose of medication that is no longer required or expired. Drug disposals can be found here: Drug Disposal - Safe.Pharmacy. If necessary, have a family member or an individual within your support system hand you your medication. Lastly, ask yourself, “are there other means that could be harmful to me that I need to consider? How do I plan to limit my access to those means?”

What is the Military and Veterans Crisis Line?
The Military and Veterans Crisis Line is a free and confidential resource available 24/7/365. Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, along with their loved ones can:

• Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
• Chat online VeteransCrisisLine.net
• Send a text message to 838255
• If you can’t reach the Veterans Crisis Line through phone dialing, you can use the chat service, available online in all locations with an internet connection at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
• U.S. short codes, such as 838255, only work with a U.S.-based service provider with an international service plan that allows texting to U.S. short codes from outside the United States.
• Northern Command: Dial 988 then Press 1
• Indo-Pacific Command: Call +1 844-702-5493 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• European Command: Call+ 1 844-702-5495 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Central Command: Call +1 855-422-7719 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Africa Command: Call +1 888-482-6054 (offbase) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Southern Command: Call+ 1 866-989-9599 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)

Marine Corps Community Services is here to help.
The USMC focus on suicide prevention is multi-faceted and incorporates programs aimed at strengthening the well-being for our Marines and their Families. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) programs and off-base assistance are available to connect Marines and their families to help them achieve healthy outcomes when faced with the stressors of life.

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Know the signs.
Some behaviors may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who die by suicide exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. Take note of sudden behavior changes. Here are some, but not all, you might see:

• Seeking means to kill themselves.
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Social withdrawl or relationship distress
• Decreased work performance.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Acting anxious or agitated, exhibiting extreme mood swings or, reckless behavior.
• Sleeping problems, sleeping too little or too much.
• Decline in hygiene
• Online Suicide Warning Signs
• • Significant shifts between positive and negative emotional content.
  • Posts about stressful events and then posts about emotional stress and negative thoughts.
  • Posts about death, dying, hurting themselves, suicide, or self-destructive behavior.

Start the conversation.
Trust your instincts and talk about it. If you think a loved one/friend may be having thoughts of suicide, mention the warning signs that prompted you to talk to them, stay calm, and let them know you are there to help.
When talking to someone:

• Talk openly and be real about the facts surrounding suicide.
• Be willing to listen, understand, and accept the feelings.
• Do not judge. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, whether feelings are good or bad, and don't lecture on the value of life.
• Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
• Don't agree to secrecy and seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not assume that is enough of a reasssurance.
• Never dare them to do it!

Find help.
If you or someone you know exhibits any signs they may harm themselves, seek help by calling 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 for the Military and Veterans Crisis Line.
Other resources are available for you, fellow Marines, or family members.

• Chaplains
• For peer-to-peer support: Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) team members
• Community Counseling Program (CCP)
• Marine and Family Life Counselors

Call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 for the Military and Veterans Crisis Line to talk to someone who can help immediately, or contact your Chaplain. It is normal to question your ability to help.  The thought of someone wanting to die can leave you feeling helpless, lost, and even guilty.  So what can you do to help?  The willingness to have hard conversations is key to assisting our Marines and getting help so they can remain in the fight.

• Be direct. Talking openly and matter-of-factly about suicide does not cause a person to think about dying. In fact, it can save a life by providing hope and encouragement.
• Listen. Let them express themselves. Do not criticize the content of what the person says, regardless of your beliefs.
• Do not judge. Do not debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether they should feel bad.
• Act. Be available. Show concern and support.
• Do not be sworn to secrecy. Seek support for your fellow Marines.
• Offer hope that alternatives and help are available.
• What is the Military and Veterans Crisis Line?
  The Military and Veterans Crisis Line is a free and confidential resource available 24/7/365. Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, along with their loved ones can:
  • Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
  • Chat online VeteransCrisisLine.net
  • Send a text message to 838255
  • If you can’t reach the Veterans Crisis Line through phone dialing, you can use the chat service, available online in all locations with an internet connection at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
  • U.S. short codes, such as 838255, only work with a U.S.-based service provider with an international service plan that allows texting to U.S. short codes from outside the United States.
  • Northern Command: Dial 988 then Press 1
  • Indo-Pacific Command: Call +1 844-702-5493 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
  • European Command: Call+ 1 844-702-5495 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
  • Central Command: Call +1 855-422-7719 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
  • Africa Command: Call +1 888-482-6054 (offbase) or DSN 988 (on base)
  • Southern Command: Call+ 1 866-989-9599 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Marine Corps Interactive Suicide Prevention and Mental Fitness Resource - provides suicide prevention and mental fitness skill-building information for all Marines and their families.

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Marine Corps Leadership has a critical role in educating Marines and their families about suicide prevention, mental fitness, and how to access services available to help Marines and their families navigate the stressors of life.
Deaths by suicide and self-directed violence often occur in association with stressors related to relationships, work, pending disciplinary actions, or illness - such as depression - and in association with periods of transition in duty status and duty stations.

Warfighter Mental Readiness Playbook

Taking care of Marines is the plan of the day, every day. Doing it well requires constant training. The best leaders apply their knowledge. The Marine Corps Warfighter Mental Readiness Playbook is a tool for effective influence and go-to resource for fostering a culture where mental readiness is prioritized, well-being is enhanced, and where Marines feel connected to the mission, the command, and each other. The playbook includes topics such as having effective conversations with people in need, suicide prevention quick tips, a mental health road map, commander assets, and mental fitness as one domain of Marine Corps Total Fitness.

Command Leadership Responsibilities
Defense Suicide Prevention Program Policy DoD Instruction 6490.16 establishes comprehensive policy on suicide prevention. It assigns responsibilities and establishes procedures for the oversight and reporting of the Defense Suicide Prevention Program.

MCO 1720.2A mandates that commanders create, establish, maintain, and reinforce suicide prevention programs and procedures.

USMC Command Suicide Prevention and Risk Mitigation Strategies aim to assist commanders in responding when concerns arise about a Marine’s wellness. A number of scenarios are provided with corresponding suicide prevention strategies.

What is the Military and Veterans Crisis Line?
The Military and Veterans Crisis Line is a free and confidential resource available 24/7/365. Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, along with their loved ones can:

• Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
• Chat online VeteransCrisisLine.net
• Send a text message to 838255
• If you can’t reach the Veterans Crisis Line through phone dialing, you can use the chat service, available online in all locations with an internet connection at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
• U.S. short codes, such as 838255, only work with a U.S.-based service provider with an international service plan that allows texting to U.S. short codes from outside the United States.
• Northern Command: Dial 988 then Press 1
• Indo-Pacific Command: Call +1 844-702-5493 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• European Command: Call+ 1 844-702-5495 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Central Command: Call +1 855-422-7719 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Africa Command: Call +1 888-482-6054 (offbase) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Southern Command: Call+ 1 866-989-9599 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)

Know the signs.
Some behaviors may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

Behavioral Changes:

• Seeking means to kill themselves.
• Decreased work performance.
• Increased alcohol consumption.
• Reckless behavior, acting anxious or agitated.
• Sleeping problems. Sleeping too little or too much.
• Social withdrawal and/or decline in hygiene.

Online Suicide Warning Signals

• Significant shifts between positive and negative emotional content (a change in words and actions)
• Posts about stressful events and then posts about emotional stress and negative thoughts.
• Posts about death, dying, hurting themselves, suicide, or self-destructive behavior.

Start the conversation
Trust your instincts and talk to your loved one/friend if you think they may be having thoughts of suicide. Mention the warning signs that prompted you to talk to them, stay calm, and let them know you are there to help.

When talking to someone:

• Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
• Be willing to listen and allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Don't judge. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, whether feelings are good or bad, and don’t lecture on the value of life.
• Act. Remove any lethal means, like weapons, drugs, or medications, and do not leave them alone.
• Don’t act shocked. This will disrupt trust between you.
• Don’t be sworn to secrecy and seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer superficial reassurance.
• Never dare them to do it!

Marine Corps Resources