Suicide Prevention
- Talk to someone if you are having thoughts of suicide.
- Help is always available. Call 988 or the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (Press 1).
- Put your safety first.
- Don’t keep these thoughts to yourself.
- Give yourself distance between thoughts and 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 (Lethal means are objects, instruments, and/or methods with which one could 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), etc. The term “lethal” is important because some methods are more harmful or destructive than others used to attempt suicide.) of suicide and self-harm is key if you are having thoughts of suicide. Properly storing and practicing lethal means safety are steps you can take to help save lives. Many suicides and suicide attempts happen during a short-term crisis. These practices put distance (time and space) between someone considering suicide or self-harm, while potentially saving a life.
Lethal means safety includes techniques, policies, and procedures designed to reduce access or availability to lethal means and methods of 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 lethal means used when it comes to death by suicide in the military. Lethal means safety is important because the time period between thinking about suicide to acting on it is short; moving from thought to action can last only a few minutes. Increasing the time and distance between someone with suicidal intent and firearms can reduce the risk of death by suicide.
- Medications are the most common method of nonfatal suicide attempts. Proactively disposing of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications is another way to practice lethal means safety.
- 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 Means. The availability of household objects that can be used in a suicide or suicide attempt is hard to address. If someone is at risk; reach out to them often, utilize the Recognize. Ask. Care. Escort (R.A.C.E.) method, ask directly – “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” and follow-up.
Lethal Means Storage Tips:
Create your own storage safety plan for lethal means. If needed, use your support system, such as family and friends to assist with this plan and store firearms if necessary. Within this plan, you can also brainstorm other ways to protect your home with means that are not a danger to yourself or the individual at risk. Use cable locks to prevent a firearm from being loaded and fired. Cable locks may be available at your installation. Check with your command Suicide Prevention Program Officer (SPPO). Store firearms at an installation/unit armory. Store firearms with local police department, gun shop, or shooting range. Some local and state laws require weapon registration for legal storage; always 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 you store your medication safely. 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?”
Marine Corps Community Services is here to help.
The USMC focus on suicide prevention is multi-faceted and incorporates programs aimed at holistic 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 take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. Some examples include:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Exhibiting extreme mood swings. Dramatic 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 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.
- Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or 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 be sworn to secrecy but seek support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer superficial reassurance.
- Never dare them to do it!
- Most importantly, be prepared to act. Remove any lethal means, like weapons, drugs, or medications, and do not leave them alone.
Find help.
If someone you know exhibits any of the signs to harm themselves, seek help by calling 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line.
There are also other resources available for you, your fellow Marines, or family members. Check out:
- Chaplains
- Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) team members
- Community Counseling Program (CCP)
Call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line to talk to someone who can help immediately, or contact your Chaplain. It is normal to question yourself and 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 the hard conversations is key to assisting our Marines and getting help so they can continue to thrive.
- Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide. Talking about suicide does not cause a person to think about dying. In fact, it can save a life. Talking about it openly and directly builds hope and encouragement.
- Be willing to 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 not feel bad.
- Get involved. 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.
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The Marine Corps Leadership has a critical role in educating Marines and their families about suicide prevention, mental wellness, and how to access services that are available to help Marines and their families navigate through the stressors of life.
Deaths by suicide and other non-fatal suicide-related events often occur in association with stressors related to relationships, work, pending disciplinary actions, and illness such as depression, and in association with periods of transition in duty status and between duty stations.
Command Leadership Responsibilities
Defense Suicide Prevention Program Policy DoD Instruction 6490.16 establishes comprehensive enterprise-wide 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 ensure the policies stated in the order are used in creating, establishing, maintaining, and reinforcing local command suicide prevention programs and procedures.
To ensure a comprehensive and appropriate response, a Commander’s Smart Pack is available for leaders.
What is 988?
988 is a new three-digit emergency number for behavioral health crises. 988 officially launched July 2022, and is accessible 24/7, anywhere in the United States. By calling you’ll connect with mental health professionals formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Service members and Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans/Military Crisis line which serves our nation’s Veterans, Service Members, National Guard and Reserve Members, and those who support them. For texts, Service Member/Veterans should continue to text 838255.
What is the Military Crisis Line?
The Military 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 MilitaryCrisisLine.net
- Send a text message to 838255
- In Korea/Japan: Call 0808 555 118 or DSN 118
- In Afghanistan: Call 00 1 800 273 8255 or DSN 111
U.S. Service members in Europe may now also receive free, confidential support through the recently-launched European Military Crisis Line. Callers in Europe may dial 00800-1273- 8255 or DSN 118 to receive crisis support from responders at the Military Crisis Line in the U.S. Toll-free service may not be available through all carriers or in all countries.
Know the signs.
Some behaviors may help you determine if one of your Marines 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. Some indicators include:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Exhibiting extreme mood swings. Dramatic 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.