‘I will never quit on life.’
by Cynthia Odom
Spc. Joseph Sanders is featured in an Army suicide prevention video.
U.S. troops are killing themselves in alarming numbers. Thirty-two soldiers committed suicide in June 2010, the highest number in a single month since the Vietnam era. Twenty-one were on active duty, while 11 were in the National Guard or Army Reserve in an inactive status. Seven killed themselves while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Army numbers.
In 2009, a record-breaking year for suicides in the service, 245 soldiers killed themselves. And this is just the Army. The suicide epidemic is affecting all branches of the military.
During September 2010, the United States will observe National Suicide Prevention Month. We know that faith makes a difference in suicide risk and prevention. Chaplains and faith-based counselors are uniquely qualified to serve a large segment of the military population—those who identify with a religious belief system—and especially those who carry the emotional and psychological wounds of war home with them.
A review of 80 studies showed (McCullough & Larson, 1999):
- Spiritual/religious factors generally accounted for lower rates of depression and reduced symptomology.
- Individuals who placed a high value on their faith and engaged in religious activities were at a significantly reduced rate across all depressive orders.
- Those without any religious or faith-based involvement had a 60% increased risk of suffering from a major depressive episode.
- Participation in a faith-based community fostered both hope and caring and was seen as a preventative measure that helped inoculate people from susceptibility to depression.
The Huckabee Show recently featured Military Ministry’s PTSD and suicide efforts and the reality that “faith (in Jesus) makes a difference.” Nate Self, former Army Ranger and decorated war hero, shared his story about how he suffered from PTSD and was on the verge of suicide. His wife Julie also shared her perspective as the wife of a combat-trauma sufferer and the impact it had on their marriage and their family.
From the new Shoulder to Shoulder: “I will never quit on life” suicide prevention video to the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, the Army is also focusing on programs to build resiliency and erase the stigmas associated with mental health issues that still prevent some from seeking help.
A group of about 35 chaplains and chaplain’s assistants deployed to Iraq met for a three-day conference to discuss life affirmation, suicide prevention, and methods to reach out to those at the greatest risk of committing suicide. As Suicide Prevention Month approaches, the chaplains looked at ways in which they were successful in reaching out to service members in need of help and discussed new and innovative methods they could implement to continue to help Soldiers affirm life and build their resiliency. Click here to read more about the issues and ideas discussed by the chaplains.
Communities are also joining in by holding events to raise awareness about depression and suicide, and to remember those who have died. Hampton Roads, Virginia, which is home to the largest concentration of U.S. military, will hold their 5th Annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” on Saturday, September 11th. Last year, 189 community walks were held around the nation in the summer and fall, from Los Angeles to Allentown, PA. The Hampton Roads walk was the nation’s largest with 1,776 participants, said Chris Gilchrist, a Chesapeake social worker and an organizer of the event. “With this walk, you can change or even save a life,” she said.
Suicide affects every state, community and demographic group. As the body of Christ, it is our responsibility to “get everything in the fight” for the lives of our troops.
If you are feeling distressed or hopeless, thinking about death or wanting to die, or, if you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, please contact Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255). If you are a veteran, call the Lifeline number, 1.800.273.TALK (8255), and press “1″ to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can also contact Military OneSource at 1.800.342.9647.
“For I am afflicted and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.”
Psalm 109:22
You can help Military Ministry meet the spiritual needs of our troops and their families by partnering with us to distribute spiritual resources and offer support to those who selflessly serve us.
