Suicide Prevention

If you are in emotional distress or have a suicidal crisis: Call 988

If you have an emergency Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room/hospital.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour/ 7 days a week, toll-free/text free suicide prevention service available to anyone in a suicidal crisis. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by visiting their website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org     

The Suicide Prevention program is available to all Coast Guard active duty, civilian, and reserve personnel. Dependent family members are also eligible.

The Suicide Prevention program seeks to identify and assist persons who have contemplated or attempted suicide. The program’s main purposes are to prevent suicide and to mitigate problematic issues prior reaching a point of distress. The primary prevention strategy is to educate Coast Guard personnel and their families on the warning signs and situations that might indicate suicidal behavior. Education also addresses what actions can be taken when the behavior is identified, including how to support the person. For those who have contemplated or attempted suicide, the program links individuals to psychological assistance.

Although suicidal behavior cannot be predicted easily, there are a number of associated risk factors:

• Occupational/Command challenges
• Financial/Legal pressures and stress
• Physical/Medical illness or pain
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Marital/Relationship issues
• Loss, shame, guilt and anger
• Psychological injury
• Emotional distress
• Substance abuse
• Mental Health disorders
• Spiritual conflict

Warning signs include:

• Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
• severe depression: deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating that doesn’t go away or continues to get worse
• Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep (not getting out of bed)
• Neglecting personal welfare, deteriorating physical appearance
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society, or sleeping all the time
• Losing interest in hobbies, work, school, or other things one used to care about
• Severe substance use (e.g., drinking, drug use)

If you, or know of a friend, loved one, co-worker, or family member who is in distress or exhibiting suicide related behavior (i.e., saying “I do not want to live anymore”, “I want to kill myself”, drinking to the point of blackout), bring it to the attention of someone. Don’t keep it a secret. If the person is on active duty, informing the chain of command is essential, particularly if the person is not seeking help on his/her own. Another option is connecting them to a Chaplain, Employee Assistance Program Counselors, CG Support, local military medical/CG clinic, Work-Life related staff and/or local support providers.