MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. -- Providing help for Marines and Civilian Marines suffering from suicidal thoughts is one of the services offered by Marine and Family Services Division here.
“Suicide doesn’t happen without a reason,” said Karen Fischer, general counselor with M&FSD. “The most common reason for suicide is clinical depression. We can help to develop coping skills to deal with that. We can also do referrals for medical evaluation for medication.”
The majority of those suffering suicidal thoughts have one common thread running through their lives. “There’s usually been some loss, either a relationship or a job;” Fischer said, “so, whenever (a colleague or a supervisor) is aware of a loss in a Marine’s life, that should be a red flag.”
One of Fischer’s first jobs when she started with M&FSD in late 2009 was to prepare and deliver a suicide prevention workshop for Marines and Civilian Marines. Fischer explained that there are certain high risk factors or behavior that can be observed in 80 percent of suicidal people by using the memory device MAIN SHORE:
M: Moody – Experiencing dramatic mood shifts.
A: Alcohol abuse – Addicted to alcohol or prescription drugs.
I: Inadequate – Seeing self as failing, or worthless.
N: Nervous – Feeling tense, scared confused.
S: Sad – Feeling depressed and pessimistic.
H: Hopeless – Feeling there is no way to feel better.
O: Out of bounds behavior – Risk taking, impulsive and dangerous.
R: Relationship Loss – Experiencing relationship losses or problems (even the perception of problems).
E: Embarrassment – belief they’ve been disgraced.
Also, an abrupt change in behavior from sad to happy or sudden activity can be a warning sign. “I’ve known several cases where (friends and family) were surprised,” Fischer said, “because the person has had long term depression and is now acting happy because they’d made up their minds and they have the energy to carry through with their (suicide) plans.”
The work being done at MCLB Barstow and Corps wide was prompted by a dramatic increase in suicides in the military in general and the Marine Corps specifically since 2006. ‘‘The tragic loss of a Marine to suicide is deeply felt by all of us who remain behind,” Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos said. Data gathered from the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, https://www.mccdc.usmc.mil/SuicideStandDown/, shows that more than 40 successful suicides took place in 2009. That is an increase from 25 in 2006.
“That,” Amos said, “is unacceptable.”
In a video shown to troops during a recent suicide prevention stand down, Lt. General George Flynn, commanding general, MCCDC, noted not only the human factor of the effect suicide has on the survivor’s family and friends, but how it affects the Mission Readiness of the Corps itself. “We need to think of suicide prevention as we would any other battle plan,” Flynn said. “To be effective, leaders and peers must communicate a consistent attitude of respect and trust. When we do this, we will create a culture where it will be OK to call for help,” he said.
Those who do seek help from M&FSD for suicide prevention are usually young, with little perspective in life that would enable them to look back on a situation and seeing that not only is the problem they are facing one they can live through, but a valuable learning experience. “If you’re in the service or just out in the community,” Fischer said, “young people between the ages of 19 and 25 years old often haven’t run up against life’s experiences and problems enough to understand that situations are survivable.”
Active duty military personnel also might balk at getting treatment for severe depression or suicidal thoughts because they’re afraid it might hamper their military careers and chances of promotion. “We do give information to the commanders because they need to know that the Marines under their care are appropriately qualified to do their jobs,” Fischer said. “But, I think the leadership in the Marine Corps is working hard at saying that this isn’t going to count against you,” she said. “We really want you to get help.”
Sergeant Major Michael Berg, MCLB Barstow sergeant major, reinforced Fischer’s statement that getting help for the Marine is much more important than how it may affect the individual career. “Assuming they’ve not already got themselves in trouble, the referral doesn’t go on their official medical records. Seeking counseling help does not negatively impact their chances for promotion,” said.
Two-thirds of the clients Fischer sees are ordered to attend counseling by their command because of either past suicide attempts or someone has recognized the MAIN SHORE risk factors in them. Marines who voluntarily seek out help, however, get full medical confidentiality unless the person is an immediate danger to themselves or others.
“Marines are known for taking care of their own,” Fischer said. “The Marine Corps is dedicated to bringing the full supportive network of training and education to reduce suicides and to assure the safety of its people.
“That’s why we’ll continue to train people to recognize the symptoms of suicidality,” she said. “I’d like to stress to people who are considering (suicide) that it’s important to get support and help and to talk about it.
“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” Fischer concluded. “We want people to get access to quality services that are available to assist them in achieving a better life.”