Suicide Prevention for Marines

[unhappycamper]

Suicide Prevention for Marines
Marine Corps News | November 14, 2007

Suicide has become prevalent within the Corps, every month two Marines commit suicide. Many more attempt suicide or have thoughts of killing themselves. Suicidal behavior reduces our readiness for battle. All marines must respond to suicidal behavior and assist fellow marines who are suffering. This is not a problem unique to the Marine Corps. Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers also work hard to prevent suicide. The Marine Corps must constantly strive to overcome the stigma inherent in getting help for the problems that lead to suicide.

On April 21-24, 2008 the Department of Defense (DoD) will host the sixth annual Military Suicide Prevention Conference at the San Diego Marriott hotel & Marina, in San Diego. Marines and those caring for Marines will learn about cutting edge strategies from each branch of service and civilian experts in the field of suicide prevention and intervention. The conference will offer multiple workshops geared toward frontline supervisors, clinicians and program managers. The Marine Corps is sponsoring a break out session to discuss suicide initiatives unique to the Corps. Attendees will return to their installations prepared to implement, manage, and support required suicide prevention programs.

Attendance is discretionary and must be funded by individual commands. Appropriate attendees include suicide prevention program officers, health care providers, health promotion specialists, behavioral health professionals, substance abuse counselors, chaplains, and command and unit leaders interested in suicide prevention.

Early registration is encouraged as the hotel will reach capacity quickly. For more information about the conference including registration, agenda, lodging and uniforms please visit www.usmc-mccs.org/suicideprevent.


Article at: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,156221,00.html

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Does suicide come into play

when the Marines realized they have been brainwashed to believe this is a war to protect our nation?

Like this other thread you started:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=259x6973

The irony of reading that article and then this one was quite striking to me.

[unhappycamper]

2. I see the dicotomies every day reading the military rags.

I think they understand this is a multi-faceted problem that needs their attention.

Families are at risk, as are our soldiers. There's many issues which need to be solved: PTSD, TBI, inadequate health care, a Veterans Administration that (so far) doesn't care, and depleted uranium to name a few.