Being a good wingman can help prevent suicide Published March 18, 2010 By Monica Mendoza 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Staff Sgt. Donald Wheat collected statistics Feb. 26 on 2010 Air Force suicides. Within one week, the information was outdated. "Since that time we've had two more active duty suicides in the Air Force," Sergeant Wheat, noncommissioned officer in-charge of the 21st Space Wing mental health clinic, said during a commander's call March 9. Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st SW commander, said that the most recent suicide was a 20-year-old Airman stationed at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Before he committed suicide, he posted a suicide note on Facebook, an Internet-based social networking site. Colonel Whiting said such messages must be taken seriously. "We are at a point with the stress in the force that any of these negative trends or problems people are having or words that they say where they indicate that they might commit suicide cannot be ignored," Colonel Whiting said. The problem of suicide is real, Colonel Whiting said. And, the number of suicides in the Air Force is rising. Sergeant Wheat said that if the current rate of death by suicide in the Air Force continues, there will be more suicides in 2010 than in 2009. What is especially alarming, he said, is that 2009 already was an all-time high for the number of suicides in the Air Force. "It's not just the Air Force, it's across the Department of Defense," Sergeant Wheat said. Preventing suicide is not about statistics, Sergeant Wheat said. So much agony can be prevented if co-workers engage with each other, he said. Sergeant Wheat encourages supervisors to know their troops, know their spouses' names and know their outside hobbies or interests. If a supervisor has not earned the trust of the troops, then an Airman struggling with personal issues is not likely to talk to that supervisor. "Technology has done a lot of great things - it has us reaching around the world providing amazing war fighting capabilities -- but what has it done for us when I sit right next to someone, two feet away, and I never say a word to him," Sergeant Wheat said. Everyone reacts to stress differently and everyone gets stressed out for different reasons, Sergeant Wheat said. What is important, however, is that co-workers recognize when someone is feeling that stress. "Generally, suicide takes place by an individual who never seeks help from mental health services," he said. Things that cause stress are relationship difficulties, legal problems, substance abuse, academic challenges, finances, health and permanent change of station. Usually, co-workers know when someone in the office is going through these major changes, he said. But, a person does not have to be a mental health professional to help a co-worker in need. "All you have to be is there for them," the mental health professional said. A co-worker can notify the chain of command, a first sergeant or a commander. And, if the person agrees to help, the co-worker can make sure someone from the unit accompanies them to their appointments, Sergeant Wheat said. Chief Master Sgt. Robert Sealey, 21st SW command chief, said the issue of suicide is very important to him because he values the work of all Airmen. It took his then 11-year-old daughter to remind him of troops' value, he said. After watching a movie called "National Treasure," a few years ago he was discussing with his children all of the nation's treasures. "Dad, you forgot one," Chief Sealey's daughter said. "You." Even children know that Airmen are extremely important to their families, co-workers and their country, he said. "I want you to know that your life counts and I do care," Chief Sealey said to the packed auditorium of Airmen during the March 9 commander's call. "If any of you are ever feeling like you don't have anyone to talk to, you feel that no one is here, I want you to know that I am." For help, call: --Medical providers for physical problems due to stress, 556-2273 --Individual therapy, groups and classes through Mental Health Clinic or TriCare, call 556-7804 --Chaplains, 556-4442 --Health and Wellness Center, 556-4292 --After hours call the Peterson Installation Control Center at 556-4555 for an on-call mental health provider or chaplain, or go to the nearest emergency room