MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- A total of 31 Marine deaths were identified as suicides between January and August 2014, according to the most recent Marine and Family Programs Suicide Prevention Update from Headquarters Marine Corps.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s agencies are ready to help prevent the suicide of more service members and their family members with several free programs. Among the many options for help is talking with the mental health care staff of the Community Counseling Program under Marine and Family Programs.
“(Anyone who comes to our office) can get referrals to the resources they need,” said Carletta Vicain, behavioral health branch manager at Marine and Family Programs. “We look at why someone might be having suicidal thoughts and what intense stressors are causing them. They can get resources, support and build coping skills.”
The center takes both appointments and walk-ins for service members, family members and retirees. Her office is just one of many organizations offering mental healthcare help at MCB Hawaii. She said one of biggest myths about mental healthcare is being limited to just one option for treating problems.
“If you don’t feel your needs are getting met, then you can change who you see for help,” she said. “It’s OK to see a different counselor. If you feel like it’s not working out, you have the power to try to see someone else or try something else.”
Both mental health professionals and spiritual leaders provide support at MCB Hawaii. Chaplains with the Chaplain Joseph W. Estrabrook Chapel are available for spiritual counseling and can assist anyone with depression or suicidal thoughts.
Marines can also voluntarily take part in the newly established Marine Intercept Program to manage their mental health care options. The aim of the program is to have one MIP outreach coordinator to assist with getting the right type of help and to prevent being overwhelmed by multiple resources. The coordinators help with extended care and navigating treatment plans, in ongoing contact for as many as 90 days after an attempt of suicide and scheduled follow-ups.
Follow-ups can be critical, with 60 percent of those having suicide ideation attempting suicide the following year, according to Headquarters Marine Corps overview of the MIP. The most recent statistics from HQMC have identified 154 attempts by Marines to commit suicide so far this year.
For anyone concerned about a loved one or colleague they need to be direct and non-judgmental, said Navy Lt. Bracken Gott, an Operational Stress Control and Readiness psychologist with 3rd Marine Regiment.
“Don’t be afraid to ask the phrase, ‘Are you thinking of killing yourself?’” said Gott, of Yorktown, Ind. “It needs to be that phrase, so there is no room for misinterpretation.”
Gott is available for walk-in counseling sessions for 3rd Marine Regiment Marines without needing a referral. He said those who attempt or commit suicide are often triggered by a recent loss or break up as well as having disciplinary difficulties with their unit command.
“The image of themselves is shattered and they may additionally have legal problems,” he said. “A significant portion of my clients face that.”
He said changes in behavior, specifically becoming socially withdrawn and increased bouts of irritability and anger are also common signals someone may be considering suicide. Gott said extended social isolation increases self-limiting thoughts, making suicide seem like the only option.
People who battle with suicidal thoughts can help their self care by keeping in contact with people who inspire them and going to calming public places with opportunities for socialization. Gott said other new technology are also available to help. The Virtual Hope Box app offers games and tools to help with depression.
Both Gott and Vicain said with all of these resources, people shouldn’t feel they need to handle their mental health care on their own and are within reach of help they need.
“Seeking help doesn’t mean you are weak,” Vicain said. “Give yourself a chance.”
For more information about suicide prevention, call 257-8870 or see www.mccshawaii.com/suicideprevention/. Counselors are available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Marine and Family Programs office in building 216.