United States Department of Defense United States Department of Defense

Published September 4, 2012

Suicide Prevention and Awareness

Take a Stand

Stand by Them

Emotional strain can be the most formidable opponent service members face in their efforts to keep America safe. This special report takes a closer look at the struggles they cope with and offers information to help troops when they need the nation's support the most.

Top Stories

Army Surgeon Shares PTSD Struggles to
Help Others

As the Army conducts a worldwide standdown to draw attention to preventing suicide, among those taking notice is Dr. Tara Dixon, an Army Reserve surgeon who tried to take her own life. Story

Family Matters Blog: Families Can Support Suicide Standdown

As the Army conducts its worldwide standdown for suicide prevention, there is something family members militarywide can do, too, and it only takes a minute. Story

Panetta Discusses Efforts to Tackle Suicide

In an interview with a North Carolina newspaper, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta voiced concern over suicide rates throughout the military and acknowledged the complexity of the issue. Story

Dempsey: Leadership, Trust Essential to Battling Suicide

Military leaders have changed the way they approach suicide prevention, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a recent interview with American Forces Press Service. Story

Guard Enlisted Leader
Stresses Support Available

National Guardsmen should know that they are never alone, even when they are away from their units, the National Guard Bureau's senior enlisted leader said in a Sept. 21 interview. Story

Official: Civilians Can Help
Prevent Military Suicides

Defense Department civilians need to understand and recognize the warning signs for suicide just as their military counterparts are being trained to do, the acting director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office said. Story

Battaglia Cites Resilience as
Key to Solving Suicide Issue

Resilience is the key to solving the military's suicide problem, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Story

Widow Shares Marine's Story to
Save Others From Suicide

Speaking to standing-room-only audiences at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Kim Ruocco described the chain of events that led to her husband Marine Corps Maj. John Ruocco's death in February 2005. Story

DOD: Families, Friends
Need to Recognize Signs of Suicide

September, National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, is a reminder to everyone in the military community to watch out for each other, a senior defense official said. Story

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Military Crisis Line

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

"Leaders throughout the department must make it understood that seeking help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength and courage. We've got to do all we can to remove the stigma that still too often surrounds mental health care issues."

- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta

"I believe each person has their own threshold of when they may need help or assistance. The moment that indicator lights up within yourself that (you) need some help and assistance or things are not right, … it is time to reach out."

- Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia

Video

Dempsey: Look for Suicide Warning Signs
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