Dear Wing Ma'am: "My best friend attempted suicide..."

  • Published
  • By Wing Ma'am
  • 6th Medical Group
DEAR WING MA'AM,

 One of my best friends attempted suicide. "Josh" always seemed so happy that this has come as a shock to all of us. We are thankful he is alive, but we are unsure of how to behave around him. When Josh returns back to the shop, what should I say to him? How can we (his friends/co-workers) support him? What should I do if he tries to hurt himself
again?

- Given a Second Chance

DEAR SECOND CHANCE: Josh is lucky to have caring friends in his life like you! When the opportunity approaches, tell him how glad you are to see him and were concerned about him. I can imagine that Josh was having a hard time coping with different life circumstances at the time of the suicide attempt. Most people who attempt suicide and
survive report feeling overwhelmed with multiple serious problems all converging at the same time. Do not pump him for details about the incident. If he wants to talk about what happened, let him do it in his own time. As to what to talk about with him, talk about the things you always have and include him in all the activities you have in the past. Knowing his friends care about him is very important. Don't just hear what he is saying, LISTEN!! Help him get involved in group activities; work out together at the Base Fitness Center (828-4496), go on afishing trip through the Outdoor Recreation Center (828-4982) or find spiritual strength through Chaplain Services (826-5080). If you notice continued warning signs of suicide such as engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as heavily drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, disclosure of feeling powerless, helpless or hopeless, giving away belongings, talking about going away or the need to "get my affairs in order," changes in sleep or eating habits, and lastly, talking about suicide or saying they want to hurt themselves, get them help immediately through your First Shirt/Commander or Mental Health (827- 9170). Remember to never leave your buddy alone, and get him to help.


Dear Wing Ma'am is written by Capt. Christy Cruz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Wing Ma'am works as the Resiliency Program manager and clinical therapist at MacDill AFB. If you want to ask Wing Ma'am for advice, please send your questions to 6mdos.sgoh@us.af.mil. Letters are kept anonymous. Rights are reserved to edit published letters for style and length. Not every question can be answered. This column
seeks to educated readers and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional assistance.