Image: DOD graphic, Defense.gov
By: FEDweek StaffService members and families affected by suicide now have access to two Pentagon-sponsored online courses that offer insight to the support systems available to them.
The first course, “After a Suicide,” addresses communication techniques, staying connected to support systems, and pointers.
“In the aftermath of suicide, you may experience a wide range of complex emotions and may need to learn new ways of caring for yourself and others,” said Lisa Valentine, who manages Military OneSource’s casualty, mortuary affairs and military funeral honors office.
The second course, “After a Suicide – Walking Through Providing Support,” offers guidance to professionals who provide services for those affected by suicide.
“Besides chaplains and family support personnel, military leaders and supervisors at all levels would greatly benefit from taking this course,” Valentine said.
The second course addresses survivor guilt and other feelings and emotions that one may feel after a suicide. It also takes into consideration that care providers are not immune to suicide’s effects.
“The course will help you gain a greater awareness of the complicated nature of suicide and establish a rapport with suicide loss survivors,” said Andrew Moon, the suicide prevention office’s acting director for research, evaluation, and data/surveillance.
Upcoming event:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 AT 2 PM EDTStraight Talk with Major General Gregg Martin- “the Bipolar General”
Public event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1714495848914486/*Event hosted by OneMoreDay, an independent non profit focused on suicide prevention and awareness
Website: https://suicide-prevention.org/
Additional resources:
Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Defense Suicide Prevention Office: http://www.dspo.mil/
Suicide Bereavement in Veterans and Military Families: https://msrc.fsu.edu/funded-research/suicide-bereavement
Article about Veterans Affairs health and suicide toolkit: https://news.va.gov/58631/va-releases-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-toolkit-for-former-guard-and-reserve-members/
Suicide Prevention ─ The Essentials: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/health-wellness/mental-health/suicide/suicide-prevention-the-essentials/
Tools for Parenting After Suicide: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/gold-star-surviving-family/understanding-grief/tools-for-parenting-after-suicide/
