Building a resilient Air Force family Published April 29, 2010 By Maj. Jeff McLean 30th Medical Operations Squadron VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The work that we do in our military is important. We are called to serve together-active duty, civilians and family members-we serve together to complete the mission. We are aware of the high ops tempo and frequent deployments that our nation has called us to successfully accomplish. We, together, do an impressive job serving the United States. A key component to our success is resiliency. Resiliency is the ability to sustain normal military stressors of demanding home-station missions and deployments. What we need in today's times are personal resiliency and genuine concern for our fellow team members. Resiliency means "bouncing back" or "returning to form" after stressful times. Personal resilience is the ability to manage stress and maintain a positive view of one's life while having the beliefs that it is okay to make mistakes in life and it is okay to ask for help when needed. We can find an opportunity for growth and positive change in every stressful situation. But when personal resilience is lacking, one can develop maladaptive ways of coping with stress. We are all aware that too many of our team members have chosen to commit suicide. Even one suicide is one too many. We need to address this crisis now. Increased awareness is key. Problems with relationships, work, substance abuse and the law rank among the major risk factors for suicide. Additional risk factors include: severe, prolonged or unmanageable stress, recent loss of a loved one, and mental health problems. Some signs of distress to watch for are the belief there is no solution, withdrawal from friends and family, sadness and depression, hopelessness, loss of interest in work and normal activities and an unusual or sudden change in behavior. The key to suicide prevention is to improve balance between risk factors and protective factors. What types of things help protect people from getting to the point that suicide seems like an option? There are four dimensions: physical, emotional, social and spiritual. It is helpful to have balance across all four areas. Essential protective factors are exercise, effective coping and problem solving skills, having a belief it is okay to ask for help, social and family support, keeping things in perspective and believing that you are a valuable person. What are things you should do when you become aware someone has thought about suicide or made a comment about suicide? Ask if they are having thoughts of killing themselves, ask if they have a plan, don't leave them alone, make a phone call to get them help and stay with them until help has arrived. There are many local resources for help: local emergency rooms, chaplains, mental health, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, military family life consultants, Military One Source, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, a supervisor, first sergeant or commander and a friend or family member. Use the resources available. Suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility. To prevent suicide we must have personal resiliency, get to know people and the stressors they are facing, know the warning signs of suicide, show care and concern to others and get help when needed. By maintaining resiliency we will continue the noble work of serving.