Suicide is a rapidly growing epidimic in the United States military, whether it be related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after returning home from combat overseas or other personal, non-military related issues. According to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, there have been twenty-eight suicides by men or women in the Navy in 2009 so far, and four of those were in the month of July alone.
Realizing the need to raise awareness and prevent further suicides in the military community, Ombudsman for the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Nassau, Adrienne Stanek, started a group called Team Top Gators that will walk at the upcoming Out of the Darkness community walk sponsored by the Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide group. Stanek, team leader for Team Top Gators, knows that suicide is a rising problem in the military and feels that doing this walk is a great way to show the sailors onboard the USS Nassau as well as men and women in the rest of the military that their mental health is important, and that somebody cares.
The walk, which will take place at Mt. Trashmore on September 12th, 2009, is to raise awareness on depression and suicide as well as to remember those who lost their lives to suicide. The day of the walk will also feature a program of rememberance, a celebration of hope, refreshments, available mental health professionals, children's activity tables, a memory wall, and other activities.
For more more information on how to register for the Out of the Darkness community walk, or on making a donation, please visit the Survivors of Suicide Out of the Darkness webpage.
A loved one may be contemplating suicide if he or she has attempted suicide before, talks about death or suicide, starts giving away items of value, and is depressed. Signs of depression include but are not limited to mood swings, fatigue, change of appetite, and feelings of worthlessness.
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