Washington DC VA Medical Center

Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-11

National Suicide Prevention Week list of events

“I don’t want folks to know I’m asking for help.”

“I didn’t contact you sooner ‘cause I didn’t want it in my record.”

She hears Veterans say comments like this every day. And for the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator, Valerie Jones-Rojas, it’s a fact she wishes she could change.

There remains such a stigma in our society attached to mental illness, Jones-Rojas explains. “I wish Veterans could know there is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a part of life. Veterans who have diabetes and seek medical care are not marginalized unlike mental health consumers. We all need a little help sometimes.”

Jones-Rojas and her team are committed to helping Veterans in crisis and unfortunately they are very busy. According to the latest comprehensive analysis released by VA this month, nationwide an average of twenty Veterans commit suicide each day.

The medical center’s Suicide Prevention Program Office has a comprehensive plan that includes: handling referrals from the Crisis Line; accessing high risk Veterans, keeping close contact with Veterans and educating staff to recognize warning signs of suicide. They also have an open-door policy to their office on the third floor and a lot of Veterans stop by to chat.

“Veterans we’ve helped know that we are here for them and we understand. We will advocate for them and help them advocate for themselves,” Jones-Rojas said.

Some contributing factors related to Veteran suicide include: deployment stress, traumatic events, body image disturbance, transitioning to civilian life, social status change, loss of physical function and changes in the world view. Jones-Rojas says some Veterans may display warning signs of contemplating suicide.

Warning signs associated with suicide:

• Talking or writing about suicide or death
• Displaying a sense of hopelessness and worthlessness
• Reckless behavior, like driving too fast
• Giving away possessions
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol
• Preparatory behavior, like stock -pilling medications.
• Buying a rope and fashioning a noose

What to do if you recognize warning signs in a friend or family member?

• Probe a little bit. Is the person experiencing psychological or mental pain? Ask how you can help?
• Talk openly to the person; don’t be afraid to be ask, “Are you thinking about taking your life?” Asking does not put the thought in a person’s mind, but rather it opens an important dialogue.
• If they say yes, do NOT leave them alone. Explain that you will get help.
• Remain calm, be direct and non-judgmental. Call 911.
• Ask the person how they plan on taking their life.
• Never promise to keep a person’s thoughts, plans or intent of suicide a secret.
• Remember, they have opened up because they want help.
• Let them know you will do what you need to do to keep them safe. Calling the Veterans Crisis line is an option: 1- 800-273-8255 press one; or call 911.

Remember: Suicide is a sign of extreme distress. It is not a bid for attention (NIMH, 2015)

This Suicide Prevention Week, join the medical center’s Suicide Prevention team in raising awareness. This year’s theme is “We all have a role to play. Together, we can save Veteran lives.” The team has a full week of activities planned:

Sept. 6 10:00 a.m. - Jeopardy Awareness and Prevention Game (prizes available)
12:00 p.m. - Medical lecture, Freedom Auditorium, Fourth Floor featuring: Dr. David Jobes, Catholic University of America

Sept. 7 10:00 a.m. – Information Fair Veterans can enroll in E-Benefits and MyHealtheVet, learn more about burial and memorial benefits and services, get assistance with employment and community resources and speak one-on-one with The American Legion representatives.
11:30 a.m. - Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk Veterans, employees and community members are invited to join the 2K walk which departs from the Medical Center Atrium.

Sept. 8 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Gun Safety Day and Information Fair, Medical Center Atrium Veterans will receive free gun locks and suicide prevention and awareness information.

Sept. 9 12:00 p.m. - Suicide Awareness Day and Jeopardy Game, Freedom Auditorium

Washington DC VA Medical Center Suicide Prevention Program:
Valerie Jones-Rojas, Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator
Danielle Cooper, Clinical Social Worker
Carla McQuade, Suicide Prevention Specialist
Eric Nickens, Program Support Assistant