crisis and suicide help
Warning Signs
Withdrawal from Social Connections: Avoiding friends, family, or fellow Marines, and isolating from others.
Increased Substance Abuse: Drinking more alcohol, using drugs, or engaging in other reckless behaviors as a way to cope.
Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness: Talking about feeling trapped, worthless, or that things will never get better.
Extreme Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, from very angry or irritable to extremely sad or withdrawn.
Giving Away Personal Belongings: Disposing of personal items, especially items that are significant or sentimental.
Talking About Death or Suicide: Mentioning thoughts of suicide, even casually, or talking about death in a way that suggests contemplation.
Decline in Performance or Function: Sudden drop in job performance, physical fitness, or involvement in military activities.
Feeling Like a Burden: Expressing guilt, burden, or saying others would be better off without them.
Sleep Disturbances: Experiencing severe insomnia, nightmares, or oversleeping.
Increased Risk-Taking Behavior: Engaging in dangerous or reckless activities, often as a form of self-harm or to feel alive again.
Myths & Truths About Suicide
Myth: Only "weak" Marines or service members consider suicide.
Truth: Suicide is not a sign of weakness. Mental health struggles affect people of all backgrounds and strengths. It’s often the result of unresolved trauma, depression, PTSD, and other psychological conditions.
Myth: Talking about suicide will encourage someone to do it.
Truth: Talking openly about suicide can help someone feel supported and reduce the risk. Conversations can allow people to express their feelings and seek help before it’s too late.
Myth: Suicide only happens to those with a history of mental illness.
Truth: While mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety are common factors, suicide can affect anyone—regardless of their history. Stress, life circumstances, or even a singular traumatic event can trigger suicidal thoughts.
Myth: Suicide rates are high only in combat zones.
Truth: Suicide is a concern both in combat and non-combat environments. Service members face many challenges—like separation from family, deployment stress, reintegration issues, and post-service adjustment—that can contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Myth: Veterans are the only ones at risk of suicide.
Truth: Active-duty service members, not just veterans, face a high risk of suicide, especially when experiencing extreme stressors, trauma, or lack of mental health resources.
Myth: Suicidal service members will always show obvious signs.
Truth: While some may show signs like withdrawal or mood changes, others can conceal their pain. It's important to look for subtle cues and listen closely to any expression of distress, even if it seems small.
Myth: Suicide is an impulsive decision that happens quickly.
Truth: Suicide often follows a long period of emotional distress, and many service members have been struggling with suicidal thoughts for months or even years. Intervening early can save lives.
Myth: If someone is suicidal, there’s nothing you can do to help.
Truth: Many people who are suicidal can be helped through therapy, counseling, peer support, and mental health interventions. Just talking to someone and providing support can make a huge difference.
Myth: Marines who have survived suicide attempts will never try again.
Truth: Unfortunately, someone who has attempted suicide is at an increased risk of trying again. It’s critical to provide ongoing mental health support and resources after an attempt to reduce the risk of future incidents.
Myth: Suicide is a private matter and should not be discussed publicly.
Truth: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors should be treated with transparency and compassion. Raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging conversations about mental health can help prevent suicides and encourage service members to seek help.
Contact Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator
Counselor
Marine Corps University Military Family Life Counselor Services
- up to 12 sessions
- Non-Medical Counseling
- In Person
- individual, couples, family, or group counseling
Military Family Life Counselor Phone: 571-302-2658