Suicide is preventable

Suicide is preventable

By MC1 Adora OkaforTRFB

Suicide is a serious issue that affects communities across the world, and the military is no exception. Each year, Suicide Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder of the mental health struggles faced by service members and veterans. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), suicide rates within the military community have steadily risen over the past decade, with the most recent data showing that more than 500 service members died by suicide in 2022 alone. These losses deeply impact not only the individuals and their families but also the broader Navy and military community. This month, the U.S. Navy joins the nationwide effort to bring attention to suicide prevention, aiming to foster open dialogue, provide resources, and emphasize the importance of mental well-being and peer support for all Sailors.

Fire Control Technician 1st Class Shae Vanzyverden currently serves as the Command Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB). Vanzyverden has a deeply personal and compelling reason for taking on this role.

"I was motivated to take on this role following the loss of my sister," said Vanzyverden. "In 2022, my sister died by suicide. I had gone through a pretty arduous ordeal. I was the one who found her, called the cops, there wasn't anything I could do. I felt helpless."

Vanzyverden described this day as the worst day of his life and felt like he had missed many signs. Instead of allowing this grief to immobilize him, he channeled his pain into action. The loss of his older sister moved him to learn as much as he could about suicide, and how to spread awareness, and recognize signs that may prevent it again in the future.

"I dove headfirst into learning everything I could," he explained. "I wanted to do everything and anything I could to learn so I could help prevent it again in the future. I wanted to help stop someone from going through what I went through or losing their own lives."

As the Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Vanzyverden administers General Military Training (GMT) and provides resources to Sailors who may going through a crisis. One of his personal goals for his role is to foster a deeper connection among Sailors, promoting an environment where individuals can feel comfortable opening up. He believes that one of the most effective ways to combat suicidal ideation is by creating a culture of empathy, something that has to start at the individual level.

"It's not about just keeping people alive for the mission," Vanzyverden emphasizes. "It's about caring for each other as human beings. As leaders, and as Sailors, we've got to recognize that everyone's feelings are valid, and we need to empathize, not compare experiences. It's vital to take a step back and remember that everyone's experience is different."

Suicide does not discriminate. It can affect any race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Vanzyverden highlights the importance of being able to recognize changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, unwarranted anger, a disheveled appearance or a general disconnect from life. He refers to these signs as "invitations," urging others to take them seriously and ask direct questions.

"Asking someone if they're contemplating suicide doesn't put the idea in their head," he said. "If they're already there, they're there, and if not, it could be a wake-up call for them to seek help."

In addition to the Suicide Prevention Coordinator, there are many other resources available for those who may be experiencing suicidal ideation. Sailors can utilize Chaplains, Military OneSource, and the Veteran Affairs crisis line. For DoD Civilians, the Department of the Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program (DONCEAP) is available to help 24 hours, 7 days a week. Vanzyverden also mentioned the effectiveness of suicide prevention training programs like Safe Talk and Assist, which equip Sailors with the necessary skills to intervene and support those in need. Lastly, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available to everyone.

Reflecting on the unpredictability of suicide, Vanzyverden reiterates a key takeaway: Suicide is not predictable, but it is preventable.

"We have to look out for each other," said Vanzyverden. "You never know, something as small as a kind word might be the deciding factor that keeps someone around another day."