Marine Corps Leadership has a critical role in educating Marines and their families about suicide prevention, mental fitness, and how to access services available to help Marines and their families navigate the stressors of life.
Deaths by suicide and self-directed violence often occur in association with stressors related to relationships, work, pending disciplinary actions, or illness - such as depression - and in association with periods of transition in duty status and duty stations.
Warfighter Mental Readiness Playbook
Taking care of Marines is the plan of the day, every day. Doing it well requires constant training. The best leaders apply their knowledge. The Marine Corps Warfighter Mental Readiness Playbook is a tool for effective influence and go-to resource for fostering a culture where mental readiness is prioritized, well-being is enhanced, and where Marines feel connected to the mission, the command, and each other. The playbook includes topics such as having effective conversations with people in need, suicide prevention quick tips, a mental health road map, commander assets, and mental fitness as one domain of Marine Corps Total Fitness.
Command Leadership Responsibilities
Defense Suicide Prevention Program Policy DoD Instruction 6490.16 establishes comprehensive policy on suicide prevention. It assigns responsibilities and establishes procedures for the oversight and reporting of the Defense Suicide Prevention Program.
MCO 1720.2A mandates that commanders create, establish, maintain, and reinforce suicide prevention programs and procedures.
USMC Command Suicide Prevention and Risk Mitigation Strategies aim to assist commanders in responding when concerns arise about a Marine’s wellness. A number of scenarios are provided with corresponding suicide prevention strategies.
What is the Military and Veterans Crisis Line?
The Military and Veterans Crisis Line is a free and confidential resource available 24/7/365. Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, along with their loved ones can:
- Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
- Chat online VeteransCrisisLine.net
- Send a text message to 838255
- If you can’t reach the Veterans Crisis Line through phone dialing, you can use the chat service, available online in all locations with an internet connection at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
- U.S. short codes, such as 838255, only work with a U.S.-based service provider with an international service plan that allows texting to U.S. short codes from outside the United States.
- Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
- Chat online VeteransCrisisLine.net
- Send a text message to 838255
- If you can’t reach the Veterans Crisis Line through phone dialing, you can use the chat service, available online in all locations with an internet connection at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
- U.S. short codes, such as 838255, only work with a U.S.-based service provider with an international service plan that allows texting to U.S. short codes from outside the United States.
- Northern Command: Dial 988 then Press 1
- Indo-Pacific Command: Call +1 844-702-5493 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
- European Command: Call+ 1 844-702-5495 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
- Central Command: Call +1 855-422-7719 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
- Africa Command: Call +1 888-482-6054 (offbase) or DSN 988 (on base)
- Southern Command: Call+ 1 866-989-9599 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
Know the signs.
Some behaviors may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
Behavioral Changes:
- Seeking means to kill themselves.
- Decreased work performance.
- Increased alcohol consumption.
- Reckless behavior, acting anxious or agitated.
- Sleeping problems. Sleeping too little or too much.
- Social withdrawal and/or decline in hygiene.
Online Suicide Warning Signals
- Significant shifts between positive and negative emotional content (a change in words and actions)
- Posts about stressful events and then posts about emotional stress and negative thoughts.
- Posts about death, dying, hurting themselves, suicide, or self-destructive behavior.
Start the conversation
Trust your instincts and talk to your loved one/friend if you think they may be having thoughts of suicide. Mention the warning signs that prompted you to talk to them, stay calm, and let them know you are there to help.
When talking to someone:
- Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
- Be willing to listen and allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
- Don't judge. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, whether feelings are good or bad, and don’t lecture on the value of life.
- Act. Remove any lethal means, like weapons, drugs, or medications, and do not leave them alone.
- Don’t act shocked. This will disrupt trust between you.
- Don’t be sworn to secrecy and seek support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer superficial reassurance.
- Never dare them to do it!
Marine Corps Resources
