WEBVTT

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(poignant music)

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- It's becoming more crucial now than ever

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to pat attention to our Air
Force brothers and sisters.

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Noticing changes in
behavior can be all it takes

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to save the life of an
airman contemplating suicide.

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In my personal experience,
I had the opportunity

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to escort a coworker to the wing chaplain

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because the member was
having a difficult time.

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That escort would've never happened

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if I didn't notice changes in behaviors.

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Remember ACE when you
see a change in behavior.

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Have the courage to ask
the question directly.

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Are you thinking of killing yourself?

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But stay calm when asking.

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Don't get worked up or else
you may get them worked up.

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Calmly control the situation.

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Remove any means that
could lead to self injury

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but be safe and do not use force.

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Actively listen to show understanding

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and produce relief.

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Sometimes an open ear is all it takes.

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Don't be judgemental or promise secrecy.

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Never leave your wingman alone.

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Escort them to the nearest emergency room,

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mental health clinic, chaplain,

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or primary care clinic and
then contact a supervisor

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or someone in their chain of command.

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If they refuse help or
you're not sure what to do,

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call your supervisor or 911 for help.

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Never leave your wingman alone

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if you suspect the
possibility of self harm.

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Leaving your wingman alone right now even

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to go to the bathroom could
be all the opportunity

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they need to end it all.

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Some risk factors like
relationship problems,

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legal challenges, financial
or medical issues,

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they have the potential to lead

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to thoughts of hopelessness and suicide.

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These factors may never
come up in conversation

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which is why it's
important to notice changes

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in those around you so you can ask

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and provide support.

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The warning signs for
suicide are different

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than risk factors and need to
be responded to immediately.

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Emotional changes like
hopelessness, depression,

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and anxiety are observable changes

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that should beg the question
to be asked, why the change?

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Isolation, withdrawal,
changes in work performance,

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even sudden positivity are warning signs

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to pay attention to.

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We're all in this fight together

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and we can all prevent a temporary problem

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from leading to this kind
of permanent solution.

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No one is alone.

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If you need help, or
just someone to listen,

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we're here for you to lean on.

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(uplifting music)