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The Defense Department remains committed to supporting and guiding members of the military community who have been affected by suicide as part of its holistic approach to suicide prevention and intervention.
The range of emotions surrounding suicide are often complex and can have a broad impact on those connected to the loss, said Andrew Moon, senior advisor for engagement, partnerships and education in the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.
"What we are taught about suicide can be vastly different than other types of ways people might die," Moon said.
He said those close to the loss may feel a stigma or shame that often surrounds suicide, in addition to grief from missing a loved one.
"When we are thinking about how to support someone, in general, with grief it's complicated, but when we add on this potential fear to even mention that someone died by suicide or to bring in the spiritual aspect or social aspect — like what are people going to think of my spouse if they know that this person died by suicide — it just really complicates things and it can bring people away from connection and push them into isolating rather than reaching out," he said.
DOD has developed a course aimed at helping the military community walk through these complexities.
The course, "After a Suicide," is available online at Military OneSource and is divided into two modules.
The first module is about 45 minutes and covers communication techniques, ways to stay connected to a support system, and strategies for maintaining mental and physical health for those experiencing grief following a suicide.
The second module, "After a Suicide — Walking Through Providing Support," is designed for mortuary affairs personnel, casualty affairs officers, and others who serve as resources for the bereaved.
"If you're in a role supporting someone who has lost a friend or colleague to suicide, there's lots you can do in terms of preparing yourself, in terms of making sure you're approaching in supportive ways, and then also supporting yourself after that point," Moon said.
"We know that anyone who is in close proximity to someone who dies by suicide is impacted," he said. "Even in a support role, even if you didn't actively know the person but you're supporting their family or their friends or their service members, you're also impacted. And we want to make sure that everyone involved has the resources to keep them healthy and supported and moving forward."
Together, the courses provide a holistic approach to support following a suicide loss, which is a crucial step in building resilience across the community.
Moon said maintaining connection to a support system is crucial.
"The military is a tremendously supportive community," Moon said. However, he said that it can be difficult to tap into that support if someone's ties to the military through their spouse or family member are severed by suicide.
"When we think about support from a military standpoint, it really is just reinforcing that the community is still present, that they're an active support for you, and that they want to be there for you," Moon said.
