U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY -- Doing their part to address this ongoing concern, Sailors and Marines aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) recently completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course to learn to help their fellow service members who may be struggling.
“ASIST is a two-day training to help individual Sailors and Marines understand what suicide is, how to recognize those thoughts and behaviors in other people and practice specific ways to intervene,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Mabus, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit command chaplain and course instructor.
The classes focus on giving Sailors and Marines intervention skills that go beyond what is taught in annual training.
“Those who go through the course have a greater ability to connect with people at risk by intentionally exploring their invitations for help and asking clearly and respectfully about suicide,” Mabus said.
“They also learn to help people at risk understand their choices through actively listening to their story about suicide. They are taught to identify areas of uncertainty or hope that can help them turn at-risk service members from suicide to safety,” he added. "ASIST members work with them to develop a plan that will ensure immediate safety, guard against risks, and help them to stay safe through aids like situational changes, personal strengths, and relational supports.”
One of the obstacles at-risk service members face is the stigma associated with admitting they need help—a stigma that ASIST aims to eradicate.
Recent course graduate Sgt. Kodi Simon said it takes courage to seek assistance, and he is proud to support his fellow Marines in any way possible.
“They’re not weak. They’re just reaching out for help. They just want a shoulder to lean on and someone to look up to,” Simon said.
Many Sailors and Marines aboard Iwo Jima are looking for ways to help, and courses like ASIST are giving them the tools they need.
“I have a natural need and want to help other people,” said Aerographer’s Mate 3rd Class Danielle Rizzo, another course graduate.
“At my high school, there was a girl who jumped off a bridge. I felt like if I knew her and knew what she was going through that I could have helped her. But I wasn’t really properly equipped. Now I feel like I am.”
Mabus said the service members he teaches are eager to learn what they can do to help those who are struggling.
“Marines and Sailors really take pride in watching out for each other,” said Mabus. “One of the big things we try to work on is helping them understand how their own attitudes and thoughts about suicide can impact the way they do interventions.”
Bystander intervention is a staple in the military, from everyday leadership challenges, sexual assault prevention and response, and suicide awareness and prevention. ASIST teaches service members to look for the signs and listen to the men and women they serve with so they can intervene when the time comes. It also gives service members the skills to work with a person at risk to identify a plan and network of support to keep them safe, which includes their chain of command and can include family, friends and helping professionals like a chaplain or mental health provider.
“Suicide prevention is possible,” said Rizzo. “Some people think that once someone goes down this downward spiral, they can’t be helped. You can help them, simply by just being a shoulder to lean on or just someone there to listen.”
For more information on ASIST workshops visit www.suicide.navy.mil or contact your local chaplain or Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation office.
Iwo Jima, homeported in Mayport, Florida, is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.
The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group embarks the 26th MEU and includes Iwo Jima, the transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), Fleet Surgical Team 4 and 8, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, components of Naval Beach Group 2 and the embarked staff of commander, Amphibious Squadron 4.