Intervention

Role of Individuals

Research has demonstrated that social support is a key factor in resilience. As a leader you must foster cohesion within the unit/crew. Often, CAF members will turn to each other when struggling. Peer support does not need to be complicated; sometimes the simplest interventions are the best.

Role of Leaders

Leaders must establish a command climate which acknowledges that personnel may become overwhelmed with the personal issues they struggle with. The only way subordinates will be open to receiving help is if the environment in which they work endorses that getting help is OK.

Leaders have to be willing to talk to their personnel, and listen to what they have to say. They have to send the message that they are interested in their subordinates’ welfare.

It is important to emphasize that seeking help in times of distress displays courage, strength, responsibility, and good judgement.

Recognition & support

• Know the members of your team, help them learn the skills they need
• Be on the lookout for sudden changes in behaviour and performance; if you see such changes, ask about them
• Offer encouragement and recognition
• If you are concerned about someone, talk to them about how they are doing

Key role of leaders

Leader actions can be divided into three categories: shield, sense, and support.

Shielding actions are those that enhance the capacity of subordinates, both individually and collectively, to cope with stressors in order to maintain, if not to improve, individual mental health.

Sensing actions are those that focus on early recognition and assistance for subordinates in the area of mental health.

Support actions involve leadership actions that directly support their subordinates who are seeking mental health care.

“Remember that in any man’s dark hour, a pat on the back and an earnest handclasp may work a small miracle.” - Brigardier-General S.L.A. Marshall, 1950

Do:

• Get to know your personnel
• Foster healthy work environment
• Set example of healthy coping behaviours
• Watch for significant behaviour/performance changes
• Manage unacceptable behaviour
• Provide opportunity to rest
• Identify and manage unhealthy situations
• Support, Intervene, Consult

Don’t:

• Diagnose or label
• Ignore the situation and hope it will go away
• Allow the member to isolate him/herself
• Lose touch with members receiving medical care
• Try to be their best friend

Role of Mental Health Professionals

Mental health professionals, such as Social Workers, Mental Health Nurses, Psychologists and Psychiatrists, assess the well-being and morale of CAF personnel, and offer early intervention, when required.

Leaders can consult with MH professionals to help them address unit or crew issues and to generate recommendations for actions to improve well-being and morale. Leaders can also request specific training on issues that affect their whole unit/crew, such as how families are affected by deployment, stress management, conflict resolution, and responsible consumption of alcohol.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a complex issue. Most individuals have more than one reason for attempting it. Most people who attempt suicide do not want to die. Rather, it is a desperate act aimed at stopping the pain of living. Evidence clearly shows that if a person is prevented from committing suicide, he or she is very thankful afterwards.

It would seem that many suicides could be prevented since most are preceded by warning signs. All CAF members should be familiar with these signs and know what to do to help prevent this needless loss of a life. Suicide prevention is everybody’s business.

Sudden changes in behaviour in an individual may indicate underlying emotional problems. These could include an abrupt increase in absenteeism, reduced job performance, lack of interest and withdrawal, changed relationships with fellow workers, increased irritability or aggressiveness, and increased or heavy use of alcohol or drugs.

Sudden changes in attitude or personality may also be a telltale sign of problems. This could show up as a sudden loss of interest in appearance or hygiene. Or it could lead a cautious individual to become a reckless risk-taker. These and other similar changes are cause for concern.

Making final arrangements is another common act of someone thinking about suicide. In younger people, this might include giving away prized personal possessions. In older individuals, it might involve updating a will, attention to personal financial planning, and the like.

Some warning signs are more direct. Eight out of ten people who take their own life give definite clues before doing so. Suicide hints or threats must therefore be taken seriously. These could be statements such as: “I won’t be around much longer for you to put up with me”; “My family would be better off without me,” or “I think I’m going to end it all. I can’t stand this anymore.”

If you think someone is contemplating suicide, there are some things you can do. Five very specific steps are noted below. These have appeared previously in CAF publications, but they are extremely important and bear repeating. You should:

• ASK the individual directly if they are thinking of suicide.
• LISTEN to what they have to say without judging.
• BELIEVE what the individual says and take all threats of suicide seriously.
• REASSURE the person that help is available.
• ACT immediately. Make contact with others to ensure the person’s safety

Don’t try to deal with the situation yourself. Medical staff, a Social Work Officer, a Chaplain, and the individual’s CO are all people you can turn to quickly for help.