Suicide is not just an AF problem, it occurs in every nation. It is an increasing concern in the United States (US) and efforts are currently being stepped up to increase education in order to prevent more suicides.
Overall, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death of Americans. For every suicide event, the deceased leaves behind at least six survivors (family and friends). The group of personnel at most risk for suicide in the AF are males between the ages of 17 and 24.
This group is usually single, recently separated, divorced or widowed; they also have trouble with one or more of the following: relationships, substance abuse, finances or legal issues.
Suicide Notes
Some people think that their problems are unfixable, and they have no other alternative, but this way of thinking simply is not true. The following are excerpts from actual suicide notes left behind by AF personnel when they thought they had no way out of their troubles.
Note One
This was one paragraph of a six-paragraph suicide letter. The suicide note was left in a supervisor’s box on a Friday afternoon, but the supervisor did not take it seriously and did not take any actions.
If that suicide note was given to you, would you know how to respond? A young Airman saw the letter Monday morning and immediately contacted emergency services who went to the person’s home. When the ambulance arrived the person was just barely alive, but his life was saved.
“Because I believe I am unable to continue to be an effective AF officer, I will not return to work next week. I am leaving a copy of this for X so she will not expect me at work on Monday….I regret any inconvenience this causes anyone but I cannot go on anymore. I know you all deserve better, I am sorry I let you down.”
Note Two
A 19-year old white male had been married for six months when his wife left him, returning to live with her mother. Two days after his wife left he hanged himself, leaving this note on the back of his wedding picture.
“To my beloved wife. This will be the last time we will talk. I want you to know I loved you so much! I kept asking myself why? I could come up with no answer! Don’t worry about me. Now, I am at peace with God! Finally I thought I would be afraid to die and I am. God put me on earth and I was a FAILURE! I’m sure I can do his will much better in heaven. Please comfort my mom. She will need you more than ever! I’m so sorry Chris! I loved you more than life itself, if only you had believed in me! I will be your holy spirit forever amen! I love you!”
Note Three
A 26-year old male was extremely unhappy with his work and depressed over problems in his marriage. This note illustrates the utter hopelessness and despair felt by many suicide victims and also illustrates the fact that many of them don’t want to die so much as they want relief from their problems.
When they come to the conclusion that their problems are hopeless, death is seen as a means of escape. In this case it did provide the “sleep” this tormented man so desperately wanted. The problem is that the sleep he achieved was permanent.
“I love you and the kids but I just can’t live with myself anymore. I’m over- whelmed with life. I hurt – my head, my throat, my guts. I can’t think straight anymore. I’m overwhelmed at work. I have become ineffective. I need sleep. I’m sorry!”