The Fort Detrick Army Substance Abuse Prevention Program Team had a busy couple of months planning creative and engaging events for the Fort Detrick Community.
September was National Suicide Prevention Month and October brought us the Red Ribbon campaign, a week designated to drug use prevention education and awareness in keeping our communities, especially our children drug free.
September was full of initiatives promoting suicide prevention awareness, mental health and holistic well-being. Chalk the Walk, held on September18 was one of the standout events where participants used colorful chalk to create art and write messages of hope on the sidewalks leading into the Fort Detrick Community Support Center.
"All events in support of Suicide Prevention Month were created to help spread awareness about the topic of suicide. We feel that any event is important to build unity and simply start those difficult conversations. The hope is the more we can openly discuss the topic of suicide, the greater chance we have of reducing the stigma surrounding it," said Morgan Lawson, Fort Detrick ASAP Specialist.
Several other unique events and initiatives promoting well-being was Sound Healing, Goat Yoga and a new space called the Wellness Room, dedicated to relaxation and reflection where people can relieve stress in a soothing atmosphere was completed and is open and ready for use.
The Sound Healing sessions combined a nurturing movement practice with a soothing sound bath to release and move through stuck or unsettled energy and is said to sooth and return the nervous system to a state of calm. This practice is just one of many "tools" to put in your self-care toolbox.
Goat Yoga made its debut here at Fort Detrick over the summer and was such a huge hit the team brought the goats back for another session on October 7. Goat Yoga fuses both the mental health benefits of animal/pet therapy and the physical benefits of a yoga practice. Plus, it's fun to watch the baby goats bounce around in the space.
Be on the lookout for future events such as Sound Healing and Goat Yoga as the team is hoping to schedule more wellness events throughout the year.
The Wellness room is open during normal business hours, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., in Building 1520, Room 217D. It can be used in conjunction with Employee Assistance services or alone. Anyone wishing to use the room can do so, if it is not being used by another individual. All you do is walk in and shut the door, take the moment that you need, and the idea is to leave refreshed. "Our main goal is to help foster an environment where employees
feel heard and validated as it pertains to mental health concerns," said Lawson.
Suicide Prevention Month is a crucial time to amplify conversations around mental health. The themes focus on eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health issues, raising awareness and providing resources.
A key question in suicide prevention is "how can we recognize signs of someone struggling with or going thru a mental health crisis?"
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website, suicide is complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors but there are signs that can help in identifying suicide ideations, such as talking about or making plans for suicide, expressing hopelessness about the future, displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress. To learn more about warning signs for suicide, what to do if you observe these signs, and how to get help for yourself or others, visit Preventing Suicide.
During Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31 the ASAP team made their way over to the Fort Detrick Child and Youth Services Center where the kids painted river rocks with inspirational messages and the ASAP team took the opportunity to highlight ways for the kids can stay alert to stay drug and alcohol free.
ASAP also hosted two viewings of movie "Chasing the Dragon, A Life of an Opiate Addict," with the intention of helping people understand the depths of the crucial components of opiate addiction, how easily it can begin and the heinous downward cycle that ensues.
These events, and the awareness they generate, are more than just things to check the box -- they are building blocks for a more compassionate, informed and supportive community.
If you are having suicidal ideations, reach out, speak to someone and get the care you need. Your life is a gift and you are valuable. Use the resources below, they are there to help.
If someone you know is having suicidal ideations it is crucial not to leave them alone. Keep these resources handy.
· 988: Call, text, or use the chat feature at 988lifeline.org.
· Mental Health Association's 24/7 Crisis Center: Located just out side the Fort Detrick Old Farm Gate on Montevue Ave.
· 211md.org: For various needs, including connecting to a suicide hotline.
· Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Fort Detrick: Available by appointment.