Following deployment, many Sailors may feel burnt out or they are just having a hard time adjusting to the daily post-deployment life. This pressure can sometimes lead Sailors down a dark path full of mental anguish, potentially stirring up thoughts of suicide.

Sailors often find themselves looking for ways to relieve the stress and cope, but this can be a struggle.

Aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), a variety of options and resources are available to help Sailors navigate the murky waters of suicidal ideations.

One option that is commonly overlooked is the Command Psychological Technician, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Christopher Williams.

"I'm here to listen and help people find where they need to go," Williams said. "For some, they lose hope and suicide is an option to get out of pain and suffering. For others, it's just their way of pleading for help. I think everyone can be saved if you just listen."

Williams conducts the initial intake and screening of patients when they come to medical with psychiatric issues. He goes out of his way to listen to Sailors looking for help and treats everyone the same.

"I think all things psych-related are stigmatized," he said. "A lot of people think if they come here they're going to get the boot. That's not necessarily the case. I'm here to help save someone's career, not end it. Sometimes people just want someone to listen."

Suicide is an issue for people of all nationalities, religions and backgrounds, and it's hard to predict which Sailor it will hit next. However, there are a number of warning signs that can potentially lead to suicidal thoughts or depression.

According to Lt. Milton Dawkins, a clinical psychology intern at Walter Reed, common signs are disturbed sleep, depression, talking about death or alluding to death, and increased substance use such as drinking or prescription medication. Other indicators can be childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse and combat trauma.

When talking about suicide, triggers are another thing that should be brought to the forefront of the conversation.

"Triggers would be things like a recently failed relationship or bullying at work," Lt. Cmdr. Larkin Magel, Ike's psychologist. "These things can leave the person feeling hopeless and in a state of despair so they feel like they have no reason to live. It's usually these situations where people feel like they just can't get out of something so they begin to consider suicide as an option."

Dawkins stresses the importance of utilizing a support system of friends and family to talk things out before a crisis gets out of hand. Another helpful tool is exercise which will help Sailors increase their endorphin count and feel good. On top of this, Sailors should practice deep breathing, creative visualization techniques, and enjoying the small things in life.

"One of the most important things to look for is a swift behavioral change," Magel said. "Perhaps someone has settled into this pattern of not exercising anymore or not doing the things they enjoy or isolating himself from friends. Depression zaps all your motivation and you don't want to do these things anymore. People need to attend to their basic needs. Once this happens, the person starts to feel better in all the areas of their life and their thinking can start clearing up. Get back in touch with people who care about you and start doing the things that are good for you even if you don't feel like it."

Changing the behavior can change the mood and ultimately the thought process of the Sailor. Magel recommends reframing depression in a different light.

"It's part of the lie of depression that makes you think that no one loves you and cares about you," said Magel. "Try to imagine depression as this entity outside of yourself that comes and changes your whole thinking process. It's the depression that tells you you're worthless. If you can understand that and realize it's just the depression talking, you will take the risk and say I'm going to call my mom, my dad or my best friend. Nine times out of 10, you'll discover they want to be there for you."

Magel encourages shipmates to engage with one another by asking questions in a gentle compassionate way that opens up the dialogue and breaks down barriers.

"If someone's obviously in distress, you don't ask them if they're okay. You ask them what's wrong," said Magel. "You're noticing something's wrong, acknowledging it, and then making it okay for someone to talk about it. Look someone in the eye and let them know you care."

Despite the fast-paced operations aboard the ship and commitment to the mission, Sailors still need to take care of themselves and there are many people they can talk to in the event they think about taking their own life.

"If you're feeling backed into a corner, that's a good sign it's time to reach out for help on some level," said Magel. "This may be the first step in gaining some clarity. Here on the ship, it's the chaplain, the talk boss or medical. You can also talk to Fleet and Family and Military One Source on shore. Someone's going to listen and help you."

Ike is currently underway conducting engineering drills as part of the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP).

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