Nearly 24 Sailors and military spouses participated in a safeTALK workshop focused on suicide prevention at the U.S. Naval Base Guam Chapel in Santa Rita March 22.

Workshop participants learned how to identify the warning signs associated with those contemplating suicide, and how to be of aid by directing others to the help and resources available.

“The whole reason we do this is that we can take care of each other,” said Joint Region Marianas Force Chaplain Cmdr. David Yang. “(The workshop) helps us get in the mindset that we all need to pay attention to each other. It’s not just about ourselves.”

Yang emphasized how the safeTALK program helps Sailors to better understand fellow shipmates’ experiences as they deal with struggles or pain, and that helping them to properly endure and treat such experiences contributes to overall health and mission readiness.

“When we’re able to be in a good state of mind, to listen to each other and get the help, (we’re) going to be more focused on the mission, perform better and do well,” he added.

Chief Ship’s Serviceman Joann Maldonado, suicide prevention coordinator, USS Frank Cable (AS 40), found value in the workshop as it trained participants to offer quality help to Sailors in need, especially considering the pressures placed on members of the military.

“I can’t begin to tell you what (pressure) weighs on a Sailor’s mindset,” she said. “No matter what, they can always talk to somebody. They can always get the help.”

safeTALK, a training program by LivingWorks Education, stands for “Suicide alertness for everyone. Tell. Ask. Listen. Keep safe.”

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