Enclosure (2) to COMDTINST 1734.1
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
1.
Suicide Awareness and Stress Management.
a.
Suicide awareness involves recognizing the problem and identifying high risk
individuals and groups. Stress management means recognizing and dealing with
danger signs in ourselves. Include both in training plans.
b.
Initiate training at indoctrination which includes military and civilian in processing and
follow-up in other sessions.
c.
Be sensitive to "information overload." Indoctrination periods may not always be the
most appropriate time for in-depth presentations, but they are good opportunities to
alert personnel that the concern exists and communication channels are open.
d.
Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Begin early to
convince personnel to seek help for themselves and others.
e.
Train the trainers and counselors. Target "care givers" including the Employee
Assistance Program Coordinator and chaplains who can assist with professional,
financial, and personal problems and other Work-Life staff members and ombudsmen.
f.
Preview videotapes for appropriate use. (Consider using excerpts if the film as a
whole is inappropriate.) Include supervised screenings in General All Hands meetings,
with follow-up discussion.
g.
Use realistic scenarios in training.
h.
Coordinate suicide awareness and stress management training with the Work-Life
Staff.
2.