Citation

Gerede A. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 98-99.

Affiliation

Turkish Air Force, Hava Kuvvetleri Komutanligi Bakanliklar, 06100 Ankara, Turkey. agerede@hvkk.mil.tr.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964033

Abstract

Loss of a single personnel because of suicide is unacceptable in Turkish Air Force (TAF). Although TAF has been using integrated system of mental health centers in all bases, TAF leadership recognized the importance of designing more comprehensive program for suicide prevention. In these premises, TAF Suicide Prevention Program was designed and launched on March 2006, requires mental health personnel to conduct the activities and full participation of commanders. It is the first institution-wide, coordinated approach in Turkish Armed Forces and in Turkey as well. The Suicide Prevention Program focuses on enhancing protective factors, decreasing risk factors for suicide, crisis intervention and postventions by conducting psychological autopsy and debriefings. World Suicide Prevention Day will be held as well. The program formulates instructions, appropriate course of actions and activities which foster suicide prevention and intervention. Major goals of the program include; Promoting awareness of the protective and risk factors related to suicide, Educating the commanders and general community about suicide and crisis intervention. Postventions for mitigating psychological effects of suicide and to accelerate recovery for both the survivor and the unit, reducing the stigma related to help-seeking behavior and using mental health services.

Language: en