Do you have a Sue working with you?

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Some people felt she was just looking for attention. Others knew something was really wrong, but they didn't know what to say to her. Yet others ran the other way when they saw her coming, because she would talk and talk about her divorce and how lonely she was, and they wanted to avoid telling her "no" when she would inevitably ask if she could come over to their house. Most of Sue's co-workers, however, were genuinely concerned, and went out of their way to help her get back on her feet. But try as they may, Sue committed suicide before Christmas 2004.

Tragically, according to the Air Force Secretary and Chief of Staff joint holiday message, "suicide remains a formidable enemy for our Air Force, taking more lives each year than direct enemy action." The holidays seem to heighten a depressed person's awareness of loneliness and sadness.

What can individuals do to help ensure that their co-workers are accounted for over the upcoming holidays? Ask questions. See if there is anyone you work with that is spending the holidays alone. Ask them if they'd like to join you and your family and friends. Everyone won't agree to join the festivities, but at least they know someone cares enough to ask. If you are a supervisor, your subordinate's well-being is part of your responsibility.

If there's an individual who seems depressed, ask if everything is okay with them. According to the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program's Community Suicide Prevention briefing there is no better person than a supervisor or co-worker to recognize changes in behavior and potential situations that might lead to depression. After all, we spend about nine hours with each other an average of five days a week. If we are not in tune with each other, then there is an even greater problem that in itself can prove fatal. It's called apathy.

Be a good Wingman! If a co-worker admits they are struggling, listen to them. Also, help them understand and believe that you are concerned about them, and encourage them to contact the Employee Assistance Program office. Here at Wright-Patterson, the number is 1-800-222-0364. It is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year. EAP is a free confidential counseling and referral service that can help with life's challenges. The local EAP office number is 937-904-2807, and the website is: http://www.foh4you.com. The EAP office also provides consultation to concerned co-workers, supervisors, union officers and family members.

Before the holidays come and go, make sure you know if you have a Sue working with you or not. They may not come right out and talk to you, but make an effort to see that no one spends the holidays alone if they don't want to.