Suicide Prevention Week: There is help Published Sept. 10, 2008 FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFPN) -- Although suicide rates for the military are substantially lower than comparable populations in the United States, Department of Defense figures are on the rise. In 2001, for every 100,000 servicemembers, 10.3 committed suicide. In 2007 that number had risen to 13.9. Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 7 to 13, and Tricare officials want beneficiaries to be aware of the importance of seeking help. The most effective way to prevent suicide is to recognize, then act on, the warning signs. People may talk frequently about suicide or death, show signs of depression, call or visit loved ones to say "goodbye" or give away worldly possessions. They may have abrupt mood swings or express that they want a way out. Whatever may have caused the symptoms, the Tricare benefit is there to help. But first, someone must recognize his or her own or another's distress and seek help. The Tricare Web site provides information about mental health issues and benefits at http://www.tricare.mil. Tricare regional managed care support contractors also have crisis assistance. In the South Region the number is 904-254-2313 and in the West it is 866-284-3743. Beneficiaries in the North Region are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline directly at 800-273-TALK. There are many other resources to assist service members who need help. Military OneSource offers counseling and other assistance 24/7 through toll-free numbers and resources found at http://www.militaryonesource.com. A relatively new Web site geared toward service members returning from deployment is http://www.afterdeployment.org. Afterdeployment.org provides confidential education on dealing with sensitive issues such as stress, conflict at work, reconnecting with family and friends, anger, substance abuse, stress management, kids and deployment, spiritual guidance, living with physical injuries and more. All Tricare regions in the United States offer a behavioral health provider locator and appointment assistance service for service members and their enrolled family members who need help locating and making appointments with behavioral health care providers. Beneficiaries call one regional phone number where a representative will help find a provider or assist with making an appointment. The toll-free numbers for the assistance service are: West Region, (866) 651-4970; North Region, (877) 747-9579; and South Region (877) 298-3514. Hours vary according to region. Tricare Prime family members and retirees can also receive the first eight private-sector outpatient behavioral health care visits per fiscal year from a network provider without a referral from a primary care manager or prior authorization from their managed care support contractor. Visit http://www.tricare.mil for more information on behavioral health benefits.