DGMC professionals can help with dark thoughts Published Sept. 19, 2014 By Capt. (Dr.) Tiffany Tajiri-White 60th Medical Operations Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- I'm an Air Force psychologist, and I'm writing this short message with the hope of chipping away at the stigma we've placed on suicidal thinking. Both as a provider to my patients and as an Air Force gatekeeper, I want you to know that reporting thoughts of suicide or self-harm will absolutely not lead to punishment. Here at David Grant USAF Medical Center, we will ensure that you receive the treatment you rightfully need and deserve. In fact, we don't kick people out of the Air Force for having thoughts of death or wanting to end one's life. If that were the case, a significant portion of the Air Force population would already have been discharged for that reason. Thoughts of death are not as uncommon as you may think. Everyone at some point in their lives, whether in our childhood or adulthood, has thought about what it would be like to take their life or simply not exist (Think George Bailey in the annual holiday classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," starring the late Oscar-winning actor, Air Force Brig. Gen. James "Jimmy" Stewart). Yes, I've had such thoughts and I'm a psychologist. We're all susceptible to it. Now, if your thoughts of wanting to end your life have continued to intensify, please talk to someone that will give you the strength and support you need in order to get help. You may feel embarrassed about having these thoughts - don't be. Every day, I work with patients who have thoughts of this nature. Please don't think you'll scare me away by relaying the contents of your thoughts or your past experiences. Frankly, there are times where I feel that I've heard it all, and nothing anyone could say would shock me. I'm not here to judge you - we're not here to judge you. Let us help. When you ask for help from a professional at DGMC, here are some of the services you can expect: counseling, psychotherapy, psychotropic medications and crisis response planning. My mental health team and I have been successful in helping people stop thinking about suicide and consequently live happier and more fulfilled lives. We can guide you out of the darkness but you have to be willing to follow. Like the old adage says, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't force it to drink." Below is a list of our helping agencies: Mental Health Clinic: 423-5174 Family Advocacy Program: 423-5168 Chaplain Corps: 424-3217 Airman and Family Readiness Center: 424-2486 Military Family Life Consultants: - Adult MFLC: 217-8687 or 217-9442 - Children MFLC: 637-6125 or 637-6218 Suicide and Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 (Press "1") We're always on standby for you. Please let me help you - let us help you.