0 Listening Without Judgement

http://co.ng.mil/News/Pages/111115-congr3sp.aspx- By Air Force Master Sgt. Cheresa D. Theiral, Colorado National Guard Public Affairs

We all feel overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations sometimes. And we all know someone struggling or who has struggled with challenges. With the continued presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, pressure can create feelings of hopelessness and, at times, suicide in military service members. Historically, suicide rates among the military have been lower than those in the general population. However, military suicide rates have been increasing over time.

The Colorado National Guard has set up a program to help those military members who are struggling. Any Colorado National Guard member who is experiencing difficulties in life, regardless of rank, service or military status, is eligible to receive nearly any type of counseling at a number of locations at any time, for free. The program, Colorado National Guard’s Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention (R3SP), is available to troops of all ranks and statuses, anywhere across the state, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“The Colorado National Guard considers suicide prevention a top priority, and all members of our organization are encouraged to get help for themselves and their fellow warriors,” said CONG’s R3SP Program Manager Chris Neuenfeldt.
Neuenfeldt, a registered psychotherapist and combat veteran himself, understands the need for the program and takes his position personally.
“I’m always excited to see how willing people are to open up,” said Neuenfeldt. “It goes against the perception that we don’t want to talk about our problems. We’ve had a lot of great success stories.”

A service member who needs help has a number of resources available via CONG’s R3SP webpage. For additional help, a Soldier or Airman should start by contacting Chris Neuenfeldt via email or the CONG’s R3SP Facebook page. Service members are also encouraged to contact either of the Directors of Psychological Health, Doug Bryan at 720-250-1562, or Victoria Howatt at 720-847-9438.

If you, or someone you know, who is or has served our country and is struggling, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you’re a veteran, press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. If you, or the person you know, would prefer to text instead of talking, send a message to VETALK at 838255 to be connected to a trained counselor. This program is free and confidential.