COLUMBIA, S.C. - To mark September as national suicide awareness month, the South Carolina National Guard Suicide Prevention Program, part of the Service member and Family care directorate, hosted an inaugural Splash and Dash competition at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 12, 2015.
The event mirrored a mini-triathlon, featuring a teamwork adventure race starting with a two and a half mile run, followed by a one-mile paddle in kayaks, and concluding with a hard-hitting five mile mountain bike race over mud and rugged terrain.
“It was a grueling morning, but we were so pleased that more than 80 people chose to support this worthy cause,” said Lt. Col. Jim St. Clair, Resilience, Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention program officer-in-charge, South Carolina National Guard.
Competitors of every level accepted the challenge, ranging from first timers to more experienced athletes. Each team represented themselves with a unique team shirt, some even wearing the likeness of a loved one who was lost to suicide.
“We are so grateful for the hospitable park rangers and staff from Saluda Shoals,” said Staff Sgt. Leslie Krause, Resilience and Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention program manager. “The teams were also thrilled to have a special visit from State Command Sgt. Maj. Robert H. Brickley Jr.”
According to Krause, the adventure run was planned to recognize suicide awareness month because studies show physical fitness can bolster resilience by lessening pressures from stress, safeguarding against a range of mental health issues, protecting against emotional issues and enhancing overall health and wellness.
“Although exercise is not a solution by itself, exercise can be part of a comprehensive program to improve mental health as well as social connections and hopefulness,” said Krause.
According to the White House Conference on Mental Health from 1999, depression is the cause of over two-thirds of reported suicides in the U.S. each year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-34 year olds.
Lisa Charnock, Resilience and Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention program manager, encourages individuals who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, or who know of someone, to call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255). South Carolina National Guard members and families may also call the South Carolina National Guard Behavioral Health Care Line at 1-800-681-2558.
“Due to the overwhelming success and enthusiasm generated by this event, we are planning another Splash and Dash to raise awareness of suicide prevention next September,” said St. Clair. “Although September is the nationally designated suicide prevention awareness month, we should be vigilant and observant of our teammates all the time and look out for one another.”