FORT HOOD, Texas — A 2021 report from Brown University found suicide rates among active military personnel and veterans of the post-9/11 wars are reaching new peaks, outpacing rates of suicide for the general population.

According to the CDC, strategies to prevent suicide include creating protective environments, teaching problem-solving skills and supporting people at risk.

The “Value of Life” training recently launched at Fort Hood. 

Sgt. Jasmine Prophete participated in a recent training.

Although Prophete is proud of her achievements, sometimes she feels down.

“I deal with depression a lot, but it’s more like up and down,” Prophete said. “So, like every two weeks, I’ll get in like this dark hole. And I’ll have to climb my way out.”

A couple of years in the making, a new intervention and prevention program has officially launched at Fort Hood called “Value of Life.”

“They talked about work life balance,” Prophete said.

“Value of Life” training is all about improving connections between soldiers and leaders, hoping to help a fellow teammate before they reach a crisis.

Staff Sgt. Stephen Kirkpatrick led one of the recent training sessions. 

He says they focus on promoting life. 

“And when you initially see something, there’s already a positivity,” Kirkpatrick said. “And it’s not related to something that’s maybe more... negative or grim.”

If you or someone you know has had suicidal thoughts, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.