It's a theme every Airman can recite -- but many might find themselves at a loss as to how to help a fellow Airman in distress.

A guide published by the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program is now available to explain how to be a good “wingman.”

The Leader's Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress is a tool that "helps commanders, first sergeants and supervisors recognize distress-related behaviors and assist Airmen who demonstrate distress symptoms," said Maj. Jill Scheckel, chief of Air Combat Command's life skills branch.

Experts in the behavioral health field developed the guide, the major said. It addresses an important issue in the Air Force today: To maintain a healthy force, there is a need to recognize and implement intervention strategies for those experiencing increased stress.

"We know that emotional well-being, like physical well-being, can significantly impact work performance and health," Major Scheckel said. "In this sense, we need to ensure our most precious resource -- the human weapon system -- is maintained adequately."

The guide encompasses not only behaviors associated with distress -- like suicidal thoughts, depression, domestic violence and substance abuse -- but also significant life challenges. These include financial and legal problems and relationship difficulties, Major Scheckel said.

Overall, the guide covers 35 stress-related topics and provides checklists and recommended actions.

"It's a very comprehensive tool to assist each Airman in caring for his or her wingman," she said.

Major Scheckel hopes the guide will also stop the myth that seeking help ruins careers. Because, in many cases, delaying assistance is more likely to impede job performance.
Although the guide was initially developed for leaders, she said it is very useful for every Airman, regardless of whether they are supervisors.

"We each have a responsibility to initiate support when a fellow Airman is in distress," the major said. "It's really a community culture where every Airman must look out for his or her wingman."