By The Wingman Project
Can you name one thing Batman, Fred Flintstone, Ferris Bueller, Laverne DeFazio and Han Solo all have in common?
They all have dedicated Wingmen who are there to help them through times good and bad. Whether it’s Chewbacca saving Han Solo from the Imperial Navy, or Robin always making sure Batman has someone by his side to fight the Joker, these Wingmen play a crucial role in the safety and wellbeing of their partners.
But how can having a Wingman help your mental health? As it turns out, you don’t need to be fighting off villains to need a Wingman. In fact, some of the greatest benefits of Wingmanship occur because of the mutual dedication you and your Wingman have to one another to keep each other safe and in good spirits. This means checking in with each other, sharing the good times, helping each other through struggles and always watching out for signs of depression or suicide when things get tough.
Here are a few ways that you can be a better Wingman to a friend in need:
Learn the ACE suicide intervention method. If you ever suspect your Wingman might have suicidal thoughts, you’ll be prepared with this intervention method. ACE stands for Ask, Care, Escort.
- Ask. First, have the courage to ask directly: “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
- Care. Then, care for your Wingman. Intervene. Stay calm. Control the situation. Actively listen. Remove any means for self-injury.
- Escort. Finally, be an escort; get the person to a primary care provider, chaplain, or other healthcare professional. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or 911. You can learn more about ACE on the Wingman Project website.
* Check in with your Wingman on a consistent basis. If you live close to one another, visit with your Wingman often and talk with them about whatever is going on in his or her life. If you live further away, call or email your Wingman often to check in with them. The Wingman Project mobile app can help you stay in touch.
* Encourage your Wingman to reach out to you for support. If they know they can count on you to listen or lend a hand when they need you, they’re more likely to return the favor for you if needed.
* Take steps to protect your own mental health. The healthier you are mentally, the more prepared you’ll be to help a Wingman in need. This might mean keeping a journal, getting more regular exercise, reducing highly processed foods and sugars in your diet, or trying out relaxation techniques such as like deep breathing, yoga or meditation.
Being a Wingman encourages you to be healthy and happy while helping others to be the same. To learn more about being a Wingman, visit the Wingman Project website or Facebook page.
The Wingman Project is the Air National Guard’s suicide intervention organization.
