Family matters. Friendship matters. Support matters. Every Veteran matters.
This September, Suicide Prevention Month encourages Veterans and their loved ones to focus on the things that give life meaning—the things that matter. Anyone who knows a Veteran can help.
Whether a Veteran has just returned home, or served years ago, their experiences remain with them. Their wounds might not be visible, but they need our attention. We can support Veterans who are dealing with challenges of all kinds; we’re in this together.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) urges groups and individuals nationwide to stay alert for signs of suicide risk in the Veterans they care about. If you’re concerned about the Veteran in your life, lending a hand doesn’t have to be hard. Just talking about it opens the door to finding support. The Veterans Crisis Line can help.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that Veterans and their families and friends can access any day, any time. Trained professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line—many of them Veterans themselves—are ready to listen, providing free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Since launching in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 890,000 calls and made more than 30,000 life-saving rescues.
VA counts on grassroots networks and community organizations to spread the word that support is just a call, click, or text away. It’s up to all of us to get educated, get involved, and take action to help Veterans access the support and care they deserve. Because one small act can make the difference.
The first step in preventing suicide is understanding the warning signs; people may show signs of risk before considering harming themselves. Warning signs include:
• Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out
• Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
• Feeling like there’s no reason to live
• Rage or anger
• Engaging in risky activities without thinking
• Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
• Withdrawing from family and friends
The presence of the following signs requires immediate attention:
• Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
• Looking for ways to kill yourself
• Talking about death, dying or suicide
• Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.
If you notice these warning signs, tell a Veteran about the Veterans Crisis Line, or make the call yourself. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 (TTY: 1-800-799-4889), chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
This Suicide Prevention Month, let our Veterans know they’re not alone, and they matter. Help them connect with the Veterans Crisis Line, where confidential support is always available.
Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to learn more.