When people talk about suicide, they tend to focus on the narrative that suicide is tragic, suicide is complex and there are still many things we don’t know about suicide. An often-overlooked aspect of the conversation is the importance of hope.
In this article, I want to “flip the usual script” and let you know that suicide isn’t the inevitable outcome if you’re going through a crisis. There are things you can do to decrease your risk of suicide and help lower the risk for Veterans.
By focusing on the idea that suicide can be prevented and there are options for Veterans facing challenges, we can help save lives. Read on to find six ways to help decrease suicide risk.
Understand that 24/7 support is available
No matter what you’re going through, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders are ready to listen and help, day or night. You can Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 to reach responders trained in military culture and crisis intervention. Whether you’re a Veteran or care about a Veteran, they can connect you with the resources and tools you need.
You’re not alone. Veterans and their supporters have reached out to the Veterans Crisis Line millions of times. You can, too.
Support doesn’t end after the call, chat or text. Afterward, you may be connected with your local suicide prevention coordinator (SPC) who will contact you the next business day for continued support.
Find the resources you need
SPCs are available in each VA medical center across the country and can connect Veterans to the counseling and services they need. Are you looking for clinical care or counseling? Assistance with benefits? No matter what you’re experiencing, we’re here to connect you with resources and support systems to help.
Use our resource locator to find VA medical facilities and benefits offices.
You can also check out VA’s app store to download free apps to help manage the stresses of daily life with PTSD, create a custom, step-by-step safety plan to stay safe when experiencing thoughts about suicide and access tools to help track and improve sleep.
Learn the steps involved in suicide prevention
VA S.A.V.E. Training provides information that will help you act with care and compassion if you come across a Veteran who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. The acronym S.A.V.E. helps you remember the important steps involved in suicide prevention:
Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized
Ask the most important question of all: Are you thinking of killing yourself?
Validate the Veteran’s experience
Encourage treatment and expedite getting help
Use free self-help tools
Our Veteran training self-help portal provides tools to help Veterans work on problem-solving, managing anger, developing parenting skills and more. The free tools are based on best practices that have been successful with Veterans and their families.
Prioritize your wellness
Many Veterans tend to help others before asking for support for themselves. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary to stay healthy.
Whether you need help with an everyday struggle or something more complicated, we have resources designed specifically for you. “Don’t wait. Reach out.” allows you to explore VA resources by category, like career, education, money, relationship and health challenges, feelings of depression or isolation, life transitions and experiencing grief or loss.
Connect with stories of help and hope
If you need support, it doesn’t mean you’re a burden. There are people who care about you and want to help. You, and your story, matter.
At MakeTheConnection.net, you can watch, read and listen to Veterans and their family members share real stories of strength and recovery. With 800 videos available, it’ll only take a few minutes to find a story you can relate to. You can also find useful information and local mental health resources and explore ways to show your support. If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, VA offers tools and resources to help keep you safe. Whether you’re a Veteran or concerned about one, we’re here for you whenever you need us, no matter what challenges you’re facing.
