Let’s talk about suicide prevention resources

When you’re in crisis, it can be hard to see a way forward. And when you get to that point, suicide may seem like the only option. It’s not.

Preventing Veteran suicide is VA’s top clinical priority, not only because we want to save lives, but also because we know it’s possible to prevent suicide.

The thought of getting support can be daunting if you’ve been suffering silently. But there are resources available and people who want to help you.

Where to start

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, having thoughts of suicide, or becoming self-destructive, the caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are ready to listen and help you make a plan to stay safe.

Day or night, you can call (dial 988, then press 1), chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat), or text (838255) to receive crisis support.

Support doesn’t have to end with your conversation. Responders can connect you with the resources you need, including your local suicide prevention coordinator who will contact you the next business day for continued help.

Remember: The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential. You decide how much information to share with responders. You also don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

VA and community resources are available

No matter what you’re experiencing, we’re here to connect you with support systems all over the country to help. And I don’t just mean resources within the VA system. To reach all Veterans, our public health approach to suicide prevention combines clinical interventions like evidence-based treatment and community-based strategies like Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs).

All Veterans and their loved ones can use the following VA and non-VA resources:

• VA Suicide Prevention: Explore suicide prevention resources to build networks of support among community-based organizations, VSOs, health care providers, and other members of your community that strengthen protective factors for Veterans.
• VA’s Resource Locator: This tool can connect you to the nearest resources within 10 miles from your ZIP code. Results will include the type of resource and its name, address and phone number, a link to its website, and the distance from the ZIP code you entered.
• VA’s repository of mental health resources, information, and data materials.
• Make the Connection: More than 600 Veterans and family members from across the country have shared their stories of strength and recovery. It only takes a few seconds to find a story just for you.
• Don’t wait. Reach out.: Get support designed specifically for you. Family members or friends can find resources for the Veterans in your life.
• National Resource Directory: The National Resource Directory connects wounded warriors, Veterans, service members, their families and caregivers to national, state, and local services and resources.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Behavioral Health Treatment Services: This tool, which is confidential and anonymous, allows people to search by ZIP code for local treatment facilities that focus on substance use/addiction and/or mental health issues.
• Mental Health America: Learn how mental health is a critical part of overall wellness and find out about prevention services, early identification and intervention, and integrated care, services and support.

Factors that help reduce suicide

Certain factors are associated with a decreased likelihood of suicidal behaviors. Knowing more about these can help you and your loved ones find ways to include them in your life. Factors that protect against suicide risk include:

• Access to mental health care
• Access to care for substance use disorders
• Feeling connected to others
• Sense of belonging and purpose through military service
• Spirituality
• Positive coping skills (such as keeping busy or focusing on a productive distraction, socializing, practicing positive thinking, mindfulness activities and other self-care behaviors)

Take the first step

Life can be challenging and coping with those challenges is stressful for anyone. But there are options. Reaching out for help is the first step on a journey of healing.

All Veterans can contact the Veterans Crisis Line for 24/7 crisis support: dial 988, then press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255. Find the hope you need.

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To read more stories on suicide prevention, visit VA News and Information.