Preventing Veteran and caregiver suicide

VA prioritizes preventing suicide among all Veterans, including those who may never seek care within the VA health care system. Veterans and their caregivers face unique challenges, but they don’t have to navigate them alone. VA Suicide Prevention is built upon three core tenants: suicide is preventable, suicide prevention requires a public health approach and everyone plays a role.

What is suicide prevention? 

Suicide prevention involves a range of strategies aimed at reducing the risk of suicide. While suicide is preventable, effective prevention requires action across various levels: individual, relational, community and societal. VA and the Caregiver Support Program (CSP) recognize the crucial role caregivers play in a Veteran’s life, considering them essential partners in their care. They also recognize that caregivers may experience thoughts of suicide and prevention efforts must include caregivers.

By staying informed about suicide prevention, caregivers can be pivotal in helping Veterans navigate crises and accessing necessary support for themselves and the Veterans they care for.

Benefits of suicide prevention education

• Guidance on life-saving actions: Suicide prevention education equips caregivers with the knowledge and tools necessary to take immediate, potentially life-saving action. 
• Recognition of risk and protective factors and warning signs: Knowing the warning signs of suicide can help caregivers identify when a Veteran is in distress and intervene early. 
• Support for suicide prevention needs: With the right tools, caregivers can assist Veterans in accessing the suicide prevention support they need, potentially preventing a crisis before it escalates. 

“Veterans and their caregivers face unique challenges, but they don’t have to navigate them alone. By staying informed about suicide prevention, caregivers can make a significant difference in the lives of the Veterans they care for,” said CSP Executive Director Dr. Colleen Richardson. “CSP and VA are committed to providing the resources and support necessary to help both Veterans and caregivers lead healthy, fulfilling lives.” 

Programs and resources to help caregivers prevent suicide

• Veterans Crisis Line:  If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 and then Press 1.

• VA S.A.V.E. Training for Caregivers equips caregivers with useful tools for suicide prevention, focusing on four key actions: Spot the Signs, Ask the Question, Validate the Veteran and Encourage/Expedite Treatment. This interactive training is provided by CSP staff for caregivers participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers or enrolled in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services.
  
  This training includes information on caregiver risk for experiencing suicidal thinking, as well as evidence-based treatments, resources and supports available to caregivers. It includes supported practice for caregivers to “Ask the Question” and to start conversations about securely storing firearms and other lethal means. Learn more online.
  
• PsychArmor.org offers free online courses related to both Veteran and caregiver suicide prevention.

• You can also contact your local suicide prevention coordinator for in-person training.

• VA Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Caregivers provides comprehensive information on suicide prevention and evidence-based treatments for mental health and substance use disorders. This toolkit is an invaluable resource for caregivers, offering tools to support Veterans in crisis while also helping caregivers maintain their own wellbeing.

About the Caregiver Support Program

The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Veterans’ caregivers by offering education, resources, support and services. Every VA medical center has a team that provides essential information and resources to ensure caregivers remain informed and supported as they care for Veterans. More information can be found on CSP’s website or by contacting local CSP teams.