Ever notice how superhero movies often follow the same storyline? The hero thinks they need superhuman powers to protect people, but it’s really their human qualities that ultimately save lives.
The same is true if you have a Veteran loved one going through a tough time or thinking about suicide. You don’t need to be able to leap tall buildings with a single bound or to cast spider webs from your wrists to help them. You just need to do the human thing and show that you care. Have empathy.
VA S.A.V.E. training is for everyday people to learn valuable ways to help Veterans who may be having thoughts of suicide or facing a crisis. You don’t need a medical degree or to be an expert to take this training. The only thing you need is a willingness to help Veterans.
What is VA S.A.V.E. training?
This training focuses on four steps that allow you to help a Veteran. The acronym S.A.V.E. provides a helpful way to remember the step-by-step instructions:
S: Know the signs that indicate a Veteran might be thinking about suicide.
A: Ask the most important question of all. “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
V: Validate the Veteran’s experience.
E: Encourage treatment and expedite getting help.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
Know the signs that indicate a Veteran might be thinking about suicide
At some point in life, everyone faces challenges that may be hard to endure or cope with. Sometimes, those challenges can lead to thoughts of suicide.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, or if you’re noticing any of the warning signs below, 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 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
- 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 use.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
The crisis signs below require immediate attention. If you or a Veteran you know is experiencing any of these, call 911 now:
- When asked, they express a desire to hurt or kill themselves.
- When prompted, they reveal they’re looking for ways to die by suicide.
- They talk about death, dying, or suicide.
- They begin to exhibit self-destructive behavior, such as increased drug or alcohol use, talking about obtaining/using weapons for self-harm, or saving up medication.
For more information about potential signs, check out the Veterans Crisis Line’s Signs of Crisis.
Ask the most important question of all. “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
Talking with someone about suicide can help them open up and consider accepting support. Here are some things to remember:
- Ask the question if you’ve noticed any of the warning signs discussed above.
- Ask in such a way that it’s natural and flows with the conversation.
- Don’t ask the question as though you’re looking for a “no” answer (“You’re not thinking of killing yourself, are you?”).
- Don’t wait to ask the question until they’re halfway out the door.
Learn more about how to talk with a Veteran in crisis with our Crisis Conversation Handout.
Validate the Veteran’s experience
It’s important to let the Veteran know you’re listening and to acknowledge their experience. Here’s how you can do that:
- Talk openly about suicide. Be willing to listen, allow the Veteran to express their feelings; make supportive, encouraging comments.
- Recognize the situation is serious.
- Don’t pass judgment.
Encourage treatment and expedite getting help
If a Veteran is having thoughts of suicide, remain calm and reassure them help is available. Remember:
- Don’t keep the Veteran’s suicidal thoughts or behavior a secret.
- Don’t leave them alone.
- Try to get the Veteran to seek immediate help from their doctor or nearest hospital.
- Call 911.
How to take VA S.A.V.E. training
VA S.A.V.E. Training is free, and anyone can take it online at learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save. If you feel like in-person training would be more useful, you can find your local VA suicide prevention coordinator at VeteransCrisisLine.net/LocalResources.
Suicide is preventable
You don’t need to be a superhero to prevent Veteran suicide. We all have the power to save a life.
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I am a US Army Warrior with 36 months of combat time. I have struggled with suicide ideation in my past. I graduated from Regis University with a BS in Clinical Psychology and from Newman university with a MSW in Clinical social work. I would love to learn and train to further help my fellow Brothers and Sisters..
v/r
Too much BS and and AI
I am interested in helping others but I want to point out a problem with the word “help” it suggests weakness. No amount of saying asking for help is brave will convince very many vets who are suffering to ask for help because what they need in INVESTMENT. I urge you to stop saying you are offering help but that you are offering investment in who they are and the talents they possess. I want to INVEST my time to help vets overcome a bad time. It’s easier to ask for investment than help. Maybe some really need urgent help, so that becomes the first the step to that investment. We convince these fine people that they are worth investing in that the vets they invest in will bring real tangible benefits to their communities. It’s about helping vets extending their service through investment. There has to be something beyond a doctors office in the minds of these folks. They need to envision a better future for all, not just the vet, but his or her community. This program could really amplify its usefulness by making this whole idea about investment in valuable people.
Help is often self serving so a person can feel good about themselves Help is what you provide to things which are pathetic, but investment is what you do when you think something has value. Framing help as investment could probably bring more people in and it begins with a statement that you already value the vet. Anyone who signed the dotted line to sacrifice their most precious of possessions, their life, just to defend others is proof positive of high value. Anyone who still serves even the spoiled ingrates who insult and denigrate veterans, and still serves with zero expectation of thanks shows the best of humanity. We need to invest in vets, not out of a sense of gratitude for their service, but because the qualities vets possess are the qualities for which you want to double down. And realize that the job isn’t done when a vet’s life is saved, the mission is just getting started.
very good information and reading material and very interested in going to training.
Interested in any knowledge of suicide prevention and PTSD
How does one join.
Great article. Good reading
Very important info for suvivors to survive
Why is the VA doing all of these efforts yet you failed me twice. You have spent millions of dollars since 2021 yet you are losing the battle. The data in your own VA Annual Suicide Report clearly documents a 30 percent increase in the ratio of the number of veteran suicides yearly compared to that year’s veterans alive. I have attempted for 2 years to get your organization to listen to veterans about being proactive. My suicide prevention team argued that the VA is making progress. My veteran’s experience office doesn’t want me to enter their office. I haven’t had a psychologist for 3 years. Have you ever looked in the magic mirror to ask what the VA is doing WRONG?
I’m glad to hear this. I would love to be of service to others. I’m a recovered alcoholic with over 50 years in the recovery process of Alcoholics Anonymous, which I believe is the greatest spiritual movement of our time. Has very little to do with alcohol but mostly looks at emotional disturbances which most of us have.
I would like to take the training, because I missed critical points of a fellow veterans conversation one day he did commit suicide not more than 2 hrs later
A well written and informative Topic.
Thank you!
John DIXON
Too bad they have failed veterans who are suicidal for the years 2001-2021. This is mostly smoke and mirrors to make Americans and veterans feel good about their effort. If you would like to know the reality of the success of the VA suicide programs and processes just ask me. I have had the education to analyze the data differently than VA analysts. The lack of progress is remarkable to me.
Patrick Howard, 22 year USAF retired Lt Col with a MS from the Air Force Institute of Technology, included statistical analysis coursework
At a Town Hall meeting last year, VA Secy. McDonough was asked why the VA was providing gender affirming surgery. He replied that it was because such veterans were committing suicide.
Many veterans have committed suicide on account of their lack of dental care. (Only 15% of veterans enrolled in VA Healthcare are eligible for dental care.) In some cases, it’s due to the pain. In others, it’s because of their appearance, causing a lack of esteem and/or difficulty in finding suitable employment.
The VA should treat dental care like the other medical specialties.
Suicide takes many forms. Alcoholism, drug OD’s, complications from toxic lifestyle (whatever that might be). These are all “cry’s for help,” in my humble opinion. But help should end with phone call merry go rounds and social workers who just send you emails or numbers. It’s called social “work.” Do your job, see the mission thru, help a veteran/save a veteran.
God Bless
Everyone should take this training. It’s not just about veterans, there are many others having mental problems that could get out of hand. I’m glad this training is offered.
But the VA suicide prevention program from 2001 to 2021 is an abyssal failure. If you would like the information from a unbiased view. Just ask me.
Patrick Howard, retired USAF Lt Col who has a MS from the Air Force Institute of Technology including classwork in statistical analysis
I am interested in this training because I can be of service to fellow veterans. I am a former volunteer from the Houston VAMC.