ICYMI: VA Instagram “taken over” for Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month and VA’s Suicide Prevention Program is reaching out to Veterans, Servicemembers, families and the larger Veteran community through a number of social media channels and events throughout the month.  On Wednesday, VA’s Instagram page was taken over by the suicide prevention program staff, with posts highlighting ways for you to #BeThere for the Veterans and Servicemembers in your life.

Here’s what VA’s Instagram followers saw throughout the day.

September is #SuicidePrevention Month, and VA’s Office of Suicide Prevention is taking over VA’s Instagram account today. We can all play a role in preventing Veteran suicide. Visit the link in our bio to learn how you can #BeThere for #Veterans in crisis.

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Sep 7, 2016 at 5:44am PDT

No matter what #Veterans and Servicemembers may be going through, there are resources that can help. Learn the signs of crisis so you’ll know how to step in and find local support in a time of need. #BeThere for them.

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Sep 7, 2016 at 6:43am PDT

Even if you have only a minute, a simple act of kindness — like sending a text message — can help someone feel less alone. Visit the link in our bio to learn how you can #BeThere for #Veterans and Servicemembers during #SuicidePrevention Month.

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Sep 7, 2016 at 7:54am PDT

Take time to learn about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources available to #Veterans and Servicemembers who may be in crisis. #BeThere during #SuicidePrevention Month (and every month) and connect someone you care about with support.

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Sep 7, 2016 at 10:16am PDT

Are you a #Veteran or Servicemember? #BeThere for your buddies during #SuicidePrevention Month, and every month, by calling to check in with them. Go to the link in our bio to learn other simple ways to show you care.

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Sep 7, 2016 at 12:22pm PDT

Small acts of kindness can help someone who’s going through a tough time feel less alone. Something as simple as sending a care package can make a huge difference. #BeThere

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Sep 7, 2016 at 12:59pm PDT

There are many ways to #BeThere for the #Veterans and Servicemembers in your life. Simple, everyday actions like connecting with a friend over coffee can help someone you care about feel less alone. Go to the link in our bio to learn more.

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Sep 7, 2016 at 2:11pm PDT

Want to support Veterans in your life during #SuicidePrevention Month, but don’t know where to start? Look for ways to volunteer in your community and spread the word that no matter what someone is going through, resources will #BeThere to help. Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

A photo posted by Department of Veterans Affairs (@deptvetaffairs) on Sep 7, 2016 at 4:04pm PDT

Be sure to join us for other events during September:

• Join a Facebook Q&A with Dr. Caitlin Thompson, VA’s executive director for suicide prevention  on Friday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m., Eastern time. You can find the event here.  
  
• On Monday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., VA and Got Your Six are hosting a Twitter chat.  Join the conversation using the hashtag #BeThere4Veterans and find out how you can play a role in preventing suicide.
• This month we’re also partnering with American Women Veterans for a Facebook chat on suicide prevention for #WomenVets. Join us on Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. ET to learn about programs available through VA and to get your questions answered by VA experts. Sign up for event reminders at explore.va.gov/events.

You can also learn more at VeteransCrisisLine.net/BeThere and you can follow VA on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/deptvetaffairs/.