Veterans: Reach Out for support when you need it

Suicide Prevention Month, held each September, is a good time to remember Veterans don’t have to go through anything alone. Reach Out. Resources are available this month and all year to help you face life challenges.

This year’s Suicide Prevention Month theme, Reach Out, reminds Veterans to take a moment and reach out for support when you need it.

Here are some ways you can reach out now to prevent a crisis later:

• Call, text, or email a friend or family member to ask for support through a tough time. You can find ways to get started on gov/SPM.
• Connect with a fellow Veteran to talk about what you’re going through.
• Use these resources:
  • VA Solid Start: Qualified Solid Start representatives will call you three times in your first year of separation to walk you through the benefits available to you.
  • MyVA411: Veterans, their families and caregivers can call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) to easily access information on VA benefits and services.
  • 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 you can relate to.
  • VA Mental Health: VA’s repository of mental health resources, information and data materials.
  • Self-Check Assessment: People cope with stressful situations in different ways. This confidential, anonymous risk assessment can show if stress and depression are affecting you.
  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can get free, confidential support through the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. Call or chat online 24 hours a day, seven days a week to reach trained counselors ready to help. You don’t have to be registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.

Life challenges can be overwhelming but you don’t have to go through them alone.

Take a moment to visit REACH.gov/SPM and learn about the resources available to you year-round.