The global observance focuses on suicide prevention
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is joining organizations, communities, leaders and mental health professionals to observe World Mental Health Day Oct. 10.
This year’s theme is ‘mental health promotion and suicide prevention,’ and VA is urging all Veterans, service members, family and friends to learn about the resources and support available for those experiencing signs or symptoms of a mental health condition and to help prevent suicide among Veterans.
“Suicide prevention is VA’s top clinical priority,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “As I’ve noted previously, this requires an all-hands on deck comprehensive approach. Encouraging communities to engage and participate in awareness activities is a critical element in our public health strategy to reducing Veteran deaths by suicide.”
Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide somewhere around the world. VA and the World Federation of Health Mental Health (WFMH) want everyone to know that mental health treatment is effective, recovery is possible, and suicide is preventable.
Join VA and the WFMH in taking 40 seconds for action. Your actions may provide the encouragement a loved one needs to seek help or even help prevent a suicide attempt. Here are a few ways to participate:
- Explore the Veterans Crisis Line and suicide prevention links to learn about the many ways you can be there for a Veteran in need and more information.
- Visit MakeTheConnection.net to watch videos of over 500 Veterans — from every service era and branch — share their stories of coping with major life events, overcoming mental health challenges and finding a new sense of purpose. Then, share one of these inspiring stories with a Veteran loved one.
- Check out MentalHealth.va.gov for information and resources on a variety of mental health topics and conditions, including suicide risk, anxiety, depression and more.
- Connect with Coaching Into Care, a free telephone service for family members, friends and loved ones of Veterans who may need mental health support. The hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 888-823-7458 to get started.
If you are a Veteran in crisis or are concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line is here to help. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online.
Learn more about VA’s mental health programs and resources.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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