National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships
Support for Veterans Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts
Support for Veterans Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide prevention remains Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) number one clinical priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 45,979 suicides in the United States in 2020. Suicide risks affect numerous people in the U.S., but Veterans have substantially higher rates of death by suicide.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) – social, economic, and physical factors in the environments where people live, work, play, worship, and age – affect the health and wellbeing of individuals. Positive SDOH – opportunities for physical activity, socialization, employment, and food security – are connected to better health and quality of life for Veterans, which may help reduce the risk of death by suicide.
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Center for Health Care Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) collaborates with organizations to bring the best health care to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Partnerships such as MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger provide social support networks and assist with food and nutrition services to help prevent some of the risks associated with food insecurity, a negative SDOH. The partnership with Americans for the Arts supports Veterans with arts and humanities programming at local medical centers and community partner facilities. HAP and Salesforce Military have a partnership that gives Veterans access to employment opportunities and professional certification services. They also created a module that helps explain suicide risks for Veterans.
Knowing some of the warning signs can help you recognize when to seek assistance for your loved one or friend. Here are a few ways families and friends can support a Veteran in crisis, someone having thoughts of self-harm or thinking about suicide.
Start the Conversation
Sometimes, a conversation can provide the support a Veteran needs to feel cared for and valued in their journey toward healing.
If you notice changes in your loved one's behavior, it may be time to start a conversation about your concerns to let the Veteran know you care and that you’re ready to listen.
Let them know you’re listening
It may be a huge step for your loved one to speak openly about their feelings. Be encouraging and listen without judgment. Validate their feelings and be receptive to what they say.
Provide Helpful Resources
· PsychArmor is an essential resource for anyone looking to serve those who have served. They have a comprehensive library of free military culture educational resources, including free courses on suicide prevention.
o S.A.V.E. (Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage & Expedite) is a course offered on PsychArmor developed in collaboration with VHA that will help you understand the general problem of suicide in the United States, how to identify a Veteran who may be at risk for suicide, and information on what to do if you identify a Veteran at risk.
o What Is the Crisis Response Plan: An Introductory Course for People Who Support Veterans is another PsychArmor course that gives an overview of the Crisis Response Plan and how it can help Veterans and others who are at risk.
o Suicide Prevention and the Safe Storage of Firearms: Conversations for Everyone contains critical information about the safe storage of firearms.
· Veterans can get ongoing support through local VA medical centers , Vet Centers, or Veterans Benefits Administration offices (VBA) regional offices.
o VA medical centers: These centers offer a range of services, including services for mental health. Suicide prevention coordinators at each medical center are available to provide counseling and support.
o Vet Centers: Transitioning back to everyday life can be difficult and coming back home can be a huge adjustment. Vet Centers can help Veterans —and their families—adjust to life at home after they’ve returned from serving in a combat zone.
o VBA : These offices can help Veterans access benefits for disability compensation (monthly payments), job training, home loans, and more.
· VA offers a network of self-help support for Veterans.
o Find stories of hope from other Veterans and family members across the country.
o The Veteran Training portal distributes free tools to help Veterans overcome everyday challenges, such as problem-solving, anger management, parenting, and more.
o The VA provides free mobile apps that support mental health and wellness with tools and information to assist in managing symptoms and stress.
· The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7, all year long. The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors, and friends in crisis with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline. Just dial 988 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255.
Create a Safety Plan
· Veterans who are at risk of suicide should work with a loved one, trusted adviser, clinician, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator, or other mental health professional to create a safety plan — a list of steps to follow in case of an emergency. Encourage them to share their safety plans, so you can support them and know what to do during a crisis.
o This template will help develop an effective safety plan before or during a suicidal crisis. You can also contact a safety plan coordinator for help.
o VA’s Resource Locator will help you connect with local treatment centers, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators, and customized support programs.
Check in with the Veterans in your life and encourage them to reach out if they need help. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7.
