The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) collaborates with the Department of Defense to empower communities to take action to support our Nation’s Service members and Veterans year-round and especially during Suicide Prevention Month in September.
Each community across the county plays a role in supporting Service members and Veterans. You don’t need to have special training to support the Service members and Veterans in your life who may be going through a difficult time in life. Preventing suicide begins with just the willingness to Be There.
When you sense that a Service member or Veteran is not doing well, your words can help. Keep in mind: Asking questions about thoughts of suicide does not increase a person’s suicide risk. An open conversation can help someone feel less alone and let others in to the Service members or Veteran’s experience – and feeling connected is shown to reduce suicide risk.
For more information about suicide prevention, visit www.va.gov or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 Press 1. Confidential crisis chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255.