How to Identify Suicide Risk and Help a Veteran in Need

A veteran commits suicide every 80 minutes, according to a study cited by the Huffington Post. In response to continually high rates of depression and suicide among veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs has announced expansions to its crisis line services.

The crisis line gives veterans (and the veteran's family and friends) confidential access to a concerned and qualified responder. These responders are professionals who have been trained to help veterans of all ages and circumstances who are in emotional distress. In its five years of operation, the Veteran's Crisis Line has helped more than half a million veterans. More than 18,000 life-saving rescues have resulted from use of its services.

There are three ways to contact the Veteran's Crisis Line:

1. Call the toll-free hot line at 1-800-273-8255. Press 1.
2. Send a text message to 838255.
3. Chat online.

All three of these services are available 24/7/365 to assist veterans and their friends and family.

Even if you don't think that you or your veteran are depressed or at risk of suicide, it is always wise to know the symptoms of depression and the signs of suicide risk. If you are or know a veteran who is showing ANY warning signs, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Veteran's Crisis Line immediately.

Signs of depression/suicide risk include:

• Chronic sadness and clinical depression
• Loss of interest in activities including hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Trouble sleeping and eating that doesn't go away or gets continually worse
• Anxiety
• Self-neglect
• Withdrawing from people and activities
• Sleeping all the time
• Frequent/dramatic mood swings
• Excessive guilt or shame, feelings of failure
• Hopelessness
• Acting like they have a "death wish" (engaging in risky or reckless behavior)
• Violent behavior and uncontrolled anger
• Giving away treasured possessions, making a will, putting affairs in order

If you are unsure if you or your veteran really needs help, the VA also offers a confidential self-check quiz that can help evaluate your condition.

Veteran suicide is a very serious issue and should never be taken lightly. Do not ignore the warning signs, because once suicide happens it's too late.

New Site Offers Job Opportunities, Benefits Advice and More to Veterans & Servicemembers

Connect with other veterans and veteran supporters on the new veteran portal at VeteranCentral.com. This site gives users access to a social media network, job bank, and "buy veteran" PX.

Veteran Central was created in response to the dramatic suicide rates among US servicemembers and veterans. The goal of the site is to connect servicemembers and veterans with a support network. According to the About Us page, the purpose of Veteran Central is "to develop a one stop support structure that would centralize efforts to alleviate these challenges including: improving community support, providing Veterans employment opportunities, and collecting programs and services from across the government and private sectors in one, easy to access location."

Sign up at VeteranCentral today to connect with these wonderful resources.

The Crisis Line: A 24/7 Service

Good morning!

Last week was National Suicide Prevention week. Although I am late in sharing this information, I hope that it may be useful to you if/when you need it.

The Army Times estimates that 18 veterans commit suicide each and every day. This is such a tragedy! Each and every life has meaning, and there is hope for each and every veteran.

If you or a veteran you know is ever struggling with severe depression, thoughts of suicide or severely harming oneself or others, please call  the VA’s Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. This will connect you with friendly, helpful people who will do everything they can to help you. Don’t suffer alone—please, please call the wonderful people at the VA Crisis Line who can help you through your times of struggle. They are trained and experienced in assisting veterans. Since 2007, the Crisis Line has answered approximately 500,000 calls and made more than 16,000 rescues.

Another way to connect with the VA Crisis Line is through their 24/7 online chat.

Here are some warning signs that may warrant a call to the crisis line:

·         Hopelessness

·         Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, mood swings

·         Feeling like there’s no reason to live

·         Rage, anger

·         Thoughtlessly engaging in risky activities

·         Increasing alcohol/drug use

·         Withdrawing socially

If you notice any of the following signs, call the line immediately.

·         Thinking about hurting/killing yourself

·         Looking for ways to kill yourself

·         Talking about death, dying or suicide

·         Self-destructive behavior

You do not have to be a veteran to call on behalf of a veteran. Friends and family members are encouraged to call.

For more information, check out this link.

Do you have any questions, comments or concerns about the Crisis Line, or anything else? Please leave a comment below!