Suicide Prevention - Mental Health
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Suicide Prevention
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:
- Dial 988 then Press 1.
- Start a confidential chat.
- Text 838255.
- If you have hearing loss, call TTY: Dial 711 then 988.
Overview
VA’s top clinical priority is preventing suicide among all Veterans
Suicide has no single cause and no one approach can end it—but prevention is possible, especially when Veterans find support before a crisis happens.
VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and the White House’s national strategy to reduce military and Veteran suicide focus on clinical interventions and community-based outreach prevention strategies. That means everyone—friends, relatives, caregivers, community members, and health care providers―has a role to play in keeping Veterans safe and healthy. This whole-of-community approach to preventing suicide can be seen in VA-lead programs and initiatives, such as the Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members and the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
We’re committed to offering and continuing to build a range of resources and a network of support for all Veterans, including those who do not, and may never, seek care within the VA health care system. No matter how you served, no matter what you're going through, support is available and there is hope.
- Prevention: Find suicide prevention resources.
- Coping & Support: Explore ways to heal after an attempted suicide or the loss of a loved one by suicide.
- Data: Read the latest National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.
Find Support
Learn the Signs of a Crisis
Every Veteran is different, and many may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves. But some actions and behaviors can be signs that they need help.
Find 24/7, Confidential Crisis Support for Veterans and Their Loved Ones
The end of a personal relationship. The loss of a job. Everybody faces difficult times in life, and people cope with stressful situations in different ways. When emotional issues reach a crisis point, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect with caring, qualified responders: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text (838255).
Connect with Local Support
Are you looking for clinical care or counseling? Assistance with benefits? No matter what you’re experiencing, we’re here to connect you with resources and support systems to help. Plus, each VA medical center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator to connect you with the counseling and services needed. Find your local suicide prevention coordinator here.
Take Action
- Learn how to talk with a Veteran in crisis: If a Veteran you care about is going through a difficult time or having thoughts of suicide, you’re probably worried and confused. You want to help but may be scared you could make things worse—the only wrong thing to do is to do nothing. Now is the time to act. You can begin by learning the signs of crisis and how to start a conversation with the Veteran.
- Spread the word about Veteran suicide prevention: You can support Veterans even more by sharing or using downloadable resources and information, including sample social media posts, newsletter content, graphics, flyers, and fact sheets.
- Locate the services you need: Whether you need emergency medical care, employment assistance, or housing or financial-related services, or you’re looking for information for women Veterans, LGBTQ+ Veterans, or Veteran caregivers, we have resources tailored to you.
- Find stories of hope: Make the Connection features stories of hope and recovery from Veterans like you. Watch Veterans and their family members share real stories of strength and recovery and find useful information and local mental health resources.
- Explore additional resources: You can turn to VA for almost anything, including evidence-based treatments for substance abuse, insomnia, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and couple’s therapy; parenting resources; safety resources; and understanding suicide loss.