Suicide Prevention

Confidential help is here if you or someone you love is thinking about suicide.

If you are feeling distressed or hopeless, thinking about death or wanting to die, or if you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1 to talk to someone NOW) or visit online.

The caring professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Many of the responders are Veterans themselves and understand what Veterans and their families and friends have been through and the challenges many Veterans face.

Another resource is the Real Warriors Campaign: An initiative launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) to build resilience, facilitate recovery and support reintegration of returning service members, veterans and their families.

Resources:

1. Military Crisis Line1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live chat
   http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx
   https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/Resources/
   The Military Crisis Line and accompanying website offers proactive or crisis-level resources for active U.S. military personnel and veterans, such as local suicide prevention coordinators at VA Medical Centers, crisis centers, VA Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, Veterans Benefits Administration Offices, Vet Centers readjustment counseling and outreach. The crisis line counselors have effectively dissuaded a suicidal person from pursuing an active attempt, helping them put down a firearm, for example, and seek a local individual for help.

2. HelpGuide.org*
   HelpGuide.org is a non-profit website that highlights health issues. Its suicide prevention section is a comprehensive guide for effectively recognizing, preventing and treating suicidal behavior. Reading it and becoming alert to the signs could save a life.

3. Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury
   A military sponsored website that has suicide prevention videos posted that can help you prepare to speak to a friend or colleague.

4. IMCOM and MWR
   The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) website offers information about Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs.

*No official U.S. Army or Department of Defense endorsement implied by use of external links.