Need Help?

• If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988  or chat 988lifeline.org
• To learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov.
• To locate treatment facilities or providers, visit FindTreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

 

You can help prevent suicide by reaching out!

1. 1. Learn about suicide signs and mental health crisis
   2. Start a conversation
   3. Spread the word about suicide prevention
   4. Volunteer and Join a community suicide prevention coalition
   5. Take or refer someone to the Crisis Quiz 
   6. Providers: learn how to work with Veterans

 

 

 

1. Learn to recognize the red flags of a crisis

Recognizing a crisis in yourself or those you care about can help you know when to find support.

A crisis which may require immediate attention: 

These signs require immediate attention. If you are or know someone experiencing any of these and need medical attention, call 911 now. For immediate help in dealing with a suicidal crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at:  Call 988 and Press 1      Chat online   Text 838255.

 

• • Someone is thinking or talking about intending to hurt or kill themselves.
  • They are looking for ways to kill themselves.
  • Talking about death, dying, or suicide with a plan 
  • Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse/overdose, weapons, etc.

 

The Warning Signs:

Many Veterans may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves before doing so, but some actions can be a sign that a person needs help. Veterans in crisis may show behaviors that indicate a risk of self-harm.

The following can all be warning signs:

• • Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
  • Hopelessness; feeling like there’s no way out
  • Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
  • Feeling as if there is no reason to live
  • Feeling excessive guilt, shame, or sense of failure
  • Rage or anger
  • Engaging in risky activities without thinking
  • Losing interest in hobbies, work, or school
  • Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
  • Neglecting personal welfare; a deteriorating physical appearance
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Showing violent behavior, like punching a hole in the wall or getting into fights
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Getting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or writing a will

REfer to the VeteranCrisisline.net for additional information

People can experience an emotional or mental health crisis due to a wide range of  situations. For some, it might be the end of a personal relationship. For others, it might be the loss of a job. For Veterans, these crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service. 

 

 

2. Start a Conversation

You don’t have to be an expert to talk to a Veteran facing challenges. You just need to show genuine care and concern. Here are some things to remember:

 

1. Don’t inject judgment or emotion in the conversation. Stay calm.
2. It’s okay to ask directly: “Are you thinking about taking your own life?”
3. Asking about thoughts of suicide doesn’t increase their suicide risk.
4. Remind them you are there for them.
5. Listen more than you speak—don’t dominate the conversation.
6. Let them decide how much to share.
7. Make supportive and encouraging comments, don’t ask invasive personal questions.

 

 

 

 

3. Spread the Word

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference—support Veterans by sharing or using the downloadable resources and information: Spread the Word | Veterans Crisis Line

 

 

 

4. Join a Wisconsin Suicide prevention Coalition in your area.

 

Follow the link at: Prevent Suicide Wisconsin and Find a Local Coalition

 

 

 

5. REfer someone that might be in a crisis to Take a Self-Check Quiz.

Crisis, stress, depression, and other issues affect people in different ways. If you feel like you might be heading toward a crisis, treatment can help. Take a confidential, anonymous risk assessment to see how you might benefit from VA or community-based services.

Take the quiz

 

 

 

6. If you Are a medical or mental health provider, you can learn about military culture and working with Veterans.

 A. Follow this link to learn how to: Ask About Military Experience

B. Exercises for Providers

For a closer look at your own perceptions, expectations and biases as a provider working with Veterans, consider asking yourself some questions as well. The following cultural competency exercise and checklist were created especially for health care professionals as part of VA and the Department of Defense’s Integrated Mental Health Strategy:

• • Military Culture Self-Awareness Exercise
  • Culturally Competent Behaviors Checklist
  • Cultural Vital Signs Checklist
  • Check out the site: Making the Connection, to learn about Veteran culture.