Special Report: Suicide Prevention 2017

The Military Crisis Line, online chat and text-messaging service is confidential and free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to all service members, including members of the National Guard and reserve, veterans and their families. Speak confidentially with a trained, caring Veterans Affairs responder, and get connected to services that can make a difference.

The Defense Department BeThere Peer Support Call and Outreach Center provides targeted help for any area of life to active duty, National Guard and reserve members and their families. The call and outreach center is staffed by veterans and military spouses and is available 24/7/365 by phone, text or live chat.

Seek Help Immediately

If you’re thinking of hurting yourself,
looking for ways to kill yourself,
or becoming self-destructive
don’t continue to face it alone.
Contact Military Crisis Line Immediately.

Identify the Warning Signs

Hopelessness, feeling like there's no way out
Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, mood swings
Feeling like there is no reason to live
Rage or anger
Engaging in risky activities without thinking
Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
Withdrawing from family and friends

Stories

Suicide Prevention Programs

"Once you reach out and you're willing to get some help, I think from there on it starts getting easy."

Military/Veterans Crisis Line#BeThere

When veterans need help they can call the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Crisis Hotline and one operator is a veteran himself. When Jeffery Swafford left the Air Force he wanted to find a way he still help. The Veterans Crisis Hotline is open to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and is completely confidential.

"Hey, we're always here, you can call us. It doesn't matter if it's 2 o'clock in the morning. We're here to talk. We're here to help."

Military/Veterans Crisis Line

Whether you have a minute or an hour, a simple act of kindness can help someone feel less alone. The U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense have created a video to show how small actions can have a huge impact on Veterans and Service members who might be going through a difficult time. “Be There: Help Save a Life” features actual Veterans and Service members talking about the small actions by friends and family that made a big difference to them. This video emphasizes that preventing suicide doesn’t require a grand gesture or complicated task.

VA has built the Nation’s largest, most comprehensive mental health care and suicide prevention program to end Veteran suicide. This integrated effort connects Veterans and their families with services and support across VA through VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers, outpatient clinics, and Suicide Prevention Coordinators. Learn more about the resources available to Veterans and Service members in crisis, and their friends and families, at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

“It took me from feeling really depressed, to feeling like somebody cared to give me some hope. Just that one text.”

#BeThere

“I’m good. But are you ready to listen?” Listen to the service member or veteran in your life.

#BeThere

Defense Suicide Prevention Office

The Defense Suicide Prevention Office provides advocacy, program oversight and policy for the Defense Department's suicide prevention, intervention and postvention efforts to reduce suicidal behaviors in service members and their families to increase the readiness of the force. More

Message From Keita Franklin, Director

Blogs

The five signs that may mean someone is in emotional pain and might need help.

Suicide Prevention: How to Recognize the Warning Signs

President Donald J. Trump prepares to sign the executive order at the White House

President Signs Executive Order for Veteran Support

Veterans Affairs Resource Locator

Find localized help and support getting your life back on track, no matter where you are or what you are experiencing. More

Virtual Hope Box

The Virtual Hope Box is a smartphone application. It contains simple tools to help patients with coping, relaxation, distraction and positive thinking. It provides personalized, supportive audio, video, pictures, games, mindfulness exercises, positive messages and activity planning, inspirational quotes, coping statements and other tools. More

Help for Hearing Impaired

1-800-799-4889 (Text Telephone)

Speak confidentially with a trained, caring Veterans Affairs responder and get connected to services that can make a difference. Chat online or text with a VA responder to receive instant anonymous support. Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals using TTY can call 1-800-799-4889. More

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is the public-private partnership advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. More

Military OneSource

Military OneSource provides comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and reserve component members and their families. Find helpful resources, products, articles and tips on numerous topics related to military life. More

SAMHSA National Registry of Evidenced-Based Programs and Practices

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. More