If you’re in an immediate crisis and need to talk with someone, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-8255. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
Military suicide prevention is a top priority in all branches of service and the veteran community. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), in 2020, 564 active duty, Reserve, and Guard members committed suicide. In the first quarter of 2021, there were 115 suicides among members of the military.
The numbers are far greater in the veteran community. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2020 National Suicide Prevention Report states that in 2018, over 6,000 veterans committed suicide.
Prevention and normalizing reaching out for help are key to getting our fellow service members, veterans, and family members the support they need.
Military suicide prevention are resources, tools, and support to help service members and veterans in crisis. There are hotlines, chat and text services to talk with professionals and guides, and self assestment tools to aid struggling military community members.
Related podcast episode: What Everyone Should Know About Suicide Prevention
Here are resources and tools to help if you’re in need or know someone that needs support.
How to Identify Warning Signs
If you’re concerned for a friend or loved one and need help on how to navigate the situation. The Lone Survivor Foundation has a resource on how to identify warning signs and the action you can take.
Veteran Crisis Line also has a Signs of Crisis guide to give you some guidance.
Military Suicide Prevention Resources
Military OneSource (MOS)
MOS provides FREE, confidential counseling online or in person to military service members and their families. Read more here about the seven different types of counseling they offer.
Stop Solider and Veteran Suicide
There are resources for both service members and veterans at Stop Veteran Suicide and Stop Soldier Suicide.
Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
The VA’s suicide prevention website has resources and support for the veteran community. You can also get connected with local suicide prevention coordinators here.
More VA resources: Making the Connection
Other resources: How to Get Free Financial Help
Suicide Hotline Numbers
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you need to talk to someone, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 to call in. They offer free and confidential help from a licensed professional. You can reach them at 1-800-273-8255. Or you can send a text message to 838255 and receive support via text.
Lifeline Chat
Lifeline Chat is the online chat service for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It allows you to chat with professional counselors 24/7 for emotional support.
Veteran Crisis Line
The VA’s Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 and provides qualified responders from the VA.
Overseas Crisis Line Numbers
If you’re currently overseas and need to speak with someone, here are numbers for those areas.
- Europe: Call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118
- Korea: Call 0808 555 118 or DSN 118
- Crisis chat support is available internationally at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
Suicide Help and Other Resources
Resources are available far and wide to help with depression, anxiety, or any crisis. Here are additional resources
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is a service available to chat with you via text messages to help you through a crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States to get help.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
The AFSP offers local help and resources to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Project Semicolon
Project Semicolon is an organization that provides advocacy, education, support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. They are not military-affiliated but can be a resource to give you support. And also offer various self-assessment tools.
Lone Survivor Foundation Resource Guide
The Lone Survivor Foundation offers a detailed resource guide for the military community to find help, support and resources. You can find the entire list here.
If you need help, there are military suicide prevention resources out there. Not to mention people who want to help you. Find a resource you’re comfortable with and reach out to get whatever level of help and support you need.
Featured image by Johnny Saldivar
