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Mental Health

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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:

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

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Receive monthly emails about the latest mental health and suicide prevention resources and research from VA.

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