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 Suicide Prevention Military service members’ lives are generally very different from the lives of civilians. Service members may be subject to frequent relocations, overseas deployments, and stressful experiences related to combat and significant time away from their families. Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently, and while some have reactions that can be seen as normal responses to life events, others may experience signs or symptoms of more serious conditions, including depression, traumatic brain injury, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Those coping with more serious concerns may feel like there is no escape from their difficulties. Suicide is a serious public health concern, but is preventable. Reach Out for Support You are not alone. If you or a loved one needs immediate help, there are resources available to you. Military Crisis Line
            Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
            Psychological Health Resource Center24/7, free support for all service members and veterans.
            Dial 988, press 1
                Text: 838255
                Live Chat
                Web
            24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.
            Dial 988, press 1
                Live Chat
                Web
            24/7 support and assistance for service members, veterans and families.
            Call: 1-866-966-1020
                Live Chat
                Email
                Web To get help from the Military and Veterans Crisis Line outside the continental U.S. call: Europe: 844-702-5495 or DSN 988
    Pacific: 844-702-5493 or DSN 988
    Southwest Asia: 855-422-7719 or DSN 988 Recognize the Signs of Those at Risk If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, there may be cause for concern. Seek professional guidance right away if you or your loved one, co-worker or friend is: Thinking about hurting or killing yourself/themselves or others
    Experiencing excessive rage, anger, or desire for revenge
    Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means of harm
    Having feelings of anxiety, agitation, or hopelessness
    Talking or writing excessively about death, dying, or suicide
    Repeatedly reliving past stressful experiences
    Unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
    Experiencing uncharacteristic dramatic changes in mood or behavior
    Withdrawing from friends, family, or society
    Feeling there is no reason for living
    Engaging in significant alcohol or drug use
    Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
    Engaging in risky behavior, such as driving recklessly
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                            Spotlights (1) Publication
    Feb 9, 2024
    Mild TBI and Suicide Clinical Pearls            
    .PDF | 
                    914.90 KB
            The clinical pearls are a concise one-page document that serves as a quick reference for military clinicians treating service members with a mild TBI who may present with suicidal ideation.
    
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    Feb 5, 2024
    988: The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline            
    Woman in uniform talking on the phone. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Links to: https://www.health.mil/News/In-the-Spotlight/988
            988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
    
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    Jan 12, 2024
    Love, Death, and Regrowth            
    U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alex Briley, a perianesthesia technician assigned to the 673d Surgical Operations Squadron, poses for a portrait at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Briley uses her personal experiences to help advocate for improved mental health, suicide awareness, and resilience amongst service members. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)
            U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alex Briley met the love of her life shortly after arriving at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, her first duty station. After her husband died by suicide, her path to wellness wasn’t a quick or easy one, but she was able to find support in the people and resources around her.
    
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    Dec 4, 2023
    Department of Defense Works to Dispel Stigma of Seeking Mental Health Care            
    Department of Defense Works to Dispel Stigma of Seeking Mental Health Care
            A new Department of Defense policy recognizes the private nature of mental health care and is part of a larger DOD effort to reduce the stigma that is often associated with seeking help for mental health.
    
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    Nov 17, 2023
    Postvention Promotes Healing in Aftermath of Death by Suicide            
    Postvention Promotes Healing in Aftermath of Death by Suicide
            From our experts: Resources and advice for those left behind after a death by suicide
    
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    Nov 10, 2023
    988 Crisis Line: 1 Million Veterans, Service Members Called in a Year            
    988 Crisis Line: 1 Million Veterans, Service Members Called in a Year
            More than a million veterans, service members, and families have received help from the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline in its first year of existence.
    
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    Nov 8, 2023
    Defense Health Agency Leaders Discuss Suicide Prevention, Future of Military Medicine            
    Defense Health Agency Leaders Discuss Suicide Prevention, Future of Military Medicine
            The Department of Defense is committed to preventing suicide within our military by creating a supportive environment, improving delivery of mental health services, and reducing the stigma associated with asking for support.
    
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    Oct 2, 2023
    Suicide Care Prevention and Research Initiative at the Uniformed Services University Builds Interventions to Reduce Military Suicide            
    The Suicide Care, Prevention, and Research Initiative provides support for chaplains, spouses, military leadership, and other gatekeepers of service members. The program builds, scientifically tests, and implements suicide prevention programs by incorporating knowledge gained from service members who have died by suicide as well as those with suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors. (U.S. Army photo by Michele Wiencek)
            While numerous programs work to develop strategies to lessen the national suicide rate, a standout in the military community is the Suicide Care, Prevention, and Research Initiative at the Uniformed Services University.
    
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    Sep 29, 2023
    DOD Announces New Actions to Prevent Suicide in the Military            
    DOD Announces New Actions to Prevent Suicide in the Military
            On Sept. 28, 2023, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin released a memo directing urgent actions to address suicide in the military community, building upon two years of significant work towards suicide prevention across the Department of Defense.
    
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    Sep 28, 2023
    U.S. Military Departments Implement Brandon Act to Improve Mental Health Support            
    Brandon Act graphic
            Brandon Act improves the process for service members seeking mental health support.
    
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    Sep 25, 2023
    Suicide Prevention Resources That Can Help            
    Text reading, Every life lost to suicide is one too many.
            Resources on suicide prevention the entire military family can use.
    
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    Sep 19, 2023
    Virtual 5K Run Seeks 500 Participants to Help Raise Suicide Awareness            
    Participants take selfies after completing this year's virtual 5K run or walk. The Army Substance Abuse Program at Camp Zama, Japan, is currently holding the event to promote self-care and highlight resources in support of Suicide Prevention Month. (Courtesy photo)
            The Army Substance Abuse Program is currently holding a virtual 5K walk or run to promote selfcare and highlight resources in support of Suicide Prevention Month. Community members can participate in the run from anywhere until Sept. 30, and will receive a swag bag upon completion while supplies last.
    
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    Sep 15, 2023
    Preventing Suicide Through Social Connectedness            
    Suicide is a significant public health issue that impacts individuals, families, communities and society at large. Many risk and protective factors play an integral role in the prevention of suicide, including social connectedness, which occurs when people or groups are engaged in relationships that create a sense of belonging and being cared for, valued and supported. (Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen graphic illustration by Jason Embrey)
            Suicide is a significant public health issue that impacts individuals, families, communities and society at large. The issue is also tied to what the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vevek Murthy, called an “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” in a May health advisory that calls for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection.
    
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    Sep 8, 2023
    Hicks Underscores DOD's Commitment to Suicide Prevention            
    Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing vice commander, holds a sign reading, “You Matter” for Airmen entering the installation Sept. 9, 2022 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. This was part of the third annual Signs of Hope event during Suicide Prevention Month. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heather Heiney)
            The Defense Department remains relentlessly committed to the health and welfare of the total force, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said today as she recognized the people behind DOD's suicide prevention efforts.
    
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    Sep 7, 2023
    Dog Jog for Life: Unlocking the Power of Pets in Suicide Prevention            
    For Suicide Prevention Month, emphasize the importance of escorting individuals in need to the best available help, ensuring they receive the assistance they require. However, in our efforts to support human lives, we sometimes overlook a remarkable source of solace and strength—our pets.  (Photo By Russell Jordan)
            A U.S. Army public affairs officer highlights the importance of dogs in mental health while promoting "Dog Jog for Life," an event that embodies the spirit of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention at U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz. “Our dogs often understand our moods better than we do ourselves. They offer us empathy, share in our ...
    
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	988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
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    Defense Suicide Prevention Office
    Mental Health is Health
    Military OneSource
    Psychological Health Center of Excellence
    Real Warriors
    TRICARE Mental Health ResourcesFamily Advocacy Program ResourcesDomestic Abuse Victim Advocacy locatorgoes to DAVA website
    Information on FAPgoes to FAP info page
    Information on New Parent Support Programgoes to new parent support programClinician Corner Blogs988 A Lifeline for Mental Health Crisis Response - July 14, 2023
    Connecting with Patients for Conversations about Suicide - Sept. 22, 2022
    Beyond Mental Health: Talking with Commanders about Environmental and Non-Clinical Drivers of Suicide - Sept. 21, 2022*Read More Blogs*Evidence-based ResourcePHCOE: Suicide RiskClinical Support ToolsSafety Plan Worksheet (2020)
    Suicide Prevention: Risk Factors and Warning Signs for Family and Caregivers (2020)
    Crisis Response Plan (2020)Service Suicide Prevention Programs
	U.S. Army Suicide Prevention
    U.S. National Guard Suicide Prevention
    U.S. Navy Suicide Prevention
    U.S. Coast Guard Suicide Prevention
    Department of Veterans Affairs
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