Veteran suicide prevention 
If you re a Veteran in a mental health crisis and you re thinking about hurting yourself or you know a Veteran who s considering this act now. You re not alone , and you can get help. 

How do I talk to someone right now? 
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one , connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7. To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night : Call 800 - 273 - 8255 , then select 1. Start a confidential Veterans chat. Text 838255. If you have hearing loss , call TTY : 800 - 799 - 4889. You can also : Call 911. Go to the nearest emergency room. Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn't matter what your discharge status is or if you're enrolled in VA health care. Find your nearest VA medical center 

Where can I turn for ongoing support? 


You can find ongoing support through VA to help you get your life back on track: 
Our specially trained suicide prevention coordinators available in each VA medical center across the country can help you get the counseling and services you need. Our Vet Centers can help you and your family readjust to life at home after you ve returned from serving in a combat zone. Our Veterans Benefits Administration offices can help you access benefits for disability compensation monthly payments, job training, home loans, and more. Find these and other resources near you 

You can also find information and support on our websites: 
Get information about suicide prevention and the support we offer. Visit our suicide prevention website Go to our Make the Connection website to get resources and watch stories of Veterans who ve overcome depression and other mental health challenges. Visit Make the Connection 

What are the signs that someone may be considering suicide? 
Many Veterans don t show any signs of an urge to harm t

user: I need help for a depressed vet

assistant: Do you know a Veteran who is considering suicide?

user: no, not that I know of but they are depressed and need help

user: Do you have help for someone who is back home and not doing well?

assistant: Yes we do, if you are a family member or friend of a Veteran who is having trouble adjusting to life at home, we can help. Our national Coaching Into Care program, our licensed psychologists and social workers will talk with you by phone, free of charge, to help you find your way around the VA system and figure out the best way to help the Veteran you care about

user: can you tell me how to talk to a kid about suicide?

assistant: Yes, we can give you tips for talking to children of different ages about suicide. We have info to talk to preschoolers, school-age children, and others

user: can you give me the signs that someone who is depressed might be thinking of doing something to hurt themselves?

assistant: Many Veterans don’t show any signs of an urge to harm themselves before doing so, but some may show signs of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or hopelessness.  They might also seem sad, depressed, or agitated most of the time.

user: and acting differently is a sign that something might be up?

assistant: Yes, they may change the way the act . They might start to do poorly in work or school and they might act violently or take risks

user: is there any place that I can go online to read more on this?

assistant: You can get more information on our websites, we have info on suicide prevention and the support we offer.  You can also go to the Make the Connection website to get resources and watch stories of Veterans who have overcome depression