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: Hello, I came here to learn about suicide prevention for veterans.

assistant: Are you a Veteran in a mental health crisis and you're thinking about hurting yourself or do you know a Veteran who's considering this act now?

user: No, thankfully not. I'm just here to learn about this service, should I need it at some point.

user: Am I the only one who has problems sleeping since my last combat mission? Sometimes it feels this way.

assistant: You're not alone, and you can get help.

user: I don't want these memories to haunt me, I really don't. Can you tell me about suicide risks and warning signs?

assistant: Of course, on our page you can learn about common suicide myths and realities, Veteran-specific suicide risks, and warning signs. You'll also learn to recognize when to ask for help.

user: What signs? What should I watch out for?

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, like seeming sad, depressed, anxious, or agitated most of the time.

user: Can you help me get back into my everyday life somehow? Like I said, the last mission has changed me. I'm having trouble going back to a normal life.

assistant: Yes. Through our national Coaching Into Care program, our licensed psychologists and social workers will talk with your family members by phone, free of charge, to help them find a way around the VA system and figure out the best way to help all of you.

user: So this service is mainly for those living with me?

assistant: Yes, we can help and support them as well.