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: Hi. My son is a veteran who just returned home to us, and he seems to be having trouble with adjusting to life at home again. I don't really know what to do to help him but I want to help him.

assistant: We can absolutely help to get you the support that you and your son need. Did you have any particular questions or needs that you would like to address?

assistant: It is your son who has veteran status, is that correct?

user: Yes, it's my son.

assistant: You can take advantage of our Coaching Into Care program. You can call toll-free and talk to licensed psychologists and social workers to help you and your son on your journey.

user: My son has attempted suicide in the past. My younger children know that something is different about him. But I don't know how to approach the topic with them without scaring them. Do you have any recommendations?

assistant: We have tips on how to approach that subject based on age level of who you are talking to. We even have age-appropriate tips for preschoolers and school-age children.

user: How would I talk to someone in the Coaching Into Care program?

assistant: To reach a coach, you can call 888-823-7458, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

user: Is there anywhere else I can go to read more information on my own?

assistant: Yes, we also have the Coaching Into Care website that has information, tips, and resources for Veterans and their family members. 

user: What if I have concerns that my son may attempt suicide again? Is there anyone I could talk to about that?

assistant: Your local VA medical center will have specially trained suicide prevention coordinators. And our Vet Centers can help you and your family help your son readjust to life at home again.