Suicide Prevention Month

The video is for anyone not just Veterans

It may help you understand more about suicide and what to do if you are feeling suicidal or know someone who is.

For Immediate Help, Call 24/7

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press "1"

How Common Is Suicide?

Suicide is always very tragic. It is hard to say exactly how many suicides occur.

Overall, men are more likely to die by suicide than women.

For example, from 1999-2010, the average suicide rate among U.S. males was 19.4 out of every 100,000, compared to 4.9 out of every 100,000 females. The difference in suicide rates between men and women is also true among Veterans.

Red Flags for to Know if Someone is Suicidal

• Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
• Hopelessness; feeling like there’s no way out
• Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
• Feeling as if there is no reason to live
• Feeling excessive guilt, shame, or sense of failure
• Rage or anger
• Engaging in risky activities without thinking
• Losing interest in hobbies, work, or school
• Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
• Neglecting personal welfare; a deteriorating physical appearance
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Showing violent behavior, like punching a hole in the wall or getting into fights
• Giving away prized possessions
• Getting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or writing a will

The following signs require immediate attention:

• Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
• Looking for ways to kill yourself
• Talking about death, dying, or suicide
• Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

What Can I Do?

If you are ever thinking about suicide and feel unsafe:

Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day.

Veterans, press "1" after being connected, to be routed to the Veterans Crisis Line.

Veterans can also chat live online with a crisis counselor to get help at any time of day or night. Go to Veterans Crisis Line.

The Veterans Crisis Line also responds to text messages. Send a text to 838255.

En Español 1-888-628-9454

Everyone feels down from time to time. If you have thoughts about hurting yourself, seek professional help. Many people who have thoughts of suicide also struggle with depression or with drinking or drug problems.

 

Someone I know is suicidal

You may come in contact with a family member, friend, or coworker who is thinking about suicide. When someone tells you they have these thoughts, you may feel scared and unsure what to do. It is even harder if the person tells you in secret and you feel pressure not to tell others.

If someone you know is thinking about suicide, this is a serious matter. It can be very hard to gauge the level of danger. A mental health professional is the best person to decide how much danger there is.

Stay calm and tell them about mental health options in the area.

Help them make the first call. Often the hardest part of getting treatment is making the first call to a mental health provider.

Remember the help that you are giving is saving a life.