Suicide Prevention Resources For Military & Veterans
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently. While some have reactions that can be seen as normal responses to life events, others may experience signs or symptoms of more serious conditions.” When life gets overwhelming, some don’t realize they can seek help, and that it’s not necessary to struggle alone.
“It is important to seek help if you’re concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing mental illness. Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being, yet mental illness affects millions of people worldwide” according to VA.gov. And for military communities there is a wide range of options to get support and services during a mental health crisis or during times when suicidal feelings begin to occur.
List of Suicide Prevention Resources
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7 call, text, and online crisis support resource for veterans and active-duty service members. Once contacted, the trained responder will work with you to ensure the safety of all involved and help you in any way they can. This is a service for all veterans, even those not enrolled in VA healthcare.
Even if the crisis does not involve thoughts of suicide, the responder will always listen to what you decide to share with them to assist. After the call, text, or online conversion, the responder will connect you with a local medical center to ensure continued support is provided.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA’s online programs provide resources on mental health and addiction. By offering links to find a local mental health person of contact, facilities in the surrounding area, and health programs or support groups, the VA offers help anywhere. Additionally, the VA provides resources for people who may be in contact with veterans or service members in crisis, such as university professors and family members.
7CupsofTea
7 Cups of Tea allows people to converse with trained volunteers and paid professionals at no cost. Holding scheduled online group sessions daily, as well as 24-hour one-on-one conversations with real people, all service members or veterans can get anonymous help covering a range of issues they may be experiencing.
Smart Recovery
Smart Recovery is another free online resource for addiction and recovery support. Once registered, service members or veterans can attend over 40 weekly recovery meetings on topics ranging from eating or mood disorders to substance abuse. Military-specific forums allow active-duty service members and veterans to talk to people in a similar line of work.
Real Warriors
Real Warriors offers resources for suicide prevention, addiction recovery, and a great range of other trials that the service member or their family might encounter. With Real Warriors, people are able to obtain the prevention tools they need to better support their families and community all in one place.
Using these resources, individuals, as well as families and professional groups can understand the causes and risk factors associated with poor mental health and substance abuse.
Additional Underlying Symptoms for Military
Along with the non-military related risk factors such as stress, poor sleeping habits, and misusing drugs and alcohol, service members often have underlying symptoms that are overlooked as well.
Serving in combat or a similar capacity, regardless of duration, can be a major risk factor that the service members experience. Due to an unusual amount of physical and mental stress, service members and veterans are more likely to abuse substances to alleviate the trauma that is not seen, such as traumatic brain injuries or PTSD.
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