How Family and Friends Can Help Veterans with Suicide Prevention and Resources Available

The MIND 24-7 Team | September 11, 2024

Veterans face unique challenges when returning to civilian life after their service. The transition from military to civilian life can bring about feelings of isolation, stress, and unresolved trauma. Veterans may face higher suicide risk and struggle with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to suicide. Family and friends play a critical role in supporting veterans and can be instrumental in preventing suicide. Here’s how you can help the veterans in your life through suicide prevention.

Understanding the Risk Factors for Veterans

Veterans are exposed to experiences and stressors during their service that increase their vulnerability to mental health issues and suicide. Some key risk factors specific to veterans include:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many veterans experience PTSD as a result of exposure to combat, violence, or other traumatic events. PTSD can lead to intrusive memories, flashbacks, and emotional distress, contributing to suicidal thoughts.
Depression and Anxiety: Veterans may struggle with depression and anxiety after their service, exacerbated by feelings of isolation or difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
Substance Abuse: Some veterans turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the challenges they face. Substance use disorders can increase impulsivity and contribute to suicidal behavior.
Chronic Pain and Health Issues: Many veterans suffer from chronic physical injuries or health problems related to their service, which can cause ongoing pain and stress, leading to depression and hopelessness.
Social Isolation: Veterans may feel disconnected from their communities, friends, and even family members. This sense of isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and despair.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Veterans who experienced head injuries or concussions during their service may suffer from TBI, which can affect mood regulation, cognitive function, and increase the risk of suicide.
Difficulty Accessing Support: Some veterans may feel hesitant to seek help due to stigma, pride, or difficulty navigating the healthcare system, further isolating them from the support they need.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Being aware of the warning signs of suicide can help you identify when a veteran in your life may need immediate support. Some common warning signs include:

Talking About Suicide: Mentioning thoughts of wanting to die, hurt themselves, or feeling like a burden to others.
Withdrawing from Others: Isolating from family, friends, or social activities that they previously enjoyed.
Mood Swings: Sudden shifts in mood, such as increased irritability, anger, or a sense of calm after a period of intense distress.
Expressing Hopelessness: Making statements such as “I can’t go on,” “There’s no way out,” or “No one can help me.”
Giving Away Belongings: Distributing personal items or making arrangements for their affairs.
Increased Risk-Taking: Engaging in reckless behaviors, such as excessive drinking, drug use, or unsafe driving.
Changes in Behavior: Noticeable changes in sleeping or eating habits, or neglecting personal hygiene and self-care.

How Family and Friends Can Help

Start the Conversation
- Reach Out: If you notice any warning signs, don’t wait—reach out to the veteran in your life. Let them know you care and that you’re concerned about their well-being.
- Ask Directly About Suicide: It’s important to ask directly if they are considering suicide. Asking this question does not increase the risk but rather shows that you care and are willing to listen to their feelings.
- Listen Without Judgment: If they share their thoughts or struggles, listen calmly and without judgment. Avoid trying to “fix” their problems right away. Instead, offer empathy and validation by saying things like, “I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way” or “Thank you for trusting me enough to share this with me.”
Encourage Professional Help
- Suggest Veteran-Specific Resources: Veterans may be more comfortable seeking help from resources specifically designed for them. Some of the resources are listed in the following section.
- Help With Accessing Care: Some veterans may feel overwhelmed by the process of accessing mental health care. Offer to help them navigate the VA healthcare system or find local mental health services. You might assist them in making appointments, filling out paperwork, or finding transportation to treatment.
- Encourage Therapy and Counseling: Therapy, counseling, and group support can help veterans address the mental health challenges they face. Suggest they seek out a mental health professional, and offer to support them throughout the process.
Offer Emotional Support
- Be Present: Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply be present. Spend time with them, whether it’s engaging in activities they enjoy or simply being there to listen. Your consistent support can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Check-In Regularly: Don’t assume that one conversation is enough. Follow up with them regularly to show that you are still thinking of them and care about how they are doing. Even a simple text or phone call can go a long way.

Create a Safe Environment

Remove Access to Lethal Means: If a veteran is in immediate danger, removing access to lethal means (such as firearms or medications) can reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Offer to help store these items securely or work with other family members to ensure their environment is safe.
Encourage Social Connections: Isolation is a significant risk factor for veterans. Encourage them to reconnect with family, friends, or other veterans. Suggest participating in veteran support groups or local veteran organizations, where they can share experiences and find camaraderie.
Provide Practical Help: Many veterans feel overwhelmed by day-to-day responsibilities, especially if they are struggling with mental health issues. Offer practical support, such as helping with errands, offering transportation, or assisting with tasks like paying bills or managing healthcare appointments.

Support a Holistic Approach to Recovery
- Promote Physical Health: Physical activity can have a positive effect on mental health. Encourage the veteran in your life to stay active through exercise, outdoor activities, or hobbies that keep them moving. If possible, join them in these activities.
- Encourage a Healthy Routine: Help them establish a daily routine that includes regular sleep, meals, and physical activity. Routines can provide structure and reduce feelings of chaos or stress.
- Be Patient: Recovery from mental health challenges takes time. Be patient, understanding, and supportive as they work through their feelings and seek help. Celebrate small victories and remind them that progress may be slow but is still meaningful.

Specialized Services and Support Networks Available to Veterans at Risk for Suicide

Veterans face unique challenges when transitioning back to civilian life after their military service. Fortunately, there are numerous specialized services and support networks available to veterans at risk for suicide. These resources provide critical mental health care, crisis intervention, peer support, and counseling tailored specifically to veterans’ needs.

The Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line is one of the most important resources for veterans at risk of suicide. It is a confidential, 24/7 helpline staffed by trained professionals, many of whom are veterans themselves. The Crisis Line offers support not only to veterans but also to their family members and friends who are concerned about a veteran’s well-being. Veterans can reach the Crisis Line by:

Calling 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1.
Texting 838255.
Chatting online via the Veterans Crisis Line website.

This service provides immediate support for veterans experiencing a mental health crisis and connects them with further mental health care and resources through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

VA Mental Health Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of mental health services specifically designed for veterans. These services are available through VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and telehealth options, making it easier for veterans to access care regardless of their location.

Mental Health Clinics: VA medical centers across the country have mental health clinics staffed with trained professionals who specialize in treating conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Veterans can receive both inpatient and outpatient care based on the severity of their condition.
Suicide Prevention Coordinators: Each VA medical center has a dedicated Suicide Prevention Coordinator who works directly with veterans at risk of suicide. These coordinators provide crisis intervention, develop individualized safety plans, and connect veterans with ongoing mental health treatment.
TeleMental Health: The VA’s TeleMental Health program allows veterans to access mental health care remotely through video conferencing, making it easier for veterans in rural or remote areas to receive treatment without traveling long distances.
Vet Centers: Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling services for combat veterans, survivors of military sexual trauma, and their families. These community-based centers offer counseling for PTSD, grief, relationship challenges, and other mental health issues. Vet Centers are a vital resource for veterans who prefer to seek help outside of traditional VA medical facilities.
VA Residential Programs: For veterans who need intensive mental health treatment, the VA offers residential rehabilitation programs. These programs provide round-the-clock care for veterans struggling with severe mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or homelessness. Veterans in these programs receive comprehensive treatment, including therapy, medical care, and life skills training.

MIND 24-7

MIND 24-7 can help anyone who walks through our doors in need of mental health care. From medication refills and counseling for minor problems to substance use treatment and crisis-level care.

Express Care: When mental health problems arise, people shouldn’t have to wait weeks or days for care. MIND 24-7 walk-in mental health services are perfect for patients who want to see a licensed professional and be on their way again—fast.
Crisis Care: When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s important to get them expert psychiatric care so they can get the treatment they need as quickly as possible. MIND 24-7’s mental health professionals are licensed to evaluate and stabilize individuals in crisis who may be a danger to themselves or others or are experiencing psychosis.

PTSD Treatment and Support

Many veterans at risk of suicide are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of their military service. The VA offers specialized PTSD treatment programs that include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A common therapy for PTSD, CBT helps veterans process their traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy: This therapy involves gradually confronting trauma-related memories and feelings, allowing veterans to reduce their fear and anxiety over time.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a structured therapy that helps veterans process trauma using guided eye movements to alleviate the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories.

These PTSD treatment programs are available through VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and telehealth services.

Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention Programs

Substance use disorders can significantly increase the risk of suicide among veterans. The VA offers specialized substance abuse treatment programs that focus on the unique needs of veterans. These programs often include:

Detoxification Services: For veterans struggling with addiction, the VA offers medically supervised detoxification to help them safely withdraw from substances.
Rehabilitation Programs: Veterans can participate in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of addiction and develop healthier coping strategies.
Dual Diagnosis Programs: Many veterans suffer from both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. The VA offers dual diagnosis treatment programs that address both issues simultaneously to ensure comprehensive care.

These programs are designed to help veterans manage their addiction while also addressing the underlying mental health issues that contribute to suicidal thoughts.

Peer Support Networks for Veterans

In addition to professional mental health care, peer support networks provide veterans with a sense of community and connection, which is essential for suicide prevention. These networks allow veterans to share their experiences with others who understand the unique challenges of military life.

Veteran Peer Support Specialists: Many VA facilities employ Veteran Peer Support Specialists, who are veterans trained to provide emotional support and guidance to other veterans. These specialists help bridge the gap between veterans and mental health services by offering encouragement and sharing their own recovery stories.
Battle Buddy Programs: Some organizations offer Battle Buddy Programs, which pair veterans with peer mentors who provide ongoing support. Battle buddies are trained to check in regularly, offer a listening ear, and help veterans navigate challenges like PTSD, depression, or reintegration into civilian life.
Veteran Support Organizations: Several nonprofit organizations provide peer support and resources for veterans at risk of suicide. Examples include:
- Wounded Warrior Project: Offers a variety of mental health programs, including peer support groups, to help veterans cope with the invisible wounds of war.
- Team Red, White & Blue: Focuses on enriching the lives of veterans by connecting them with physical and social activities, promoting mental and emotional well-being through community engagement.
- The Mission Continues: Empowers veterans to continue serving by leading community service projects, helping them regain purpose and connection.
Online Communities and Forums: For veterans who may not have access to local support, online communities and forums, such as those offered by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion, provide a virtual space to connect with other veterans, share experiences, and receive emotional support.

Employment and Reintegration Support

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenging process, and unemployment or difficulty finding purpose in civilian life can contribute to feelings of despair. Several organizations and programs help veterans reintegrate into the workforce and find meaningful employment:

VA Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program: This program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining suitable employment. It also offers career counseling and support for veterans seeking higher education or technical training.
Hiring Our Heroes: An initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Hiring Our Heroes connects veterans with employers committed to hiring them, providing job fairs, mentoring programs, and career development resources.
Veterans Job Bank: A database that helps veterans search for job opportunities that match their military experience and skills.

By helping veterans find stable employment and reintegrate into civilian life, these programs can reduce the risk of isolation, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you believe a veteran is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. Call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1), texting 838255, or using the chat function on the Veterans Crisis Line website. If they express intent to harm themselves and have access to lethal means, it’s critical to intervene quickly.

Conclusion

Veterans face unique mental health challenges, but specialized services and support networks are available to help them manage these challenges and prevent suicide. From the Veterans Crisis Line to VA mental health programs, PTSD treatment, and peer support networks, veterans have access to a wide range of resources designed specifically for their needs. Family members and friends can play a crucial role by encouraging veterans to seek help, connecting them with available services, and providing emotional support. Together, we can work to ensure that veterans receive the care and support they deserve, helping to reduce the risk of suicide and promote mental health and well-being.

MIND 24-7 offers 24 hours a day walk-in treatment for veterans with mental and behavioral health issues, including suicidal prevention. All ages of veterans are welcome. If you or a loved one needs mental health care, visit one of our convenient locations in the Phoenix area or text/call 1-844-MIND247.