RESOURCES

Crisis feels different for everybody and can arise from a wide range of situations before, during, or after military service. We're here to help. 

DID YOU KNOW?

 In 2012, the number of military suicides exceeded the total of those killed in combat. The Army, by far the largest of the military services, had the highest number of suicides at 182. The Navy had 60, the Air Force 59, and the Marine Corps had 48.

 A study conducted by the Army found that being deployed increased suicide risk for women more than it did for men, though suicide risk still remained lower for deployed women than for deployed men. 

Although veterans make up only 10 percent of the population, they account for nearly one in five of all suicides in America.   The suicide rate for veterans is nearly double that of the civilian population, and every day, 22 veterans take their own lives.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREE MOBILE APPS

PTSD COACH

(released 2011; 233,000 downloads in 95 countries) is a VA and DoD joint project and is widely acclaimed, winning numerous awards. It is a tool for self-management of PTSD, and includes: a self-assessment tool; educational materials about PTSD symptoms, treatment, related conditions, and forms of treatment; relaxation and focusing exercises designed to address symptoms; and immediate access to crisis resources, personal support contacts, or professional mental healthcare.



CBT-i Coach

for insomnia (released 2013; 86,000 downloads in 87 countries) was a collaborative effort between the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD), Stanford University Medical Center, and the Department of Defense’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2). CBT-i Coach is a mobile phone app designed for use by people who are having difficulty sleeping and are participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia guided by a healthcare professional.



ACT Coach

for depression (released 2014; 23,000 downloads in 93 countries) supports people currently participating in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) who want to use an app in conjunction with their therapist to bring ACT practice into daily life.



Mindfullness Coach

(released 2014; 39,000 downloads in 95 countries) provides tools to assist users in practicing mindfulness meditation.



Moving Forward

(released 2014; 5,400 downloads in 54 countries) teaches problem solving skills and can be used in a stand-alone fashion or while participating in Problem Solving training.



Suicide Lifeguard

Suicide Lifeguard is a FREE app intended for anyone concerned that someone they know may be thinking of suicide. It provides information on:
• How to recognize warning signs of suicide
• How to ask about suicidal thoughts and/or intentions
• How to respond and
• Where to refer
Features include:
• Immediate connection to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Specific resources for:
o Military/Veterans
o Those who identify as LGBTQ
o Spanish speaking individuals
o Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing



SIGNS, MYTHS, & TRUTHS

How to recognize when to ask for help

Sometimes problems seem like they are impossible to solve for many different reasons. Sometimes we are not even fully aware a problem is building up. We just know something is wrong. When problems build up, even the strongest individuals may think about suicide. Yet suicide is not the answer. Are you, or someone you know, at risk for suicide? Seek help if you notice any of the following warning signs: • Threatening to hurt or kill self • Looking for ways to kill self • Trying to get pills, guns, or other means to harm oneself • Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide • Feeling hopeless • Experiencing rage, uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities • Feeling trapped, like there’s no way out • Abusing drugs or alcohol • Withdrawing from friends or family • Having dramatic changes in mood • Feeling like there is no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life • Sleeping too much or too little • Giving away possessions



Know the risk factors

-Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders -Alcohol and other substance use disorders -Hopelessness -Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies -History of trauma or abuse -Major physical illnesses -Previous suicide attempt(s) -Family history of suicide -Job or financial loss -Loss of relationship(s) -Easy access to lethal means -Local clusters of suicide -Lack of social support and sense of isolation -Stigma associated with asking for help -Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment -Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a --personal dilemma -Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)



Myth: Asking about suicide will plant the idea in a person’s head.

Asking about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts. The act of asking the question simply gives the veteran permission to talk about his or her thoughts or feelings.



Myth: There are talkers and there are doers.

Most people who die by suicide have communicated some intent. Someone who talks about suicide gives the guide and/or clinician an opportunity to intervene before suicidal behaviors occur.



Myth: If somebody really wants to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do about it.

Most suicidal ideas are associated with treatable disorders. Helping someone find a safe environment for treatment can save a life. The acute risk for suicide is often time-limited. If you can help the person survive the immediate crisis and overcome the strong intent to die by suicide, you have gone a long way toward promoting a positive outcome.



Myth: He/she really wouldn't commit suicide because…

- he just made plans for a vacation - she has young children at home - he made a verbal or written promise - she knows how dearly her family loves her Reality: The intent to die can override any rational thinking. Someone experiencing suicidal ideation or intent must be taken seriously and referred to a clinical provider who can further evaluate their condition and provide treatment as appropriate.



Veteran Specific Risks

Frequent deployments Deployments to hostile environments Exposure to extreme stress Physical/sexual assault while in the service (not limited to women) Length of deployments Service related injury



SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/ www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)



National Suicide Prevention Hotline

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Online Chat: http://chat.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx Safe Space: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/safe-space/



Veterans Crisis Line

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/Resources/AdditionalInformation.aspx Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) Confidential Veterans Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService.aspx?account=Veterans%20Chat



American Association of Suicidology

http://www.suicidology.org/ Find your crisis center: http://www.suicidology.org/Resources/Crisis-Centers Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) https://www.facebook.com/AASuicidology/?ref=ts



American Foundation for Suicide Preventions

https://afsp.org/ Hotline: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377) Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741 Find Support: https://afsp.org/find-support/



Suicide Prevention Resource Center

http://www.sprc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/SuicidePreventionResourceCenter Phone Number: 877-GET-SPRC