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Suicide Prevention Hotlines

Suicide is the 11th most frequent cause of death in the United States. Of the 30,000 Americans who take their lives each year, 6,000 are veterans, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki.

To ensure that veterans who may be contemplating suicide — and concerned family and friends — have immediate access to a trained person who can help, the VA has established a comprehensive suicide-prevention program, which includes Suicide Prevention Coordinators at every VA medical center and a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

• VA’s Lifeline crisis center opened in July 2007. The Lifeline is staffed 24/7 by 20 responders, social workers, health technician assistants and counselors who handle 15 phone lines and three chat lines. These mental health professionals know how to assess and respond to crisis situations for veterans at risk of suicide.
• The phone number for VA’s Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-TALK (8255). The chat line address is www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
• The center, located in Canandaigua, N.Y., has received about 260,000 calls during its three years in existence.
• VA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline recorded its 10,000th rescue on July 4, 2010. That’s 10,000 Veterans who might not be with us today had they not called the VA Lifeline and talked to a trained responder — a responder who deemed it necessary to take immediate action to save the caller’s life.

Here are some warning signs that can indicate a person is contemplating suicide:

• Talking about wanting to hurt or kill himself or herself.
• Trying to get pills, guns or other items that can harm or kill someone.
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide.
• A general feeling of hopelessness.
• Exhibiting behaviors that indicate rage, uncontrolled anger, or a need to seek revenge on someone or something.
• Acting in a reckless or risky way.
• Feeling trapped, as if there is no way out.
• Saying or feeling there’s no reason for living.

Veterans who have such feelings, or family members who have observed any or all of these behaviors, are welcomed to call 1-800-273-TALK.

News

• CBS News – 60 Minutes: Homesless Veterans: Trying to Find Help and Hope
• New York Times: Despite Army Efforts, Soldier Suicide Continues
• Oprah.com: American War Heroes: Why are these Women now Homeless?

Resources

Federal VA Suicide Prevention Awareness

Army: Health Promotion, Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention Report 2010

HOPES – Helping Others Prevent & Education about Suicide

National Center for PTSD

Returning from the War Zone:  A Guide for Military Personnel

Suicide Facts:  What Military Families Should Know to Help Loved Ones Who May Be At Risk