The more we learn about suicide and ways to prevent it, the better we can help ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities remain safe.
Although September is Suicide Prevention Month, we should all commit to increasing our knowledge and recognizing crisis signs of at-risk individuals, including many within the Veteran community. As one of the leading causes of death in the U. S., suicide impacts many Americans each year, but it is preventable. The more we learn about suicide prevention and actions we can take, the better equipped we are to provide help and support to those who are at risk for suicide.
In an effort to educate throughout the year, TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) is sharing information to help with the suicide crisis in the Veteran community. According to the most recent data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), on average more than 17 Veterans die per day from suicide. Each one of us has a role to play to eliminate this number. Below you will find a description of the articles and resources on Healthy Homefront® dedicated to suicide prevention. Take a few minutes to read through each article and become informed with the knowledge, strategies and resources you can use to become a difference-maker in the lives of our Veterans before they experience a crisis.
Suicide Prevention Articles on Healthy Homefront®
Suicide Prevention: Everyone Can Play a Part Using the S.A.V.E. Method – Read about the VA’s free online or in-person training on S.A.V.E., a suicide prevention method we can all apply to help prevent Veteran suicide.
Lethal Means Safety: An Important Suicide Prevention Strategy – Learn more about lethal means safety, a suicide prevention strategy that increases the time and distance between access to lethal means and an individual who is in crisis. Become familiar with the important steps you can take to limit access to lethal means and safely store lethal items such as guns, medication, alcohol and more.
Stand Up for Each Other: Suicide Awareness and Prevention Strategies – Learn the concrete steps you can take if you or someone you know is in crisis, such as recognizing warning signs, reducing access to lethal means, building a support network and more.
Make a Difference: Stay Connected and Informed to Help Prevent Suicide – Read about risk factors associated with suicide, such as underlying mental health conditions, substance use and childhood trauma; become informed about the warning signs related to suicide; and find out how to connect people in crisis to helpful resources.
Prevent Suicide One Conversation at a Time – Discover the unique insights of two Veterans and Dr. Blake Chaffee, TriWest’s Vice President of Integrated Health Care Services, on what we can all do to help prevent suicide. Read how you can make a difference by having direct, nonjudgmental conversations and connecting Veterans to the assistance they need.
Suicide Is Preventable. Start in Your Own Home – Hear directly from TriWest’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lori Highberger, about lethal means safety and the steps you can take in your own home to help prevent suicide.
A Lifeline for Veterans in Crisis – Learn more about the Veterans Crisis Line, a free, confidential hotline available 24/7 that provides support to Veterans, their families and friends. Qualified responders are ready to listen and connect you to additional resources when necessary.
A Journey to Better Health: Overcoming Mental Health Struggles – Read this compelling personal story of Donny Moncrief. He details his struggles with mental health and shares his advice for Veterans who may be reluctant to seek help, including building a strong support network and accessing mental health care treatment.
A Community of Caregivers: Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellows Share Their Stories – Discover the experiences of four caregivers and how they learned to support their Veterans, some of whom experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Connecting Veterans with the help and support they need is an important part of suicide prevention. If you or someone you love needs support right now, reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line, call 988 and press 1.
Veterans can access VA’s mental health care and resources by going to their nearest VA medical center or calling 877-222-8387 to get connected to the help they need. Veterans can receive mental health care regardless of discharge status, service history or eligibility for VA health care. Over 1.7 million Veterans received mental health services at VA last year ranging from peer support, counseling, therapy, medication, telehealth visits and more. Learn more about the ways you and your loved ones can access VA resources and support to ensure you don’t go through this alone.
- Veterans Crisis Line – Call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 to connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder for confidential crisis support any time day or night.
- VA’s Suicide Prevention page – Learn more about VA’s suicide prevention resources, including S.A.V.E. training, self-help resources, evidence-based treatment options and more.
- VA’s Reach Program – Take a self-assessment and explore resources that relate to specific life challenges, such as substance use, financial issues and more.
- TriWest’s Suicide Prevention Resources – Check out TriWest’s tools for coping and more suicide prevention resources: Take the time. Make the time. Be There™.
- VA Keep It Secure Program – Learn more about the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Important steps include increasing the time and distance between a person in suicidal crisis and their access to lethal means.
- Make the Connection – Hear from other Veterans as they discuss overcoming difficult mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts. Learn how they used support groups, the Veterans Crisis Line, counseling and other strategies to get their lives back on track.