Average: 4.4 (7 votes)

You Are Not Alone: Suicide Prevention Tools for Warriors

Veterans Crisis Line

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, know that you are not alone. Free, confidential resources are immediately available to aid you if you are in crisis. To get help immediately, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-TALK and press 1, or chat online now for 24/7 access to trained counselors.

Experiencing a traumatic event is common among service members who deploy to hostile environments in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the globe. Everyone reacts to traumatic experiences differently, and some service members may feel angry or isolated when they return home. These reactions can be common responses to extraordinary events.

However, for some service members, these feelings may be signs of more serious conditions, including depression, traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. Warriors coping with these concerns may feel like there is no escape from their symptoms, leading them to have thoughts of suicide.1 Fortunately, tools for resilience and recovery are available.

How Do I Know if I Am Showing Warning Signs?

Proof That You Can Recover

Following his second deployment to Iraq, Army Maj. Jeff Hall became increasingly angry, began pushing away his family and contemplated suicide until his commanding officer helped him get the treatment he needed to regain peak functioning. Watch Hall tell his story of strength and resilience.

Contact a buddy, family member, commanding officer, medic or the Veterans Crisis Line immediately if you are:2

  • Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
  • Seeking access to pills, weapons or other means of harming yourself
  • Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide

It is also important to seek out professional help if you are experiencing any of these signs for concern:3

  • Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
  • Withdrawing from friends, family or society
  • Increasing alcohol or drug use
  • Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behavior
  • Experiencing excessive rage, anger or desire for revenge
  • Having feelings of anxiety, agitation or hopelessness
  • Reliving past experiences
  • Experiencing dramatic changes in mood
  • Feeling there is no reason for living
  • Feeling trapped, like there is no way out

What Tools Can Help Me Cope While I Seek Treatment?

The most important step in combating thoughts of suicide is reaching out for professional support through resources like the Veterans Crisis Line and the DCoE Outreach Center, which is accessible 24/7 by calling 866-966-1020 or logging on to Real Warriors Live Chat. Professional support is critical to recovering peak functioning, and the following tips can also help you on your journey of resilience:4

  • Cut back on obligations when possible and set reasonable schedules for goals.
  • Consider writing in a journal to express pain, anger, fear or other emotions.
  • Avoid isolation—get together with buddies, commanding officers, family, friends or other members of the community regularly.
  • Stay physically fit by eating a healthy diet and getting sufficient sleep.
  • Stay motivated in tough times by keeping your personal and career goals in mind.
  • Use relaxation techniques to aid in stress management.
  • Try to stay organized by creating a daily schedule of tasks and activities. Cross out tasks as they’re accomplished as a visual reminder of you’re achievements.

Who Can I Reach Out to for More Information and Support?

Although some warriors may feel like suicide is the only alternative, there is hope. In addition to the highly trained professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line and DCoE Outreach Center, you can use the following tools to support your return to full functioning:

Reaching Out Is a Sign of Strength

If you’re having thoughts about suicide, don’t hesitate even for a minute to seek out the care that can help you return to peak functioning. Treatment works, and you can access free, confidential resources for recovery using the tools outlined in this article.

Additional Resources

Sources

1Hudenko, W. “PTSD and Suicide Fact Sheet,” National Center for PTSD, Department of Veterans Affairs, last accessed September 2011.
2,3“Information and Support After a Suicide Attempt: A Department of Veterans Affairs Resource Guide for Family Members of Veterans Who are Coping with Suicidality,” [PDF 195KB] Office of Mental Health Service, VA Central Office, August 2009.
4“Coping and Support,” The Mayo Clinic, last accessed September 2011.

Average: 4.4 (7 votes)
Last Reviewed: 08/29/11
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