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If you’re a Veteran, service member, National Guard or Reserve member, or someone who supports them, we’re ready to help.
3 Ways to Connect
Service Providers
We’re here to help you connect to the people who can help the most. This directory of service providers includes those in offices and facilities near you who are qualified to meet your needs.
Directory of
Providers
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Locations
Help is also close at hand with a crisis center location nearest you. These centers serve the unique needs of their communities where available. They offer better access to behavioral healthcare services for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Alabama Crisis
System of Care
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Crisis Centers
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Share Your Feelings /
What’s Going On
One of the best ways of dealing with a crisis is to talk about it with a trusted friend. It may be a family member, a close friend, and very possibly, a fellow Veteran. Always remember that someone is ready and willing to listen—and that you are not alone.
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Helping Prevent Thoughts of Self-Harm
The most important thing to help prevent suicidal ideation is self-care. This can take more forms – meditating and practicing mindfulness, exercising, staying socially connected, eating healthily, and getting quality sleep.
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What to Do If Suicidal Thoughts Occur
Suicidal thoughts can be troubling. It’s important to stop. Take a break and breathe. It can help to get out and be around others. To call a friend or loved one. These simple acts can help prevent a tragic outcome.
Most Suicidal Crises are Brief
If a Veteran is experiencing a suicidal crisis, they are much less likely to act upon that impulse once an hour has passed.
Source: Simon, T.R., Swann, A.C., Powell, K.E., Potter, L.B., Kresnow, M., and O’Carroll, P.W. Characteristics of Impulsive Suicide Attempts and Attempters. SLTB. 2001; 32(supp):49-59.
Time from Decision to Action
Less than
5 minutes
24%
of attempts
Less than
20 minutes
48%
of attempts
Within
an hour
71%
of attempts
Lethality of Suicide Methods
CDC WISQARS: Deaths from death certificate data; nonfatal incidents estimated from national sample of hospital emergency departments. Source: CDC QISQARS and US Dept. of Veterans Affairs https://www.mirecc.va.gov/lethalmeanssafety/facts/
85-90%
firearm injury
5%
all other methods combined
Lethal Means
If a Veteran is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, they can resort to guns, medications, alcohol, opioids, ropes, cords, or sharp objects if they are easily accessible. Increasing the time and distance between someone in a suicidal crisis and access to lethal means can reduce suicide risk and save lives.
Connectedness
Peer Groups
Many times, what a Veteran in crisis needs most is understanding. And just as often, the person who can provide that understanding is someone with shared experiences—especially a fellow Veteran. A peer specialist brings a connection and expertise that professional training alone cannot.
Peer Support
(ADMH)
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Veteran
Crisis Helplines
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Ask the Question
If you notice changes in a Veteran’s behavior or moods, it’s time to start a conversation about your concerns. It can help a Veteran to feel cared for and valued, and see that help is available. It can also mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved.
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Know the Signs
An attempt at suicide doesn’t just happen. There are reasons for the suicidal behavior, and signs that often indicate the crisis leading up to it. Thinking or talking about hurting or killing one’s self are two of the major signals. Learn the others and how you can help recognize when a Veteran you know needs immediate attention.
