You Are Not Alone: Suicide Prevention Tools for Warriors

Service members may face emotional or psychological challenges from the stress of military life, such as the period following a deployment. For some, these feelings can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It can be hard in the moment to see beyond these thoughts and feelings. Know that you are not alone. Help is available and effective. The following tactics can reduce distress, manage suicidal thoughts, and prevent self-destructive behaviors: 

Recognize Your Distress

Sometimes thoughts of suicide occur when a person feels overwhelmed by stress and emotions. They can also occur when a person has a psychological health concern. Feeling isolated, avoiding others, and misusing alcohol or other substances can make one vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.

Suicidal thoughts can vary from person to person, and within a person over time. They can be passive with comments like "I wish I were dead," or active comments like "I should kill myself now." Some suicidal thoughts are present for just a second or two, while others may be more persistent. If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out – you've got lots of options.

Take Action

If you or a loved one is feeling unsafe, start with crisis resources. Remember, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7/365, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 

For the Veterans/Military Crisis Line, dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255. You can also receive support through the chat feature online. For OCONUS calling options and online chat accessible from anywhere in the world, visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/military-crisis-line/.

In addition, talk with those in your support system about the following techniques that can help when you may be struggling

  • Confide in people you trust. For example, speak with a family member, fellow warrior, unit leader or military chaplain. Sharing what’s on your mind is a great first step to receive support, get other perspectives, and feel better.
  • Make your environment safe. Practice lethal means safety by securely storing personal  firearms or other dangerous items in a locked safe or other secure options. You can also ask a trusted person to store those items for you if you’re feeling unsafe.
  • Avoid alcohol and other substances. Substance use may feel like it reduces stress but can lower inhibitions and impact good decision making.
  • Take care of your mind and body. Schedule enjoyable activities, or hobbies and follow-through. Physical activities like walking and running, or other forms of relaxation such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation are all great choices.

Reach Out for Support

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. If you or a loved one would like additional support, contact the Psychological Health Resource Center 24/7 to confidentially speak with trained health resource consultants. Call 866-966-1020 or use the Live Chat. 

Remember, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7/365, free and confidential support via phone or chat if you are or someone you know is in distress. For the Military/Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255. You can also chat online. 

In addition to the Military Crisis Line, you can access suicide prevention resources through the Defense Suicide Prevention Office and the Psychological Health Center of Excellence before or after a crisis situation. 

Service Specific Resources:

Additional Resources:

Sources:

  1. Sadler, N., Pedlar, D., & Ursano, R. (2024). Suicide in military and veteran populations: a view across the Five Eyes nations. Psychiatry, 87(2), 161-164. https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.2024.2306794.
  2. Defense Suicide Prevention Office. (n.d.). Risk and warning signs how to help. https://www.dspo.mil/Portals/113/Documents/Risks%20and%20Warning%20Signs.pdf
  3. Hoffmire, C. A., Donovan, M. L., Ryan, A. T., Brenner, L. A., Vogt, D., Maguen, S., ... & Forster, J. E. (2024). Perceived social support moderates the relations between mental health symptoms and current suicidal ideation. Psychological Services, 21(4), 817. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000849
  4. Darvishi, N., Poorolajal, J., Azmi-Naei, B., & Farhadi, M. (2024). The role of social support in preventing suicidal ideations and behaviors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Research in Health Sciences, 24(2), e00609. doi:10.34172/jrhs.2024.144
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Suicide prevention resource for action: A compilation of the best available evidence. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/pdf/preventionresource.pdf