Skip to main content

Military Health System

Suicide Prevention

Military service members’ lives are generally very different from the lives of civilians. Service members may be subject to frequent relocations, overseas deployments, and stressful experiences related to combat and significant time away from their families. Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently, and while some have reactions that can be seen as normal responses to life events, others may experience signs or symptoms of more serious conditions, including depression, traumatic brain injury, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Those coping with more serious concerns may feel like there is no escape from their difficulties.

Suicide is a serious public health concern, but is preventable. 

Reach Out for Support

You are not alone. If you or a loved one needs immediate help, there are resources available to you.

Military Crisis Line Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Psychological Health Resource Center

24/7, free support for all service members and veterans.

24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.

24/7 support and assistance for service members, veterans and families.

Recognize the Signs of Those at Risk

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, there may be cause for concern. Seek professional guidance right away if you or your loved one, co-worker or friend is:

  • Thinking about hurting or killing yourself/themselves or others
  • Experiencing excessive rage, anger, or desire for revenge
  • Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means of harm
  • Having feelings of anxiety, agitation, or hopelessness
  • Talking or writing excessively about death, dying, or suicide
  • Repeatedly reliving past stressful experiences
  • Unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
  • Experiencing uncharacteristic dramatic changes in mood or behavior
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or society
  • Feeling there is no reason for living
  • Engaging in significant alcohol or drug use
  • Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
  • Engaging in risky behavior, such as driving recklessly

You also may be interested in...

Suicide Prevention: A Message from CSM Gragg

Video
8/25/2022
CSM Michael Gragg

A message from CSM Michael A. Gragg regarding suicide prevention and how to get help.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Depression | Suicide Prevention | Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE

Suicide Prevention: One Mother's Story

Video
8/25/2022
Virginia Cooper holding picture of her son Joshua James Wood

Virginia Cooper's son, Joshua Jaymes Wood, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, was 30 years old when he took his life on November 7, 2021. This is her story.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE | Suicide Prevention | Depression

July MHS Minute

Video
8/9/2022
Infographic for July MHS Minute

The July MHS Minute highlights a dedicated webpage for women's health to educate women and their partners on the health care services and resources available to them. Visit https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/Womens-Health to learn more. Additionally, learn more about the new national suicide and crisis lifeline, 988.

Recommended Content:

Women's Health | Suicide Prevention | Psychological Fitness

DHA SEL Talks About Suicide Prevention Month

Video
8/23/2021
Suicide Prevention

CSM Gragg talks about taking care of yourself, body and mind, and how to reach out for help or how to help a friend in need. Addressing your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Spot (Evergreen)

Video
8/23/2021
Suicide Prevention

Lt. Gen. Ronald Place speaks to the audience about the importance of suicide awareness and prevention all year round.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Suicide Prevention

Start the Conversation

Video
6/18/2021
Start the Conversation

It’s not always obvious when someone is experiencing depression or thinking about suicide. In this video, learn how you can identify signs of distress and take action by starting the conversation about getting help.

Recommended Content:

Centers of Excellence | Psychological Fitness | Suicide Prevention

Start the Conversation 29 Sec PSA

Video
6/18/2021
Start the Conversation 29 Sec PSA

Talking to someone about getting help can be difficult. This video introduces some tips to help you start the conversation.

Recommended Content:

Real Warriors Campaign | Psychological Fitness | Suicide Prevention

Start the Conversation 59 Sec PSA

Video
6/18/2021
Start the Conversation 59 Sec PSA

Talking to someone about getting help can be difficult. This video introduces some tips to help you start the conversation.

Recommended Content:

Real Warriors Campaign | Psychological Fitness | Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Month: A message from CSM Michael Gragg

Video
9/3/2020
CSM Michael Gragg

Suicide Prevention Month: A message from CSM Michael Gragg

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention |

Suicide Awareness Month PSA 2020

Video
8/21/2020
Suicide Awareness Month PSA 2020

Video from the Co-Founder of Team Rubicon explaining why it is important for them to help veterans explore their options for mental health care.

Recommended Content:

| Suicide Prevention

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Video
9/20/2018
Suicide Prevention

You’ve reached out for help, you’ve found the right provider, now Kristin Gwin from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center shares what to expect at your first appointment.

Recommended Content:

Psychological Fitness | Suicide Prevention | Mental Health is Health Care

Kristin Gwin, Walter Reed Social Worker Talks About Getting Help

Video
9/12/2018
Suicide PRevention

Kristin Gwin, a Social Worker at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center understands that getting help can be an intimidating process. She offers advice on how to get started by letting a professional know you want help.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Psychological Fitness | Mental Health is Health Care

Suicide Prevention Month 2018

Video
9/4/2018
Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month. No one fights the battle alone. Make it your mission to #BeThere for each other.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Mental Health is Health Care
Showing results 1 - 13 Page 1 of 1
Last Updated: January 09, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery