Category Archives: Suicide

Veterans Crisis Line: Recognizing the Signs of Suicide Risk

Posted on by vfwlady

Updated: February 19th, 2012

If you are a Veteran having thoughts about hurting or killing yourself, and you are looking for ways to do so, then you need help fast.   Pick up the phone and call the Veterans Crisis Line today: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

If you are not ready to talk to someone about suicidal feelings over the phone, or concerned that a family member/loved one might overhear your conversation, then try using the confidential “live chat” featured at VeteransCrisisLine.net

or try the new text feature added in February 2012*

Veterans who aren’t quite sure whether they are depressed, suicidal, or both can now do a “self-check” quiz that will be reviewed by an experienced counselor: www.vetselfcheck.org

  • Increased Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, alcoholism, weapons usage, and/or engagement in risky activities without thought.
  • Excessive Rage, anger, agitation, sleeplessness, anxiety, or mood swings
  • Withdrawal from family and friends. Feeling like there is no reason to live.

If you are a concerned family member or the friend of a Veteran in crisis, then please visit the website to find out how you can help.

A November 2011 report from the service’s Suicide Prevention Program says that 11 Marines attempted suicide in October, raising the year-to-date figure to 163 for 2011.

The news comes on the heels of another report from the influential Center for a New American Security in Washington that says U.S. service members took their own lives at a rate of one every 36 hours between 2005 and 2010.

The report also says that a veteran dies by suicide every 80 minutes, attributing that information to the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Read related story: here

*Update February 19th, 2012: VA Adds Texting Feature to Crisis Line: Since its launch in 2007, the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 500,000 confidential calls, and trained responders have made more than 18,000 rescues. In 2009, an anonymous online chat service was added, which has already helped more than 28,000 people.
  • Now VA has added a third option for veterans, service members and family members who would rather text than call or go online: a free text messaging service at 838255.
  • The confidential Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1), online chat (www.VeteransCrisisLine.net), and
  • text messaging service (838255) are monitored 24/7 by trained crisis responders.
Learn more about VA’s overall crisis prevention program at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention.

September is Military Suicide Awareness Month

Posted on by vfwlady

Kansas City, September 1, 2011: The members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) mourn every military death, no matter the cause. As the female relatives of those who fight overseas in combat for our country, they know firsthand the heartache and sacrifice that comes from having a loved one in the U.S. military. But the rising tragedy of military suicides has struck at the heart of every member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. That is why they are recognizing the entire month of September as Military Suicide Awareness Month.

To show those in their communities that they care, members are wearing a teardrop sticker every day of the month to represent the millions of tears shed for every service member lost to suicide. The teardrop sticker template is available for download at https://www.ladiesauxvfw.org/programs/americanism.html and can be printed on any full-sheet sticker paper and cut out.

<<Download Tear Drop Template

“It’s a small gesture of solidarity and concern,” said National Americanism Director Sandi Onstwedder. “These men and women are our heroes, and anything we can do to bring this issue to light is a chance to help one of them.”

A reported 20-30 percent of returning soldiers have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a major contributor to suicidal thoughts. In June 2010 alone, soldiers committed suicide at a rate of one per day. All branches of the military along with the Department of Veterans Affairs are working to lower these heartbreaking numbers, provide better mental health services and bring awareness to the public.

The Ladies Auxiliary VFW wants to help. They are hoping those in their communities will see the teardrop on their shirts and ask them about it. When they do, members want others to know there are resources out there, such as hotlines, chat rooms and mobile apps.

Here is a list of some of the resources available:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (Includes live 1-to-1 chat services with a counselor) www.ptsd.va.gov (Learn about the PTSD Coach mobile app) Veteran Combat Call Center (Talk to another combat veteran): 877-927-8387

“We want to give a voice to those who are hurting,” said National President Gwen Rankin.

“The 520,000 members of our organization are willing to step up. That’s why my theme this year is Step Up – Leave No Veteran Behind. We want to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of their families.”

To learn more about the Ladies Auxiliary VFW and its programs, please go to www.ladiesauxvfw.org, where you will find the teardrop sticker template under Programs, then Americanism.

Related Blog Post: Suicide Season

Related Story: a veteran dies by suicide every 80 minutes