September is Suicide Prevention Month. At VAcareers, we’ll be raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention in the Veteran community with new posts every Tuesday. Do you have a story to share? Let us know in the comments.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or know a Veteran who is, click here or call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
Mental illness is a topic that many of us feel uncomfortable discussing. Why? If you’ve never experienced it first hand or through a loved one, then you may feel unqualified to talk about it or to offer support. If you are intimately familiar with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or suicidal thoughts, then it’s often an issue that is too painful (or shameful) to bring up. In a word, suicide is a daunting subject—but avoiding it means missing an opportunity to save a life.
In an effort to make suicide prevention less intimidating and more effective, the Veterans Crisis Line is asking individuals and groups nationwide to consider how the power of a single act can make a difference in the life of a Veteran. One conversation with a Veteran about how he or she is doing can open the door to services and support.
For Veterans, connecting with support doesn’t have to be hard. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that Veterans and their families and friends can access any day, anytime. Trained professionals—some of them Veterans themselves—are ready to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Since launching in 2007, they have answered 1.25 million calls and made more than 39,000 lifesaving rescues.
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. We are all part of the solution, and it starts with one small act. If you are a mental health care professional, with a passion for serving Veterans, please visit VAcareers.va.gov to learn more and apply.
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I am a LPN at the Biloxi VA. My oldest son is 21 now back when he was twelve his father committed suicide. It was the hardest thing as a parent to go through. We as parents try to fix their hurt but this was something I couldn’t heal only time could. My son became a father yesterday to his first son. His experience has taught him how he wants better for his son.