Find resources to help you Be There for Veterans

September is Suicide Prevention Month. This national month-long initiative reminds us that everyone has a role in preventing suicide. Suicide is a complex issue, but there are simple actions anyone can take to demonstrate support for Veterans going through a difficult time.

This month take a moment to Be There for the Veterans in your life. Check in with a phone call, send a text, or write an email. Simply reaching out can remind someone they are not alone. You can talk about the challenges they’re facing and share helpful resources.

You don’t need special training to give a Veteran hope. This month and every month, access VA’s tools and resources, including:

 BeThereForVeterans.com: Various tools and resources, such as web banners, posters, and social media posts are available for download on this dedicated webpage.

 Start the Conversation: This toolkit provides specific guidelines to support Veterans at risk for suicide. Learn how to talk about suicide with a Veteran using these fact sheets and find information on the unique challenges Veterans face with resources for supporters.

 VA's Make the Connection: Hear stories of strength and recovery from Veterans and supporters like you. Over 400 Veterans and family members have shared their stories to provide our community with hope and connection during tough times.

 VA’s Local Resource Locator: No matter the issue, there are national and local resources available to support you. From clinical care information to accessing benefits, the locator can help you find assistance. You can use it to find your local Suicide Prevention Coordinator, who is specially trained to prevent suicide.

 VA’s Mobile App Store: VA has developed free apps to equip Veterans and their loved ones with tools and information to promote mental health and wellness. Apps like the PTSD Coach can help monitor symptoms and teach positive coping strategies.

 Veterans Crisis Line: Caring, qualified responders are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Veterans going through a tough time or having suicidal thoughts, or those concerned about a Veteran can call [login to see] and Press 1, chat online, or text 838255 to speak to a confidential responder.

Please share these resources with the Veterans you know to assure them support is available whenever they need it.

For more information and resources, visit BeThereForVeterans.com.

The health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans and former service members is VA’s highest priority. Guided by data and research, VA is working with partners, Veterans’ family members and friends, and the community to ensure that Veterans and former service members get the right care whenever they need it. To learn about the resources available for Veterans and how you can Be There as a family member, friend, coworker, community partner, or clinician, visit http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/resources.asp.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call [login to see] and Press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.