What should you avoid doing when talking with a veteran in crisis?

DON’T:
- Interrupt them to tell them about the time something similar happened to you; hear them out.
- Shame or guilt-trip the veteran; they may already be feeling a lot of shame and guilt.
- Say that suicide is “cowardly” or “selfish”.
- Make assumptions.
- Try to fix them.
- Fail to pay attention to the “coded language” of suicide.
- Go it alone: provide support and help them find the appropriate resources ( STRIVE2Be.org )
- Don’t wait to hear the word suicide, by then it might be too late.

Learn more about the National Center for Veterans Studies and the (non-medication) treatment for military personnel, veterans, and family members at no-cost for the following conditions: PTSD, suicidal thoughts, insomnia and nightmares, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.