suicide

After two tours as an IED hunter in Iraq, Josh returned to the states. He had a difficult time adjusting, and was always on high alert, until he went through prolonged exposure therapy at VA.

Women Veterans more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared to non-Veteran women. It’s more important than ever that providers talk with women Veterans and understand their unique suicide risks.

Conversely, the researchers concluded that men with prostate cancer and PTSD may have been at lower risk of death from non-suicidal causes due to favorable physical health resulting from greater health care use and early diagnosis of localized—or low-risk—cancer.

In our culture, we often avoid using the word suicide so asking a fellow Veteran “Are you thinking of suicide?” may take a lot of courage. Asking the question won’t increase their risk of harm.

Community leaders across southern New England met virtually to form stronger relationships to prevent Veteran suicides in their region and discuss outreach strategies for Veterans who are struggling.

The Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program offers free consultations and training for all providers in the VA health care system and the community who are treating Veterans at risk for suicide.

In interviews with the researchers, 25 male Veterans and 25 female Veterans who had made a recent suicide attempt discussed their suicidal thoughts. In the moments before they tried taking their lives, the women recalled feeling “shameful,” “tainted,” and “worthless.” The men talked about feeling overwhelmed and remembered thinking, “it just wasn't worth it,” “I've had enough,” and “screw this.”

Take action to help prevent suicide. Here are some valuable ideas that can help you BE THERE for a Veteran in your life. Maybe just a phone call. Reach out and assure them that they are not alone.

Veteran Jeff Henson’s calling in life is to show people who have attempted or have had thoughts of suicide that there is another way. 1,100 men and women have gone through the Save A Warrior program.

You are not alone on your path to wellness and recovery. View other Veterans’ candid descriptions of life with problems due to alcohol use and what they did to get started on their road to recovery.

Members of the Martinsburg VA Medical Center Incident Command Team assisted a Veteran in a time of need. Group of employees engaged Veteran with messages of encouragement that he was not alone.

VA research study aims to establish a stronger sense of social connectedness for Veterans at high risk of suicide by increasing their participation in community activities.