Encourage PTSD treatment during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September marks the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This annual awareness campaign reminds us that simple acts of kindness can help those with suicidal thoughts seek care.
What factors increase suicide risk?
Among Veterans, the risk of suicide may increase due to trauma that happened during combat. How intense and how frequent the combat trauma was can affect suicide risk.
In one study, Veterans who were hospitalized for a combat injury, or were wounded in combat more than once, had higher suicide risk. Other trauma not related to combat can also increase suicide risk in Veterans, such as military sexual trauma (MST). PTSD and other mental health concerns like depression and substance use can also increase risk of suicide.
Resources to help Veterans
VA's National Center for PTSD has resources to help Veterans who have PTSD and suicidal thoughts:
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Learn about treatment options for PTSD, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure. Research shows that when PTSD symptoms decrease during treatment, suicidal thoughts may become less frequent.
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Explore the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid, an online tool that helps you learn about and compare effective treatments, so that you can work with a provider to choose the best option for you.
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Hear Veterans share their unique stories of living with PTSD and the impact that treatment had on their – and their families' – lives with AboutFace.
This September, let us remember that our Nation's Veterans have made countless sacrifices to keep our country safe. It is our duty and honor to give back to them.
Spread the word that PTSD treatment works, and that suicide prevention awareness is a priority for all of us.
If you are thinking about suicide and feel unsafe:
Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day.
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Veterans: PRESS "1" after being connected, to be routed to the Veterans Crisis Line.
- Veterans can also chat live online with a crisis counselor to get help at any time of day or night. Go to the Veterans Crisis Line.
- The Veterans Crisis Line also responds to text messages. Send a text to 838255.
- En Español 1-888-628-9454
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