PTSD and Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Going through trauma may increase a person’s risk for suicide. Studies show that suicide risk may be higher in people who have PTSD.  This update focuses on what we know about the relationships between suicide, trauma and PTSD, and on ways to help prevent suicide.

About PTSD and Suicide

• Read about the relationship between trauma, PTSD and suicide.
• Find out about common reactions after trauma, that may include suicidal thoughts and behavior.
• Learn to recognize the red flags of emotional crisis

Show Support

For a Veteran facing hard times, your support can provide hope when it’s needed most—and you already have what it takes to show you care. Take a few minutes to check in today.

• Share Materials via email or social media
• Watch videos and share via email or social media
• Reach Out to a Veteran in your life: #BeThere

Get Help

Whether you’re a Veteran or a friend or family member concerned about one, confidential assistance is only a call, click, or text away.

• Call the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
• You can also chat online or text 838255

VISIT the Veterans Crisis Line

PTSD Consultation Program Treating Veterans with PTSD? We can help. Any healthcare provider treating Veterans can ask our expert clinicians a question.  Meet our consultants and get started. PTSD Monthly Lecture Series September 16, 2020 at 2pm ET: Racism-related Stress and Trauma: Definitions and Interventions by Juliette McClendon, PhD. Mark your calendar for the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 2pm ET Subscribe to monthly emails to find out how to join live lectures. Registration is required to receive free continuing education credit for attending the live lecture.

Resources of the Month

Mental health problems and a history of trauma or abuse can increase the risk for suicide. Learn more about risk factors and how to help prevent suicide and save someone’s life with our free continuing education courses:

• Introduction to PTSD and Suicide: Conceptualization and Assessment
• Treating PTSD and Suicide Risk: Separating Myth from Fact

Improving Risk Assessment of Suicide

Investigators are developing measures of basic cognitive processes underlying mental states associated with suicide, like cognitive inflexibility and hopelessness.  Adding these measures to standard questions about suicidal ideation may help improve risk assessment.

Taking your Mental Health Temperature During COVID-19

Dr. John Krystal, Director of the Center’s Clinical Neuroscience Division, talks with MedicalXpress about mental health and the new COVID coach mobile app. Read More*