It's National Suicide Prevention Month

For those that serve or who have served, crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service. If you’re a veteran or service member and in crisis, there is help.

Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to let your friends know what you need when they ask; they want to help. You can also reach out to confidential 24/7 services like the Veterans Crisis Line.

Find a support group. Talk to other veterans who have gone through the same kind of trauma that you have. You can access groups through your local VA hospital. Alternatively, you can ask about groups through a local VFW or American Legion. Local Resources.

Veterans who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness can access confidential services via chat or phone.

Make a safety plan. Have a step-by-step plan ready for if/when you feel depressed, suicidal, or in crisis, so you can start at step one and continue through the steps until you feel safe. Having a template on hand with an established plan may be helpful, or you can get help and guidance here.

For more resources on supporting a Veteran, including family and friends:

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VA’s National Center for PTSD and the Coaching Into Care program have partnered to study telephone coaching methods to help spouses and intimate partners of Veterans with untreated PTSD get their Veteran into mental health care. The study will provide free telephone coaching and, if assigned, access to online educational materials. Participants will be compensated up to $170 for participating.

Visit: https://www.familycoachingstudy.org to learn more about the study and complete a brief screening quiz to see if you are eligible to participate. For participant’s rights questions, contact 1-866-680-2906.

PARTICIPATE

Researchers at VA’s National Center for PTSD are studying holistic, non-medical treatments for Veterans with PTSD and Chronic Pain. The study will be fully remote and consists of a 12-week, remotely delivered, twice weekly, Tai Chi or Wellness group. Participants will also be asked to complete initial and final assessments involving questionnaires, an interview with study staff, and an assessment of physical and mental health. Participants will be compensated up to $355 for participating.

Visit: https://www.research.va.gov/for_veterans/ptsd-pain-holistic.cfm to learn more about the study and eligibility requirements for participation. For more questions, contact our study team at 857-364-6262.

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