Suicide Awareness Information
It has been reported that 22 veterans die by suicide (the preferred phrase, not committed
suicide) every day. Suicide is caused by a mental illness; an illness that can be much harder to
diagnose in some cases than many other illnesses. Here are some of the symptoms to look for
in a veteran you know or other friends and family.
Comments or thoughts about suicide can begin small — for example, “I wish I wasn’t here” or
“Nothing matters.” But over time, they can become more explicit and dangerous.
Warning Signs
Here are a few warning signs of suicide:
If you or a loved one starts to take any of these steps, seek immediate help from a health care
provider or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
In recognition of the 22 veterans, we are suggesting that on 2/22 as many people as possible make
a commitment to run/walk 2.2 miles and think about the people you know and love. Are any of them
showing any of these symptoms? Do you know someone who has lost their battle to this illness
and died by suicide? Honor them during this time. Or just enjoy the walk if you haven’t been
touched by this illness and show your support for others who have been.
If you get a chance, stop by VFW Post 1782 and sign the poster with your name.
Learn what you can about suicide prevention and memorize the number 988. That is the crisis
hotline number. Veterans, dial 988 and enter “1” to reach a person specifically designated to
help veterans.
Veteran Suicide Information *
* Most of this information was presented by a representative of the VA Hospital at the January 2025 VFW and Auxiliary Conference.
Suicide Prevention Strategies
If someone is showing symptoms of seriously considering suicide, below are some things you can do or say to try to help.
Ask them the tough questions
How to promote a safe environment
You can help someone at risk of death by suicide by:
The goal of a crisis plan is to think about what support someone needs when they are in crisis. A crisis plan may include:
Keep a copy of their crisis plan so you know what to do to help them if they’re in crisis.
Additional Awareness materials:
Ready-To-Use VA Mental Health Materials | Spread the Word - Mental Health
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Poster | SAMHSA
suicide) every day. Suicide is caused by a mental illness; an illness that can be much harder to
diagnose in some cases than many other illnesses. Here are some of the symptoms to look for
in a veteran you know or other friends and family.
Comments or thoughts about suicide can begin small — for example, “I wish I wasn’t here” or
“Nothing matters.” But over time, they can become more explicit and dangerous.
Warning Signs
Here are a few warning signs of suicide:
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- Aggressive behavior
- Withdrawal from friends, family and community
- Dramatic mood swings
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
If you or a loved one starts to take any of these steps, seek immediate help from a health care
provider or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
- Collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon
- Giving away possessions
- Tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
In recognition of the 22 veterans, we are suggesting that on 2/22 as many people as possible make
a commitment to run/walk 2.2 miles and think about the people you know and love. Are any of them
showing any of these symptoms? Do you know someone who has lost their battle to this illness
and died by suicide? Honor them during this time. Or just enjoy the walk if you haven’t been
touched by this illness and show your support for others who have been.
If you get a chance, stop by VFW Post 1782 and sign the poster with your name.
Learn what you can about suicide prevention and memorize the number 988. That is the crisis
hotline number. Veterans, dial 988 and enter “1” to reach a person specifically designated to
help veterans.
Veteran Suicide Information *
- When veterans die by suicide it has been determined that 135 other people are
- Impacted.
- Veterans are two times more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans.
- 70% of veteran deaths are caused by firearms.
- 14 of 20 veterans who die by suicide are not in the care of Veterans Assistance - VA
- Hospital, clinics, etc.
- Average time from decision to attempt suicide to action:
- 5 minutes or less - 24 %
- 20 minutes or less – 48 %
- 1 hour or less - 71%
- Nine out of 10 people who attempt suicide and survive will not go on to die by suicide at a later date.
* Most of this information was presented by a representative of the VA Hospital at the January 2025 VFW and Auxiliary Conference.
Suicide Prevention Strategies
If someone is showing symptoms of seriously considering suicide, below are some things you can do or say to try to help.
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings.
- Let them know you care, and that they are not alone.
- Listen. Don’t judge, criticize, or diminish their feelings.
- Focus on people they care about, and who care about them.
- Focus on who may be hurt because of their death.
Ask them the tough questions
- Are you planning to hurt yourself?
- Are you thinking about suicide?
- Do you have a plan? What is it?
- Have you felt this way before?
- How did your feelings change when you thought about suicide previously?
How to promote a safe environment
You can help someone at risk of death by suicide by:
- Not leaving them on their own.
- Talking with them. (See top sections.)
- Seeking professional help. (See next section below for more information.)
- Helping the person at risk to create a crisis plan.
- Removing items that they can end their life with. Examples include:
- sharp objects such as razor blades and knives
- cleaning products
- drugs or medication
- belts, cords, wires, rope
The goal of a crisis plan is to think about what support someone needs when they are in crisis. A crisis plan may include:
- not being alone
- preventing access to certain objects
- talking with a certain person or helpline
- talking with a professional
- using distraction techniques
- including reasons to live, such as pictures of family
Keep a copy of their crisis plan so you know what to do to help them if they’re in crisis.
Additional Awareness materials:
Ready-To-Use VA Mental Health Materials | Spread the Word - Mental Health
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Poster | SAMHSA
