Suicide Prevention 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.
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.
