{"id":8115,"date":"2024-09-04T18:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8115"},"modified":"2024-09-04T18:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T18:30:00","slug":"flipping-the-script-redefining-how-we-look-at-veteran-suicide-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8115","title":{"rendered":"Flipping the script: Redefining how we look at Veteran suicide prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-09-04T18:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

When people talk about suicide, they tend to focus on the narrative that suicide is tragic, suicide is complex and there are still many things we don\u2019t know about suicide. An often-overlooked aspect of the conversation is the importance of hope.<\/p>\n

In this article, I want to \u201cflip the usual script\u201d and let you know that suicide isn\u2019t the inevitable outcome if you\u2019re going through a crisis. There are things you can do to decrease your risk of suicide and help lower the risk for Veterans.<\/p>\n

By focusing on the idea that suicide can be prevented and there are options for Veterans facing challenges, we can help save lives. Read on to find six ways to help decrease suicide risk.<\/p>\n

Understand that 24\/7 support is available<\/h2>\n

No matter what you\u2019re going through, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders are ready to listen and help, day or night. You can Dial 988 then Press 1<\/a>, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net\/Chat, or text 838255<\/a> to reach responders trained in military culture and crisis intervention. Whether you\u2019re a Veteran or care about a Veteran, they can connect you with the resources and tools you need.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re not alone. Veterans and their supporters have reached out to the Veterans Crisis Line millions of times. You can, too.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Support doesn\u2019t end after the call, chat or text. Afterward, you may be connected with your local suicide prevention coordinator (SPC) who will contact you the next business day for continued support.<\/p>\n

Find the resources you need<\/h2>\n

SPCs are available in each VA medical center across the country and can connect Veterans to the counseling and services they need. Are you looking for clinical care or counseling? Assistance with benefits? No matter what you\u2019re experiencing, we\u2019re here to connect you with resources and support systems to help.<\/p>\n

Use our resource locator<\/a> to find VA medical facilities and benefits offices.<\/p>\n

You can also check out VA\u2019s app store<\/a> <\/strong>to download free apps to help manage the stresses of daily life with PTSD, create a custom, step-by-step safety plan to stay safe when experiencing thoughts about suicide and access tools to help track and improve sleep.<\/p>\n

Learn the steps involved in suicide prevention<\/h2>\n

VA S.A.V.E. Training<\/a> provides information that will help you act with care and compassion if you come across a Veteran who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. The acronym S.A.V.E. helps you remember the important steps involved in suicide prevention:\u00a0<\/p>\n