09/08/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2024 18:31
If you or a Veteran loved one attempted suicide, you may be feeling a range of emotions. You also may have many questions about the future and what to do now. It can be hard to know where to begin, but you're not alone.
There are steps you can take and resources available to guide you through this journey of hope and healing.
1. Find support after a suicide attempt
No matter if you're a Veteran or if you're supporting a Veteran in your life, VA is here for you. We offer a range of resources and a network of support to help you navigate this difficult time:
2. Learn how to talk with children about suicide
If there has been a recent suicide attempt in your family, this could be one of the toughest experiences you and your children may ever face.
Our Talking to Kids About Suicide guide is intended to provide you with support and resources that may be helpful now and as your family recovers. The guide, which covers age groups from preschool through the teen years, isn't intended to replace professional mental health advice. It may be best to use this along with professional support if you or your child is struggling with how to talk about this difficult subject.
Find information related to:
3. Become familiar with short-term steps you can take
For a family member, caregiver or friend, a loved one's suicide attempt can come with many mixed emotions, including fear, anger and confusion. There are tangible steps you can take to guide you and your loved one in the short term, directly following the attempt, and in the long term.
Short-term steps:
4. Become familiar with long-term steps you can take
As you prepare to take your Veteran loved one home from treatment:
5. Remember to take care of yourself
If you're a friend, family member or caregiver, remember caring for yourself is key to caring for others. You can find information on how to stay safe and healthy with our Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Caregivers and by visiting Caregiver.VA.gov.
Life has its storms. You don't have to navigate them alone. That's true whether it's an everyday struggle or something more complicated. VA provides extensive resources for many of life's challenges at Don't Wait. Reach Out.
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
As a family member or friend of a Veteran, you can play an important role in providing support for their recovery. If you're a Veteran who attempted suicide, you're not alone-there are people who care about you and want to help.