No matter what, VA is here for you

No matter what, VA is here for you.

Through my work with VA, I meet a diverse range of Veterans. They're from all across the nation, from coastal cities to rural areas in the center of the country. They're at different stages of their lives. Some are parents of young children and some are grandparents and even great-grandparents. Their experiences in the military were vastly different from those who deployed to combat zones to those who stayed stateside during times of peace.

Because all Veterans are different, VA offers a range of resources to support Veterans at any stage of their life, wherever they live, and however they served. No matter your challenges, we're here for you.

No matter if you're enrolled in VA health care or benefits

One of the most important ways to prevent suicide is strengthening protective factors like access to mental health care, feeling connected to other people and positive coping skills. At the same time, it's crucial to reduce risk factors-like easy access to firearms or certain medications and the stress that comes with difficult life events, such as divorce, job loss or the death of a loved one.

You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to access many VA suicide prevention resources that can help increase protective factors and decrease risk factors.

• Use the free self-help tool. The Veteran Training self-help portal provides tools to help Veterans work on problem-solving, managing anger, developing parenting skills and more. The free tools are based on best practices that have been successful with Veterans and their families.
• Learn about secure firearm and medication storage. While firearms and medications are usually handled responsibly, they can become deadly if a Veteran is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. Because many suicide crises are brief, safe storage practices can save a life by increasing the amount of time and distance between someone having a suicide crisis and access to a firearm or medication. Visit KeepItSecure for more tips on how to keep Veterans and their families safe.
• Check out VA's app store. Download free apps to help you 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. Many more apps covering a range of issues are available.

No matter when, where or how you served

When Veterans have access to the right resources before a crisis happens, lives can be saved. No matter if you deployed, remained stateside, saw combat, what your MOS was or your discharge status, you've earned the access to lifesaving support.

• Get support designed specifically for you. Life has its challenges. As a Veteran, you don't have to solve them alone. Don't wait. Reach out. Explore VA resources by category like career, education, money, relationship and health challenges, feelings of depression or isolation, life transitions and experiencing grief or loss.
• Learn the steps involved in suicide prevention.VA S.A.V.E. Training provides information to help you act with care and compassion if you encounter a Veteran in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. The acronym S.A.V.E. helps you remember the important steps in suicide prevention:
  • Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized.
  • Ask the most important question of all. Are you thinking of killing yourself?
  • Validate the Veteran's experience.
  • Encourage treatment and expedite getting help.

No matter the day or time

Are you going through the end of a personal relationship or loss of a job? Everybody faces difficult times in life and people cope with stressful situations in different ways.

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 to connect you with caring, qualified responders ready to listen and help: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

No matter where you're located

Whatever you're facing, we're here to connect you with resources and support systems to help. Our resource locator tool can help you find the VA programs and services closest to you.

No matter what you're experiencing

Suicide is preventable and there is hope. We have help available any day, any time, wherever you're located, no matter what you're experiencing. These resources are ready whether you're enrolled in VA health care or receiving benefits, regardless of when, where or how you served.

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