What we learned about suicide prevention this year

Throughout 2024, we shared information about Veteran suicide prevention, the Veterans Crisis Line and VA resources, programs and initiatives. All these articles were connected by our main tenets of suicide prevention:

• Suicide is preventable.
• You don't have to be an expert to help a Veteran going through a challenging time, you just need to show genuine care and concern.
• You don't have to be enrolled in VA health care or benefits to use many of our resources.
• There is hope.

If you didn't have a chance to read all our articles this year, not to worry. Here's a recap of what we explored in 2024.

Suicide is preventable

A critical part of preventing a crisis is to be prepared, which includes understanding the resources available to you and how they work.

You don't have to be an expert to help a Veteran going through a challenging time

Some people think because they're not a health care professional, they can't help a Veteran facing a crisis. You don't have to be an expert. You can help a Veteran by sharing suicide prevention resources, learning how to have a conversation with a Veteran about suicide and supporting them as they take steps to reduce their suicide risk.

You don't have to be enrolled in VA health care or benefits to use many of our resources

No matter if you're enrolled in VA health care or benefits, your location, or what you're experiencing, VA is ready to support all Veterans.

• Help for Veterans facing thoughts of suicide (published April 23) focuses on how Veterans transitioning from service can strengthen or build a support system through resources offered by VA and Veteran-centric organizations.
• No matter what, VA is here for you (published July 13) reinforces VA offers a range of resources to support Veterans at any stage of their life, wherever they live, and however they served.

There is hope

One of the main ideas I wanted to convey with these articles over the last year is that suicide is preventable, and there is hope.

The idea of hope is so important. What gives Veterans and their loved ones hope is that there are resources available and people who care about you and want to help. Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect, I encourage you to reach out.

If you're going through a tough time or know a Veteran who is struggling, contact the Veterans Crisis Line-Dial 988, then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text 838255. We're here for you whenever you need us. As I wrote earlier this year: You, and your story, matter.

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