Standing with Our Heroes To Help Prevent Veterans Suicide
In 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death in veterans under the age of 45. Every day, approximately 20 veterans die by suicide, a tragic statistic that emphasizes the urgent need for support and intervention.
At Veterans Help Group, we’re all in when it comes to tackling the veterans suicide crisis. Our team is dedicated to providing the resources, support, and advocacy that our heroes need.
Understanding the Crisis
Leaving the military is a major life shift for veterans, and for many, the road back into civilian life can be filled with unexpected hurdles. Beyond just landing a job or finding housing, these challenges can shake a veteran’s sense of identity, purpose, and where they fit in after service.
The transition to civilian life presents significant challenges:
- Employment Difficulties: Many veterans leave the service with valuable skills, leadership experience, and strong work ethics, but they often struggle to translate their military roles into civilian job qualifications.
- Financial Struggles: The financial adjustment after service is another source of stress. The loss of military pay and benefits, combined with the time it can take to find stable employment, can put veterans and their families in a vulnerable financial position.
- Homelessness: Due to a mix of challenges like unemployment, mental health struggles, limited access to affordable housing, and difficulty connecting with support services, a lot of veterans face homelessness after they are discharged.
All of this can leave veterans feeling isolated and overwhelmed, which is why having strong support and easy access to resources is so important.
Taking Action Together
To tackle the veterans suicide crisis, organizations like USAA, the Humana Foundation, and Reach Resilience launched Face the Fight, a major initiative focused on saving lives and changing the conversation around mental health.
In addition to FaceTheFight.org, there are many other valuable resources available to veterans in crisis. Whether someone is struggling with mental health, housing, employment, or just needs someone to talk to, there are many trusted groups ready to help.
Support Resources for Veterans in Need
If you’re a veteran or someone who cares about a veteran, help is always available without judgment.
- Veterans Crisis Line. Call 988 and press 1 or send a text to 838255. You can also start a free confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat where you can find support 24/7.
- Military OneSource provides counseling and everyday support to veterans and their families.
- Vets4Warriors is a 24/7 confidential peer support line where veterans and their families can talk with fellow veterans without judgment or stigma. Call 1-855-838-8255
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free support and help finding treatment for your mental health or substance use. Available 24/7 in both English and Spanish.
- Local VA Medical Centers provides a range of services from therapy to substance abuse treatment.
Resources For Civilians Who Need Support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) anytime for free, or text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. and a trained crisis counselor can chat with you.
- Coaching Into Care. A VA service that helps families and friends encourage veterans to seek mental health treatment. Call 1-888-823-7458
- TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) offers care and support for those grieving the loss of a military loved one.
- The Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) has helpful information if you’re looking for a therapist who specializes in helping people cope with losing someone to suicide. You can also find local support groups through SAVE at save.org/find-help/coping-with-loss and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone.
- Zero Suicides unites the efforts of more than 35 organizations, agencies, and community groups, all working together to end suicide in Pinellas County.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 to support anyone affected by relationship abuse confidentially and without judgment.
Help Is Always Available
Whether you’re a veteran or a civilian struggling, you’re not alone. Support is available 24/7, with people who truly care and are ready to help. Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a step toward healing.
