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Today, the No. 1 issue facing the veteran community is suicide, according to the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.   It is estimated that between 17 and 22 veterans or servicemembers take their lives each day.  That’s more than 6,000 annually.  The rate of suicide for veterans is more than 50% higher than that of non-veteran adults.  As we live in ever more turbulent times, there will be more veterans facing mental-health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.  

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for Veterans and their loved ones

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Be The One They Call: 5 Steps to engage and support

Here are five steps to keep in mind when engaging anybody who may be in danger of self-harm or suicide:

1.  Out of everyone they know, they are talking to you.  So graciously receive the call and provide a willing ear to listen. 
2. Their story is theirs alone. Let them have the floor. Don’t counter with your own experience. 
3. Ask open-ended questions.  The other person will feel heard and the answers will provide additional context to their issue. 
4. Don't judge.  Empathy is a must.
5. Suggest, if appropriate, options to connect to someone who is a trained mental health professional.

Points to remember:

1. Struggling with feeling suicidal is not a sign of weakness.  Accepting help is a sign of strength.
2. The subject of suicide may be uncomfortable or scary to you, yet having a caring conversation can help increase a person's sense of hope.
3. Asking about suicide will not "introduce" the idea of suicide.  Talking about suicide will not make someone more likely to act on suicidal thoughts.  In fact, people who are struggling want help, and asking can relieve distress.  Be direct.