The rigorous demands and expectations of military service, which includes deployments, training, and the inherent dangers involved, can be quite taxing and can have a severe negative impact on mental health that can have lasting effects for a lifetime. It can often result in psychological problems that become a crisis. Among these concerns, suicide continues to be a serious challenge that needs urgent attention and treatment. Discussing suicide is often seen as taboo and can be an uncomfortable topic, but talking about it openly is critical for prevention and support.

According to recent studies in Suicide Screening and Prevention, suicide is a significant public health issue not only in the United States but in many other countries. It is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming over 44,000 lives per year. It is also the eighth highest cause of lost years of life, exceeding liver disease, diabetes, and HIV combined. Every year, about half a million individuals visit emergency rooms in the United States after attempting suicide. Researchers have identified numerous factors that increase the risk of suicide among military individuals over the years, including traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and other mental health concerns. Many of these survivors of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse experience nightmares and flashbacks. Reports show that veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars experience incredibly high rates of PTSD, with many struggling to maintain normalcy in their daily lives. Now, professionals evaluate most veterans for PTSD, which can qualify them for veteran disability benefits. Early reintegration into civilian life plays a vital role in reducing the risk of suicide.

It is imperative to assess and prevent suicide among military servicemen and women. Understanding the warning signs, establishing a supportive environment, and taking on preemptive actions may bring significant benefits.
1. Know the Warning Signs of a Suicide Risk
Suicide crisis can occasionally escalate as a consequence of life’s trials, challenges, and traumas. The first step in knowing when to get help is recognizing your symptoms. Suicidal thoughts, imminent plans, or conversations urgently involving death are all distress signals that somebody must handle immediately. Every second counts in these situations, so seek assistance immediately by calling 911 or the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and pressing 1.
Furthermore, be on your guard for premature warning signs such as protracted melancholy, anxiety, hopelessness, and withdrawal from close relationships. These above indicators suggest that you may require support and intervention. Prompt identification and swift action can stop an incident from getting worse.
2. Develop a Safety Strategy
A proactive approach to protecting oneself in challenging conditions is to have preventive measures in place. When suicidal thoughts arise, the VA Safety Plan app provides a step-by-step, tailored approach to help you stay safe. This program facilitates identifying coping mechanisms and social networks, allowing you to regulate your thoughts and emotions effectively. The Veteran Training Portal offers courses to help veterans solve problems, mitigate anger, learn parenting skills, and more. By defining your life’s purpose and articulating what to do in an emergency, you equip yourself with a clear course that may save a life.
3. Recognize Vulnerability and Countermeasures
There is no one cause for suicide; it is a complex and diverse problem. Suicide-related thoughts and behaviors may be more prevalent in those who have a history of mental health issues, have access to lethal weapons, or have had traumatic events in life. Nonetheless, you can take preventative action if you are mindful of these variables. Protective factors, such as access to mental health care, strong social connections, and effective coping mechanisms, can mitigate the dangers. Resilience, a sense of community, and the skills acquired while serving in the military may all serve as significant means of protecting veterans.
4. Keep Lethal Weapons Securely Stored
Storing deadly weapons in a secure location is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies to reduce the risk of suicide. Extending the period and space you have between you and potentially lethal objects – such as guns, knives, drugs, medication, cords, or sharp objects – during an emergency can save lives. Using the VA’s Keep It Secure program, you may safeguard yourself and the people around you, which offers helpful tips for securely storing potentially hazardous materials.
5. Have a Conversation with Someone
Speaking with someone who can relate to your experiences can be surprisingly helpful, even if you think you’re handling things well. Responders to the Veterans Crisis Line are educated in military culture and serve confidential, round-the-clock assistance to veterans and their families. Help is always available, regardless of how you prefer to communicate – by text (838255), phone (Dial 988, then Press 1), or live chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).
6. Develop Resilience Skills
Gaining resilience is essential for adequately managing stress and overcoming obstacles in life. A positive mindset, adopting constructive coping mechanisms, and honing problem-solving abilities are all components of building resilience. Regular self-care activities, such as mindfulness, exercise, meditation, and maintaining healthy relationships, also enhance resiliency. Promoting these abilities helps people face these challenges more effectively, bounce back from setbacks, and keep their emotions in check, eventually leading to improved overall happiness and an optimistic attitude.
7. Engage in Meaningful Activities
Engaging in worthwhile hobbies is crucial for promoting general well-being and nurturing mental health. Cultivating interests and activities that make you happy and fulfilled can give you a sense of contentment and purpose, which can mitigate stress and improve your mood. Engaging in artistic pursuits, physical exercises, gardening, mechanics, volunteer work, and the like can be beneficial ways of expressing oneself and developing one’s enjoyment. A positive self-image and perseverance are also reinforced by setting and achieving personal and professional goals. People can create a well-balanced and rewarding routine that fosters their mental and emotional wellness by integrating meaningful activities into their daily lives.
8. Seek Professional Help When Needed
One of the most fundamental steps in successfully managing mental health issues is seeking professional help. Therapy and counseling provide a safe space to examine and address emotional trauma, while medication helps stabilize mood and enhance functioning. Choosing a mental health provider whose approach fits your needs is vital, as is working closely with them to monitor and adjust treatment as needed. Somebody can also make your road to recovery simpler by using resources for support, such as crisis services and support groups. Group psychotherapies reduced suicidal ideation in 5 out of 10 studies and lowered suicide rates in one study. Requesting for guidance is an active move that fosters perseverance and general well-being.

Take Action Now
As they say, “Don’t put off until tomorrow. What can you do today?” Take action now and be prepared for any potential crisis. By taking the initiative, you can safeguard your well-being and be confident to assess adversities head-on. One essential aspect of self-care is setting aside time to get ready. Awareness and vigilance can significantly improve both your own and the lives of those around you.