Call to Action - Military Suicide Prevention

“CALL TO ACTION” FOR MILITARY SUICIDE PREVENTION ADVOCATES
​4 STEPS TO ASSESSING SUICIDE RISK AMONG VETERANS

LOOK for the warning signs. These warning signs require immediate attention & referral.

• Threatening to hurt or kill self
• Looking for ways to kill self
• Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means
• Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide

Additional Warning Signs - Any of these signs, refer for mental health treatment.

• Hopelessness
• Rage, anger, seeking revenge
• Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped—like there’s no way out
• Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
• Dramatic changes in mood
• Perceiving no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life

ASSESS for risk and protective factors that may increase or decrease risk for suicide. 

• Current ideation, intent, plan,
• Previous suicide attempts
• ​Alcohol/substance abuse
• Previous history of psychiatric diagnosis
• Impulsiveness and poor self-control
• Hopelessness--presence, duration, severity
• Recent losses--physical, financial, personal
• Recent discharge from an impatient unit
• Family history of suicide
• History of abuse--physical, sexual or emotional
• Co-morbid health problems, newly diagnosed or worsening symptoms

ASK the questions (these are very serious questions)

• Are you feeling hopeless about the present/future? If yes, ask....
• Have you had thoughts about taking your life? If yes, ask....
• When did you have these thoughts, and do you have a plan to take your life?
• Have you ever had a suicide attempt?

RESPONDING to suicide risk

• Refer them to mental treatment
• Inform and involve someone close to this person
• Limit access to means of suicide
• Increase contact and make a commitment to help the person through the crisis

FACTORS THAT MAY DECREASE RISK

• Positive social support Spirituality
• Sense of responsibility to family
• Children in the home, pregnancy
• Life satisfaction
• Reality testing ability
• Positive coping skills
• Positive problem-solving skills
• Positive therapeutic relationships

This information is provided by the Suicide Risk Assessment Guide from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guide.

Remember - Only trained medical professionals can diagnose a Veteran but we as individuals must be aware that Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder is real and it is a hidden factor that effects many.

Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 press 1
or Online Chat at: www.VeteransCrisisLine.net

The number listed above is a direct line to the Veteran Crisis Line who can assist the Veteran to the nearest VA Hospital. 

Your awareness & actions may help to save the life of someone who fought to protect yours!