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Information for VFW Post Members, Auxiliary, Veterans & Supporters

Call to Action - Military Suicide Prevention

1/9/2018

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“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!  

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    Leslie C. McLean
    VFW Post 1454

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Leslie C. McLean Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1454

1302 Wright Avenue
​Alma, Michigan 48801


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989-466-5454

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Wednesday-Sunday Open at 3 p.m.
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