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Suicide Prevention Brochure (Text Only)
Logo Department of Veterans Affairs
If you've ever had boots on the ground, been in the bush, deployed, or not...
you're not alone
Picture of soldier
Feeling disconnected, depressed? Thinking about harming yourself?
There are people who CAN HELP.
Suicide is a leading public health problem in the United States and has become of increasing concern among recently returning veterans and active duty soldiers. The suicide rate among soldiers was the highest in recent years - nearly 13/100,000 - a rate twice as high as the general population. More than 90% of persons who commit suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition, commonly a depressive or substance abuse disorder.
It is important to recognize the risk factors for suicide and seek help if you notice changes in behavior in yourself or a loved one. If you or a person you care about is impacted by one or more of the following risk factors or warning signs - please ask for help.
Who should ask for help?
Anyone, but especially those who feel sad, hopeless, or suicidal.
Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one who may be experiencing these feelings.
Anyone interested in suicide prevention, treatment, and service referrals.
Suicide Risk Factors
Relationship problems
Divorce or separation
Financial problems
Work / employment problems
Trouble sleeping
Major life stress
Social isolation
Substance abuse
Access to firearms
Recent illness or hospitalization
Mental health conditions - especially depression,
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and substance abuse
Suicide Warning Signs
Talking or joking about suicide
Talking about feeling worthless or helpless
Suddenly and unexpectedly happier or calmer
Giving away prized possessions, money
Obsession with firearms, knives, pills
Risk-taking behavior such as reckless driving
Self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and / or drug abuse
Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
Feeling hopeless
Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities-seemingly without thinking
Feeling trapped-like there's no way out
Increasing alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
Feeling anxious or agitated, being unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time
Experiencing dramatic mood changes
Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
With appropriate treatment and knowledge, the risk of suicide can be greatly reduced.
All threats, talk, and thoughts of harming oneself should be taken seriously.
Someone who is thinking of suicide may not always appear particularly unhappy or upset.
Please do not be afraid to ask for help for yourself or a loved one.
Suicide Prevention
Phone Numbers
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Mental Health Clinic Crisis Line
VA Medical Center, WPB, FL
561-422-7515 (8am - 4:00pm)
VA Tel-Care Nurse
1-877-741-3400 (Nurse After 4pm)
Palm Beach Vet Center
561-585-0441 (8:30am - 5:30pm)
Palm Beach County Helpline
Dial: 211
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is a free and confidential service for those who are seeking help when they feel like there is nowhere to turn.
1-800-273-TALK (8255) can be dialed toll free from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained crisis center staff are available to listen to your needs and offer:
Crisis counseling.
Suicide intervention.
Mental health referral information.
You are not alone. We are here to listen and to help you find your way back to a happier, healthier life.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK
To operate the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is staffed by VA mental health professionals who work closely with local VA Medical Centers
to help callers.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center
7305 North Military Trail
West Palm Beach, Florida 33410
561-422-8262 (local)
1-800-972-8262 (toll free)
Produced by Medical Media #19519, August 2007
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