Twenty-two Veterans of all eras commit suicide each day. That fact is an ugly one that breaks my heart every time I hear or read it. Last month was Suicide Awareness Month.
Due to Covid-19, you may have not heard that much about it. The Veterans Health Administration and Department of Defense are very aware of this statistic and are launching programs to help Veterans in crisis.
I also read an article that said the civilian population, especially teenagers, are experiencing more suicides. They attribute it to the quarantine and isolation. Remember that just one person, one conversation or one act can have a positive impact on the life of a Veteran, Service Member or civilian by offering hope and opening the door to support and help.
Sometimes when we suspect a Veteran or Service Member in our lives may be going through a crisis, we are unsure how to help. We all have the power to take that first step, to reach out, to find time in the day to talk with the Veteran, Service Member or civilian to find out how they are doing. In these crazy times it takes only a moment and one small act to set them toward the path to getting the support they need.
Taking that first step with someone in crisis can prove daunting, but the Veterans Crisis Line offers support for individuals concerned about a loved one. One call, one chat or one text can open the door to hope. The VETERANS CRISIS LINE number is 1-800-273-8255 (press 1). Make sure you press 1 so the call gets routed to a VA counselor. This number is for family members as well as Veterans and Active Duty Military.
There are two other ways to get help for Veterans and Active Duty Members. The first is by calling Anita Carmona Caravelli, the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Hines VA. Her number is (708) 202-4096. The other way is by calling the Aurora Vet Center. Their number is (630) 585-1853.
VETERANS CRISIS LINE number is 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
