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.
I say that this month because 22 Veterans of all eras commit suicide each day. 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.
We are getting hit in two areas. First of all, COVID-19 and the problems it presents to both physical and mental health is with us 24/7. During February, we were hit with snowstorm after snowstorm for weeks. We were basically prisoners in our own homes. This presented even more problems with those having mental health issues.
Sometimes when we suspect a Veteran, Service Member or loved one 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 start them down 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 those 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 is for family members as well as Veterans and Active Duty Military.
The CRISIS LINE IS THERE FOR THE CIVILIAN POPULATION TOO. DIAL THE CRISIS LINE 1-800-273-8255. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TALK TO A COUNSELOR.
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.
