Military life can be stressful for service members and their families. Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently, and some may feel angry or isolated. These reactions can be common responses to life events, but, for some, these feelings may be signs of more serious conditions, including depression, traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. People coping with these concerns may feel like there is no escape from their symptoms, leading them to have thoughts of suicide. Deaths as a result of suicide are a preventable public health concern and a top priority for the Department of Defense (DoD).
The Military Health System (MHS) works with military and civilian organizations to:
- Build awareness of suicidal behavior and risks, and
- Help service members and their families cope.
We also promote programs that instill the skills needed to manage life’s challenges and encourage those with suicidal thoughts to seek help.
September marks Suicide Prevention Month—a prime opportunity for the DoD and MHS to raise public awareness of suicide risk among service members, veterans, their families and friends. #BeThere because everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention.
Crisis Hotlines
Are you or a loved one in a crisis and need help? Use one of the crisis hotlines listed below. They are all available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or click the image for more information.
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10/4/2016
Coping with the loss of a family member or friend to suicide can present a range of challenges and emotions. Services, tools and advice are available to help those who are or have gone through this experience.
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9/27/2016
Navy Medicine’s chaplain recounts his story of ‘the why’
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9/19/2016
As part of Suicide Prevention Month, retired Army Maj. Ed Pulido tells his own story about contemplating suicide, how his experience changed perspective on mental health and what he does now.
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9/14/2016
Whether you have a minute or an hour, a simple act of kindness can help someone feel less alone. The U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have created a video to show how small actions can have a huge impact on Veterans and Service members who might be going through a difficult time.
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9/12/2016
‘Be There’ will resonate because it’s a way to hit home that suicide is preventable
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9/1/2016
Suicide prevention is a priority for the Department of Defense
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9/1/2016
The Defense Department is working with media, nongovernmental organizations and the federal sector to focus on suicide prevention
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10/1/2015
A former Air Force staff sergeant, and combat veteran, talks about his job as a health science specialist with the Veterans Crisis Line
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9/30/2015
Subject matter experts of mental and behavioral health, community support and Airmen gathered to discuss resiliency and suicide prevention at Joint Base Andrews
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9/29/2015
Poster in support of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
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9/24/2015
Ambling down the hall of his new duty station, Cmdr. Joe draws a lot of attention from patients and staff despite his best efforts to go unnoticed
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Showing results 1 - 15
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