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Suicide
Prevention

Veteran Suicide Resources & Support

Suicide is one of the top causes of death in the United States and an urgent challenge facing the military community.

Ending veteran suicide starts before a crisis. It requires building strong support networks and programs that improve mental health and quality of life.

This topic may feel heavy, but change is possible.听Together, we can turn hope into action.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If you or someone you know needs help, get free and confidential support 24/7.

  • Call or Text 988
  • Chat online at chat 988lifeline.org/
Additional emergency resources for veterans.

Table of Contents

Facts About Veteran Suicide

Veteran Suicide FAQs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says about听听every day in the U.S.

For the past 20 years, the number of suicides has increased. This is especially true for military veterans. , veterans died by suicide more than twice as much as people who were not veterans.

In 2022, male veterans died by suicide 44% more than nonveteran men. Female veterans died by suicide 92% more than nonveteran women.

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death for all veterans. For those under age 45, it is the second-highest cause of death.

Suicide is a complex problem with no single cause. Risk factors do not cause suicide, but they can make a person more vulnerable. The听 says the most common risk factors for veteran suicide include:

  • Pain.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Increased health problems.
  • Declines in physical ability.听
  • Relationship problems.
  • Hopelessness.
  • Impulsivity.
  • Guns in the home that are not locked up.

WWP鈥檚 research shows that certain factors can lower the risk of suicidal thoughts:

  • Strong relationships with family, friends, and community.
  • Sense of purpose and identity beyond military service.
  • Feeling like they belong and are connected to others.
  • Access to timely, culturally competent care.
  • Safe environments, including planning around lethal means.
  • Chances to grow and help others.
  • Mental resilience.
  • Quality sleep.
  • Financial stability and ability to meet basic needs.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Knowing the warning signs of suicide is an important part of helping prevent it.

Warning signs can be vague and vary from person to person. It is important to remember that what may be a warning sign for one person may not be a cause for concern in another person.

Signs of Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts can be hard to spot, but there are common signs. These may involve changes in how a person acts, how they look, how they feel, or what they say.

How to Ask About Suicidal Thoughts

Talking about suicide can feel uncomfortable, but听starting the conversation can save a life.听

  • Ask directly:听鈥淎re you thinking about suicide?鈥�
  • Stay calm and be present:听Let the person talk. Don鈥檛 judge them. Just listen.
  • Offer support:听Let them know they are not alone. Often, people just need someone to hear them and support them.
    • Ask if you can help听connect them to resources.
    • If there鈥檚 immediate danger or a suicide attempt has occurred, get emergency support immediately.

Remember, don鈥檛 be afraid to ask. Breaking the silence and talking openly about suicide is a powerful step toward reducing shame听and helping veterans feel safe to seek help.

But if I talk about suicide, won't it put the idea in someone's head?

No. In fact, asking can help.
It shows you care and gives the person a chance to talk about what they're going through. It can help reduce shame and make it easier to ask for help.

"Don't ever think you're alone."

Joey Piersoff, WWP warrior and Army veteran

Support Resources for Veterans

Learning about the resources available helps veterans and their loved ones find and connect to the services they need.

Emergency Help

  • Veterans Crisis Line 鈥� 988, Press 1 or text 鈥淗ELP鈥� to 838255
  • Crisis Text Line 鈥� Text 鈥淗OME鈥� to 741741
  • 911 or local emergency services

Support Services

Educational Materials

"I fought the battle of suicide, and I won."

Angie Lupe, WWP warrior and Army veteran

Connection Saves Lives

Connection is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent suicide. The 黑料不打烊听Connection Saves Lives听campaign raises awareness about the importance of community, belonging, and peer support. When veterans feel seen and heard, they are more likely to seek help. A simple听check-in can save a life.

"I once again see that life is truly worth living."

Don Griner, WWP warrior and Army veteran

How WWP Supports Veteran Suicide Prevention

WWP protects veterans鈥� futures by helping reduce suicide risk and teaching others how to help prevent it.

"There is more strength and bravery in asking for help than trying to do things by yourself."

Melissa McMahon, WWP warrior and Air Force veteran

News & Features

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Multimedia

Army Veteran Finds Light in the Darkness

Joey Pierstorff remembers the struggles he had during and after his time in the military. He joined the Army at just 18 years old, motivated to serve after the 9/11 attacks. He spent 11 years in the service, deploying multiple times to Iraq. After leaving the service, many veterans, like Joey, struggle to figure out the next phase of their lives. Through WWP, Joey was able to connect with other veterans, and share his experiences. #CombatStigma

Melissa鈥檚 Choice to Reach Out Changed Everything

Veteran Melissa McMahon thought she had to handle her challenges on her own. When life took a serious turn, she made a different choice and reached out for help. Now, she rides with 988 on her car to remind others they're not alone either.

It鈥檚 Ok to Not Be Ok

Army Veteran, Joey Pierstorff remembers his struggles during and after his time in the military. He joined the Army at 18 years old and was motivated to serve after the 9/11 attacks. He spent 11 years in the service, deploying multiple times to Iraq, where the constant barrage of explosive devices became commonplace. After leaving the service, many veterans, like Joey, struggle to figure out the next phase of their lives. Through WWP, Joey could connect with other veterans and share his experiences. Watch this gripping army veteran interview and discover more of Joey Pierstorff鈥檚 experiences.

Finding Your Purpose and Drive

Phil Krabbe鈥檚 happiest memories came from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps. But that brotherhood made the reality of war even more devastating. On May 23, 2006, Phil lost two of his Marines and an interpreter to a roadside bomb. Not only were they his friends, but as their platoon sergeant, Phil felt responsible. He compartmentalized his feelings and carried on with the mission, but it wasn鈥檛 long before he needed prescription drugs to sleep at night. Phil initially did not seek counseling. On November 30, 2020, after almost 14 years of substance abuse, Phil nearly committed suicide. Watch how WWP helped Phil turn his life around by accepting mental help for veterans.

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