Understanding Crisis Support

Crisis support is available for any Veteran experiencing thoughts of suicide, emotional distress, or mental health crisis. The Veterans Crisis Line connects you with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders who understand the unique challenges Veterans face. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and all services are confidential and free.

Veterans Crisis Line Services

The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by qualified mental health professionals who have received specialized training in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Many of the responders are Veterans themselves, providing peer support and understanding of military culture and experiences.

When to Reach Out for Crisis Support

Immediate help and ongoing support resources for Veterans in crisis, including 24/7 hotlines, emergency services, and community support.

Reach Out If You're Experiencing:

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Severe depression or anxiety
• Substance abuse problems
• Relationship or family problems
• Financial or legal difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Trauma-related distress
• Feeling isolated or disconnected
• Any situation that feels unmanageable

Warning Signs in Others:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
• Looking for ways to kill themselves
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

Emergency Services and Immediate Help

Immediate help and ongoing support resources for Veterans in crisis, including 24/7 hotlines, emergency services, and community support.

Ongoing Support Resources

Immediate help and ongoing support resources for Veterans in crisis, including 24/7 hotlines, emergency services, and community support.

VA Mental Health Services:

• Mental Health Clinics: Ongoing therapy and psychiatric care
• PTSD Programs: Specialized treatment for trauma-related conditions
• Substance Abuse Programs: Treatment for addiction and substance use disorders
• Intensive Outpatient Programs: Structured daily treatment while living at home
• Residential Treatment: Inpatient programs for severe mental health conditions
• Peer Support Programs: Connection with other Veterans in recovery

Vet Centers:

Immediate help and ongoing support resources for Veterans in crisis, including 24/7 hotlines, emergency services, and community support.

• Individual and group counseling
• Family and couples counseling
• Bereavement counseling
• Military sexual trauma counseling
• Substance abuse counseling
• Community outreach and education
• Referrals to other VA and community services

Supporting Others in Crisis

Immediate help and ongoing support resources for Veterans in crisis, including 24/7 hotlines, emergency services, and community support.

How to Help Someone in Crisis:

1. Take It Seriously: Any mention of suicide or self-harm should be taken seriously
2. Listen Without Judgment: Provide a safe space for them to express their feelings
3. Ask Direct Questions: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" It's okay to ask directly
4. Stay With Them: Don't leave someone in crisis alone if possible
5. Remove Means: Help remove access to weapons, medications, or other means of self-harm
6. Get Professional Help: Call the Veterans Crisis Line or emergency services
7. Follow Up: Continue to check in and provide ongoing support

Creating a Safety Plan

Immediate help and ongoing support resources for Veterans in crisis, including 24/7 hotlines, emergency services, and community support.

Safety Plan Components:

1. Warning Signs: Identify thoughts, feelings, and situations that indicate a crisis may be developing
2. Coping Strategies: List things you can do on your own to help yourself feel better
3. Social Settings: Identify people and places that provide distraction and support
4. Support People: List family members and friends who can help during a crisis
5. Professional Contacts: Include mental health professionals and crisis services
6. Environment Safety: Make your environment safer by removing or securing lethal means