Military Crisis Resources: Suicide Prevention & Emergency Mental Health Guide

Bottom Line Up Front: If you're in crisis, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). Text 838255 for text support. All services are 24/7, free, confidential. Suicidal thoughts are treatable - 90% of people in crisis who get help go on to live full lives. You are not alone. You are not weak. You can get through this.

Crisis Resources (Call NOW If You Need Help)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Call: 988
• Text: 838255
• Chat: 988lifeline.org
• 24/7, Free, Confidential

Veterans Crisis Line

• Call: 988, then press 1
• Text: 838255
• Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
• Specifically for veterans and service members

Military Crisis Line

• Call: 800-273-8255, press 1
• Available 24/7

Military OneSource

• Call: 800-342-9647
• 24/7 counseling
• Not just for crisis - ongoing support too

Base Emergency Services

• Call 911 or base emergency number
• Go to nearest ER (they have psychiatric services)
• Military police can transport you to hospital

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Warning Signs of Suicide Risk

In Yourself

Immediate danger signs (call 988 NOW):

• Specific plan to harm yourself
• Access to means (gun, pills, etc.)
• Saying goodbye to people
• Giving away possessions
• Feeling trapped, no way out
• Unbearable pain (emotional or physical)

High-risk signs (seek help within 24 hours):

• Persistent thoughts of death
• Feeling like a burden to others
• Withdrawal from everyone
• Reckless behavior (seeking death indirectly)
• Dramatic mood changes
• No hope for future

Moderate-risk signs (seek help this week):

• Frequent thoughts of death (but no plan)
• Feeling hopeless
• Severe depression
• Substance abuse increase
• Can't find reasons to live

In Others (Fellow Service Member, Family Member)

Warning signs:

• Talking about death, suicide, "not being here"
• Giving away belongings
• Sudden mood improvement (after long depression = may have made decision)
• Withdrawal from unit/family
• Increased alcohol/drug use
• Reckless behavior
• Saying goodbyes

What to do:

1. Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?"
2. Don't leave them alone
3. Call crisis line (988) for guidance
4. Notify chain of command (if fellow service member)
5. Take them to ER if immediate danger

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Why Suicide Risk Is Higher in Military

Statistics

• 22 veterans die by suicide per day (VA estimate)
• Suicide rate: 1.5x higher than civilian population
• Highest risk: Combat veterans, recent separations, PTSD, TBI

Risk Factors

Service-Related:

• Combat trauma
• Multiple deployments
• TBI (traumatic brain injury)
• PTSD
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Personal:

• Relationship breakdown (divorce, breakup)
• Financial crisis
• Legal trouble
• Substance abuse
• Chronic pain

Transition:

• Recent separation from military (loss of identity)
• Unemployment after service
• Loss of purpose/structure
• Difficulty adapting to civilian life

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What Helps (Treatment That Works)

Immediate Crisis Intervention

If you're in crisis NOW:

1. Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
2. Don't be alone (call friend, family, chaplain)
3. Go to ER if you can't keep yourself safe
4. Remove means (give gun to buddy, throw away pills)

What crisis counselor will do:

• Listen without judgment
• Help you create safety plan
• Connect you to local resources
• May send mobile crisis team (if needed)
• Stay on phone until you're safe

Short-Term Treatment (Weeks 1-4)

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):

• 3-4 days/week, 3-4 hours/day
• Group therapy + individual therapy
• Medication management
• Crisis stabilization

Covered by TRICARE (active duty) or VA (veterans)

Long-Term Treatment (Months 1-12)

Weekly therapy:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) - especially good for suicidal thoughts
• PTSD treatment (if PTSD is root cause)

Medications:

• Antidepressants (Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro)
• Mood stabilizers (if needed)
• Sleep aids (to improve sleep)

Success rate: 70-80% of people with suicidal thoughts improve significantly within 6-12 months of treatment

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Safety Planning

Create Safety Plan NOW (Before Crisis)

Step 1: Identify Triggers

• What situations make you think about suicide?
• Anniversaries (buddy's death, deployment date)
• Stressors (financial, relationship)
• Substance use

Step 2: Warning Signs (In Yourself)

• "I notice I'm at risk when I..."
  • Stop answering texts
  • Increase drinking
  • Withdraw from family
  • Can't sleep for 3+ days

Step 3: Internal Coping Strategies

• Go for run
• Call battle buddy
• Use tactical breathing (4-4-6 breaths)
• Journal
• Listen to music

Step 4: Social Contacts (People to Call)

1. Best friend: [Name, number]
2. Family member: [Name, number]
3. Chaplain: [Number]
4. Therapist: [Name, number]

Step 5: Professional Contacts

• 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• Military OneSource: 800-342-9647
• Base mental health clinic: [Number]
• Nearest ER: [Address]

Step 6: Make Environment Safe

• Remove guns (give to trusted friend)
• Lock up pills
• Avoid alcohol when depressed

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For Friends & Family (How to Help Someone in Crisis)

If Someone Tells You They're Suicidal

DO:

• ✅ Take it seriously (always)
• ✅ Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?"
• ✅ Listen without judgment
• ✅ Don't leave them alone
• ✅ Help them call 988 or go to ER
• ✅ Remove means (guns, pills)
• ✅ Follow up next day (don't assume crisis is over)

DON'T:

• ❌ Minimize ("You'll get over it")
• ❌ Challenge ("You wouldn't really do it")
• ❌ Swear to secrecy ("Don't tell anyone" = you can't help alone)
• ❌ Leave them alone ("Call me if you need me")
• ❌ Lecture ("Think of your family, that's selfish")

If Someone Seems At Risk (But Hasn't Said So)

Approach:

• "Hey, I've noticed you seem down lately. Are you okay?"
• "You seem different. What's going on?"
• "I'm worried about you. Can we talk?"

If they open up:

• Listen
• Don't judge
• Ask: "Have you thought about hurting yourself?"
• Connect them to resources

If they refuse help:

• Express concern: "I care about you. I'm here if you need me."
• Check in regularly
• If you believe they're in immediate danger, call 988 for guidance OR notify chain of command

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Post-Crisis Aftercare

After Crisis Passes

Don't assume you're "fixed":

• Crisis ebbs and flows
• You need ongoing treatment
• Follow up with therapist WITHIN 48 HOURS

Create relapse prevention plan:

• Continue therapy
• Take medications as prescribed
• Attend support groups
• Stay connected to friends/family
• Monitor warning signs

Support Groups

Options:

• VA support groups (PTSD, substance abuse, veteran-specific)
• Civilian support groups (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
• Online communities (r/SuicideWatch, r/veterans - peer support)

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Common Suicide Myths (BUSTED)

❌ Myth #1: "Asking about suicide will plant the idea"

Reality: Asking SAVES lives. People in crisis feel RELIEF when someone asks directly.

❌ Myth #2: "People who talk about suicide don't actually do it"

Reality: 80% of people who die by suicide TOLD someone beforehand. Take all threats seriously.

❌ Myth #3: "Suicide happens without warning"

Reality: 80% show warning signs (withdrawal, giving away items, saying goodbye, mood changes).

❌ Myth #4: "Once someone is suicidal, they'll always be suicidal"

Reality: Suicidal crises are temporary. With treatment, 90% go on to live full lives and never attempt again.

❌ Myth #5: "Suicide is selfish / cowardly"

Reality: People in crisis are in unbearable pain and see no other option. Judgment doesn't help. Compassion does.

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Action Steps

If You're in Crisis NOW:

1. ✅ Call 988 immediately
2. ✅ Go to nearest ER
3. ✅ Tell someone (friend, family, chaplain)
4. ✅ Remove access to means (guns, pills)

If You're Struggling (But Not Immediate Crisis):

1. ✅ Call Military OneSource (800-342-9647)
2. ✅ Schedule appointment with therapist
3. ✅ Create safety plan
4. ✅ Tell one trusted person

If You're a Friend/Family Member:

1. ✅ Ask directly about suicide
2. ✅ Don't leave them alone
3. ✅ Help them call 988 or go to ER
4. ✅ Remove means
5. ✅ Follow up (crisis doesn't end after one conversation)

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Verification & Sources

Official Sources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Veterans Crisis Line: VeteransCrisisLine.net
• Military OneSource: MilitaryOneSource.mil
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Last Updated: October 31, 2025

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Related Guides

• PTSD Complete Guide
• TRICARE Mental Health Coverage
• Depression Treatment Guide for Military

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Remember: Suicide is permanent solution to temporary problem. Crisis passes. Pain lessens. Treatment works. You matter. Your life has value. If you're in crisis, call 988. If someone you know is in crisis, don't wait - get them help. Saving a life is the most important thing you'll ever do.