Providing Outreach to Suicidal Veterans

author : WIP

by WIP

Mental health care is crucial, but we can all provide outreach by understanding the fundamentals of suicide prevention, including the directive put forth in the Army's new ACE program. ACE is an acronym for Ask/Care/Escort. Ask: If you see warning signs, ask if they are thinking about suicide (studies show that bringing it up the subject of suicide does not make it more likely); Care: Listen and show you care, do not judge or try to solve their problem; Escort : Get help, don't keep it a secret, remove firearms from access, and don't leave them alone.

Wallet-sized cards stating this directive are part of an effort to raise awareness among active duty troops. Also remember the high risk factor applies to all war veterans.

We should be aware of other factors that put them at risk such as previous suicide attempts, depression, alcohol or substance abuse, family history of suicide, feelings of hopelessness, impulsive or aggressive tendencies, loss, physical illness, easy access to lethal methods, unwillingness to seek help due to perceived stigma, local raise in suicide rates, and isolation.

There are warning signs specific to vets like calling up old friends, cleaning guns and medals, and wearing all or part of an old uniform. Other warning signs include increased substance abuse, talking about death or suicide, giving things away, social withdrawal, recent break up of a relationship, or news reports that an individual may identify with. There is always help: Crisis Centers, applicable clergy or spiritual leaders, and hospitals.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800- 273-TALK (8255). Veterans can push "1" once connected or identify themselves as a vet. There is also a number you can call for outreach at the VA. If a veteran exhibits warning signs anyone can call 1-800-562-2308 and give them that veterans name and phone number and tell them the situation and need for outreach.