Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014
Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014
Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014
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The acute risk for suicide is often time limited. It is vital to be able to help<br />
someone find a safe environment to survive the immediate crisis.<br />
»»<br />
Myth: He/she really wouldn’t commit suicide because…<br />
»»<br />
just made plans for a vacation<br />
»»<br />
has young children at home<br />
»»<br />
made a verbal or written promise<br />
»»<br />
knows how dearly their family loves them<br />
»»<br />
Reality: Suicidal thinking can overwhelm even the most rational person.<br />
Anyone experiencing significant suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously<br />
and referred to a health care provider who can evaluate their condition and<br />
provide treatment as appropriate.<br />
WHERE TO GET HELP<br />
The VA has a national suicide prevention program that identifies, screens,<br />
assesses, refers, tracks, and treats veterans at risk. In addition, many states and<br />
communities have local resources that offer help.<br />
VETERANS SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE<br />
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, 24-hour hotline available to<br />
anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. <strong>Veteran</strong>s can call the Lifeline<br />
number, (800) 273-TALK (8255), and press “1” to be routed to the <strong>Veteran</strong>s Suicide<br />
Prevention hotline. If an individual prefers not to talk to a VA counselor, the<br />
Lifeline number will route the caller to one of the nine crisis centers in California<br />
that are accredited to operate a suicide prevention hotline. Individuals may also<br />
visit the website www.veteranscrisisline.net and chat confidentially online with a<br />
representative or send a text to 838255 to receive confidential support.<br />
VETERANS CHAT<br />
<strong>Veteran</strong>s Chat allows veterans, their families, and friends to anonymously chat<br />
with a trained VA counselor. If during the online chat it is determined that the<br />
person is in crisis, the counselor can take immediate steps to transfer the person<br />
to the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline, where further crisis intervention, counseling<br />
and referral services are provided. To access online chat services, go to<br />
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.<br />
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