Be Safe: Prevent Self-Harm
What’s Important to Know?
People can experience an emotional or mental health crisis in response to a wide range of situations. A crisis may be triggered by troubles such as problems in personal relationships or loss of a job. A crisis can lead people to consider hurting or even killing themselves (suicide). In general, Veterans are at a higher risk of suicide than civilians.
These warning signs may indicate that someone is in crisis and/or possibly suicidal:
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Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out
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Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
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Feeling like there is no reason to live
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Rage or anger
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Engaging in risky activities without thinking about possible harm
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Increasing or excessive tobacco, alcohol, or drug abuse
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Withdrawing from family and friends
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Expressing feelings of being trapped with no way out
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Expressing overwhelming guilt or shame
These signs require immediate attention:
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Thinking about killing yourself
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Looking for ways to kill yourself
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Talking about death, dying, or suicide
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Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, reckless weapon use, etc.
If you or someone else is in a serious crisis and feeling suicidal:
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Seek immediate help from your health care team or the nearest hospital emergency room
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Call 911
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Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273- 8255, Press 1
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Contact the Veterans Chat Service at www.veteranscrisisline.net
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During times of crisis or hopelessness, consider removing firearms from the home or using a gun lock or gun safe to make them less accessible
Want to Know More?
If you want to learn more about how to prevent self-harm, talk with your VA health care team. For more information, go to
the VHA Suicide prevention Web site: www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention
Resources
Author: StayWell Custom Communications
Last Annual Review Date:
8/1/2017