Suicide is a serious public health concern, but it can be preventable. You can help by keeping an eye out for warriors who may be struggling. Getting them support quickly is important. So, speak up if you are concerned about the psychological well-being of a service member or veteran in your life.

The information below can help you learn to recognize when a warrior may be at risk for suicide and what to do when you identify a problem.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

You've been trained to identify sources of physical danger for yourself and your fellow warriors. You can also learn to identify psychological health concerns that may be affecting service members in your unit or community.

Some risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person may consider suicide include:

• Relationship difficulties
• Financial challenges
• Feelings of isolation
• Loss of a loved one to suicide
• Sexual assault
• Trauma experienced prior to military service or unrelated to military duties
• Other psychological health concerns

These risk factors don’t mean someone is considering suicide, but they increase the likelihood. Above all, it’s important to let other service members know you are there for them.

Warning signs for suicide that should be addressed immediately include:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
• Planning or preparing for a suicide attempt (for example, buying a gun)
• Making financial and other arrangements for dependents
• Social withdrawal
• Substance abuse

Additional concerning signs that should be addressed:

• Making financial and other arrangements for dependents
• Social withdrawal
• Substance abuse

If a fellow service member shows any of the above signs, don't hesitate to act. Psychological health concerns are treatable, and treatment helps. Proactively seeking support is the best way to ensure a positive outcome.

Helping a Warrior With Suicidal Thoughts

Each of the services has guidelines for helping someone at risk for suicide to get care. The guidelines all focus on a similar three-step process that can save a warrior’s life:

Ask.

If you notice someone is struggling, check how they are feeling. Ask if they are considering suicide.

Listen.

Hear their concerns. Assure them they aren’t alone.

Get help.

• If they are considering suicide take them to a medical facility or emergency department. In an emergency, call 911. Stay with them until help arrives.
• If you are unsure exactly what to do you can also talk to a health care provider, chaplain or commanding officer. They can help.
• Speak with a trained crisis responder by contacting the Veterans/Military Crisis Line, Dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255. (For OCONUS calling options and online chat accessible from anywhere in the world, visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/military-crisis-line/) 

Additional Resources:

• Emergency Resources: Call 911 or click Veterans/Military Crisis Line
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Answering the Call One-Pager (va.gov)
• Suicide Prevention Tools for Warriors
• Defense Suicide Prevention Office (dspo.mil)
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Suicide Prevention (non-emergency resource)
• Military One Source: Suicide Prevention (non-emergency resource)
• SAMHSA's Treatment Facility Finder 
• Can We Talk Infographic
• Psychological Health Resource Center

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024 April). Risk and protective factors for suicide. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/risk-factors/index.html
2. Hoffmire, C. A., Donovan, M. L., Ryan, A. T., Brenner, L. A., Vogt, D., Maguen, S., Schneiderman, A., Miller, C. N., & Forster, J. E. (2024). Perceived social support moderates the relations between mental health symptoms and current suicidal ideation. Psychological Services, 10.1037/ser0000849. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000849
3. National Institute of Mental Health (2023 August). Suicide Prevention. https://www.nimh.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention. 
4. Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (2023 November). 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2023/2023-national-veteran-suicide-prevention-annual-report-final-508.pdf
5. Silva, C., McGovern, C., Gomez, S., Beale, E., Overholser, J., & Ridley, J. (2023). Can I count on you? Social support, depression and suicide risk. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 30(6), 1407–1415. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2883

Updated in January 2025