Military service members’ lives are generally very different from the lives of civilians. Service members may be subject to frequent relocations, overseas deployments, and stressful experiences related to combat and significant time away from their families. Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently, and while some have reactions that can be seen as normal responses to life events, others may experience signs or symptoms of more serious conditions, including depression, traumatic brain injury, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Those coping with more serious concerns may feel like there is no escape from their difficulties.
Suicide is a serious public health concern, but is preventable.
Reach Out for Support
You are not alone. If you or a loved one needs immediate help, there are resources available to you.
Military Crisis Line |
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
Psychological Health Resource Center |
24/7, free support for all service members and veterans.
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24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.
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24/7 support and assistance for service members, veterans and families.
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Recognize the Signs of Those at Risk
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, there may be cause for concern. Seek professional guidance right away if you or your loved one, co-worker or friend is:
- Thinking about hurting or killing yourself/themselves or others
- Experiencing excessive rage, anger, or desire for revenge
- Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means of harm
- Having feelings of anxiety, agitation, or hopelessness
- Talking or writing excessively about death, dying, or suicide
- Repeatedly reliving past stressful experiences
- Unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Experiencing uncharacteristic dramatic changes in mood or behavior
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or society
- Feeling there is no reason for living
- Engaging in significant alcohol or drug use
- Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
- Engaging in risky behavior, such as driving recklessly
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The Real Warriors Campaign expanding via partnership with the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.
Article Around MHS
3/27/2023
Months of research and planning ways to prevent suicide in the military comes to fruition. Find out about phase one of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee's recommendations to promote the wellness, health, and morale of military personnel.
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3/8/2023
Defense Department health leaders provided testimony today at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez said the department is committing resources with a focus on preventing suicides of military and family members.
Video
1/31/2023
The Defense Health Agency inTransition program is a free, confidential program that offers specialized coaching and assistance for active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans and retirees who need access to mental health care when: relocating to another assignment; returning from deployment; transitioning from active duty to reserve component or reserve component to active duty; preparing to leave military service; any other time they need a new mental health provider or need a provider for the first time. inTransition coaches are skilled counselors who understand military culture and who maintain privacy and confidentiality. inTransition services are available to ALL military members regardless of length of service or discharge status and there is NO expiration date to enroll. Learn more: https://health.mil/intransition
Article
1/17/2023
A psychologist shares a story of a combat veteran to encourage others to seek mental health help if needed.
Article Around MHS
12/2/2022
DOD is working to create the healthy climates necessary to address a range of problematic and harmful behaviors, including suicide. This will be accomplished, in part, with a new and dedicated focus.
Article Around MHS
9/27/2022
The numbers shock and offend the senses – roughly one active duty service member ends their life each day; add in Reserve and National Guard components and the number rises to an average of 1.5 per day. Madigan Army Medical Center’s Department of Behavioral Health hosted a National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month event on September 22, to raise awareness among the Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., community and honor those who have passed.
Article Around MHS
9/22/2022
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. his year’s theme is “Be The One To Stop Suicide Before It Starts.” The month is set aside each year to bring heightened awareness to suicide prevention.
Article Around MHS
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Suicide Prevention Month officially kicked off with a suicide survivor panel at the Fort Bragg Soldier and Family Readiness Group Center
Article Around MHS
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September is Suicide Prevention Month. No one fights the battle alone. Make it your mission to #BeThere for each other.
Article
9/2/2022
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a real mental health issue. Be aware and seek help.
Video
8/25/2022
A message from CSM Michael A. Gragg regarding suicide prevention and how to get help.
Video
8/25/2022
Virginia Cooper's son, Joshua Jaymes Wood, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, was 30 years old when he took his life on November 7, 2021. This is her story.
Video
8/9/2022
The July MHS Minute highlights a dedicated webpage for women's health to educate women and their partners on the health care services and resources available to them. Visit https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/Womens-Health to learn more. Additionally, learn more about the new national suicide and crisis lifeline, 988.
Infographic
8/2/2022
Seeking help early can help prevent a crisis. Learn more about the treatment options and resources available to get help: www.health.mil/HereForYou #ConnectToProtect
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Last Updated: January 09, 2023