Suicide
• In the veteran community, male veterans are twice as likely as civilians of either gender to commit suicide
• 1000 suicides occur per year among veterans receiving VA care
• 5000 suicides occur per year among all living veterans
• Veterans may be at higher risk for suicide
• We need to do more to reduce risk
• Suicides are preventable in most cases
• Operation S.A.V.E. will help you act with care and compassion if you encounter a person who is suicidal.
Signs of suicidal thinking
Ask questions (“Are you thinking of killing yourself.”)
Validate the person’s experience
Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help
Signs and Symptoms: Suicide Provention for Veterans
Threatening to hurt or kill self
Looking for ways to kill self
Seeking access to pills, weapons or other means
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
Hopelessness
Rage, anger
Seeking revenge
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
Feeling trapped
Increasing drug and/or alcohol abuse
Withdrawing from friends, family and society
Anxiety, agitation
Dramatic changes in mood
No reason for living, no sense of purpose in life
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping all the time
Giving away possessions
Increase or decrease in spirituality
