FIGHT FOR THE FIGHTERS
Dangers from the Danger Zones
Military and First Responders put their lives at risk on a daily basis in their chosen vocation for the health, safety and freedom of others. Unfortunately, repeated traumatic encounters expose them to a far more insidious danger - suicide. Too often, these heroic individuals are disproportionately affected by suicide.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the US military
- Military suicides are twice as high as the general population and make up 20% of suicides
- First Responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty
- More than 6% of First Responders have attempted suicide, a rate 10 times higher than the general population
Weapons for the War
Knowing the warning signs of suicide is key to prevention. Suicide among members of the Military and First Responder community is high in part, because of their access to the most lethal means of suicide.
PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Branch Specific Information
READY TO ENLIST
Talking About it Matters
Talking About it Matters
Talking About it Matters
1 MINUTE VIDEO
Asking the hard questions is often the first step toward suicide prevention by getting Veterans the support they need. You can play a vital role to help.
Are You Ready to Listen?
Talking About it Matters
Talking About it Matters
1 MINUTE VIDEO
When you ask someone how they are doing and get the response, "I'm good," do you give it a second thought? PSA on suicide awareness from DoD and VA featuring veterans
Start the Conversation
Talking About it Matters
5 MINUTE VIDEO
This video includes information and a sample conversation to help members of community organizations raise suicide awareness and talk to Veterans about their emotional health, distress, or even suicide.
Do You Have a Gun?
2 MINUTE VIDEO
Suicidologist, Dr. Thomas Joiner, attempt survivor Leah Harris, and psychologist Dr. April Foreman discuss the importance of restricting the lethal means that could lead to someone dying by suicide.
Helping Others Hold On
Helping Others Hold On
18 MINUTE VIDEO
PsychArmor's animated video course provides concrete tips and techniques for engaging veterans who may be in crisis. Outlines practical help and ideas for suicide prevention easily followed by anyone
Be Prepared to Ask
Helping Others Hold On
25 MINUTE VIDEO
This video training gives you information on how to engage veterans in crisis as well as providing a simple acronym for you to remember. Suicide Education is the first step to suicide prevention. We're here to help you #StopOne
Just Ask
10 MINUTE READ
Putting simple questions on suicidal ideation into everybody's hands creates a common language and a linking of systems. You can also download the brochure on our APPS & DOWNLOADS page.
Create a Safer Community
When everyone in the community joins the fight to combat veteran suicide. The Department of Veterans Affairs developed this toolkit to equip and empower local leaders to take action for suicide by securing access to lethal means.