Life is full of challenges and rewards. Everyday life events such as working, family relationships, and finances, can all be overwhelming at times. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that you are not alone. You do not have to go through life’s challenges by yourself. It is okay to take a moment, reach out and ask for help.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. During this month, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) empowers Veterans to connect with resources you may need now to better respond to challenges you may face later. Veterans are driven and resilient, but everyone needs help sometimes. It is not always easy to ask for help, but there are people who want to listen.

If you are having a difficult time, VA encourages you to reach out for peer-to-peer support, clinical care, or counseling.

FINDING SUPPORT

If you are looking for peer-to-peer support, clinical care, counseling or something else, you can reach out in the following ways:

• • Call, text, or email a friend or family member to ask for support through a tough time. Veterans can find ways to get started on REACH OUT.
  • Connect with a fellow Veteran to talk about what they are going through.
  • Use these resources to find support through life challenges:
    • VA Solid Start – Qualified Solid Start representatives will call Veterans three times in their first year of separation to walk through the benefits available to them.
    • MyVA411 – Veterans, their families, and caregivers can call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) to easily access information on VA benefits and services.
    • Make the Connection – More than 600 Veterans and family members from across the country have shared their stories of strength and recovery. It only takes a few seconds to find a story to which Veterans can relate.
    • SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services – This tool, which is confidential and anonymous, allows people to search by ZIP code for local treatment facilities that focus on substance use/addiction and/or mental health issues.
    • Self-Check Assessment – People cope with stressful situations in different ways. This confidential, anonymous risk assessment can show if stress and depression are affecting Veterans.
    • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans – Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can get free, confidential support through the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. Call or chat online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you find yourself in crisis, do not hesitate to reach out for immediate help. Emergency care is available by calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency department. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 and can be reached by calling 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1 if you are a Veteran) or chat online here or text 838255.

If you know a Veteran who is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.