How asking a simple question could help save a veteran’s life

by Stephanie Adkisson

HINESVILLE, Ga. — A simple question can be the lifeline a veteran needs to seek help.

As Suicide Prevention Month continues, mental health professionals emphasize that starting an honest conversation can break down barriers for former service members facing mental health battles.

Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to data from the National Library of Medicine. That reality has driven local and national wellness initiatives to urge friends, family members and neighbors to check in on the veterans in their lives.

Overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health remains a major hurdle, according to Scarlet Chancey, an Army veteran and clinic director for the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone in Hinesville.

Chancey said common warning signs include individuals giving away personal belongings or expressing thoughts such as, “I think people would be better off without me.”

“The stigma of just, ‘If I’m asking for help, then I’m weak,’” Chancey said. “And so I think our campaign really helps to kind of let the community know, have those hard conversations. You’re not going to increase someone’s suicide risk by asking them if they’re thinking about suicide.”

Chancey encouraged people not to hold back out of fear of saying the wrong thing, noting that reaching out directly reassures veterans they are not alone.

Warning Signs of Suicide

▪ Talking about wanting to die

▪ Looking for a way to kill oneself

▪ Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose

▪ Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

▪ Talking about being a burden to others

▪ Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

▪ Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly

▪ Sleeping too little or too much

▪ Withdrawing or feeling isolated

▪ Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

▪ Displaying extreme mood swings

What to Do

▪ Do not leave the person alone

▪ Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt

▪ Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

▪ Take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

Who Can Help

988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Using 988 is free and confidential. The Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for
those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. You can call
or text 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org to chat with a counselor.

▪ The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line connect veterans and service members in
crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

▪ Crisis Text Line: 741-741