Talking about suicide actually reduces the likelihood of an attempt. Expressing genuine concern and having an open discussion about someone's thoughts of suicide is often one of the key factors in preventing the immediate danger of suicide. Avoiding the warning signs or a direct outcry could leave the person at risk feeling more alone and with less energy to find help.

There are usually many factors and/or events that occur over a period of time leading up to a suicide attempt or suicide. A sudden traumatic event may “trigger” someone to end their life, but it probably isn’t the only cause. Learning the warning signs and risk factors makes suicide prevention and intervention more possible.

You can help reduce the stigma by setting the example:

• Don’t tolerate bullying or embarrassing your fellow Soldiers.
• Get help yourself if you need it. Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness.
• Offer to help someone in need.
• Maintain a climate of trust/respect.

Watch for changes in their behavior. Have they experienced a painful, traumatic or tragic life event? The following warning signals could indicate someone requires intervention:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves.
• Looking for a way to kill themselves (e.g., searching online, buying a gun).
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Giving away valued possessions.
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing alcohol or drug use.
• Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Having extreme mood swings.

Remember the suicide intervention acronym ACE, which stands for “ask, care, escort”. If you see any warning signs, have the courage to ask them directly. You can start the conversation with questions like:

• Level 1: “How was your weekend?” “How was your TDY?” “How is the family? How is work?”
• Level 2: “You seem off your game…what’s worrying you?”
• Level 3: “What can I do to help you?”
• Level 4: “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”

You can still use the same principles of Ask, Care, and Escort (ACE) to talk to him/her about suicide and get them help. You also can access the following resources for additional support.

• Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families to crisis responders. Veterans and their loved ones can call Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) and Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online to receive confidential crisis intervention and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. More information is available at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
• Make the Connection: This online resource connects Veterans and their loved ones to support and helpful resources. More information is available at https://maketheconnection.net/.
• Resource Locator: The online resource locator helps Veterans easily find VA resources in their area, including Suicide Prevention Coordinators, crisis centers, VAMCs, outpatient clinics, Veterans Benefits Administration offices, and Vet Centers. More information is available at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/military-crisis-line.

The simple answer is yes, they could still be at risk. Someone who is struggling with depression may not have the energy to harm him/herself in the moment. A lifting depression or “emotional fog” may provide the needed energy or give clarity to the perceived hopelessness about continuing with life. Open and direct discussion of suicide is the only way to determine which of these directions applies.

Remember the suicide intervention acronym ACE, which stands for “ask, care, escort”. Show care by listening and reassuring the person. Encourage the person and reassure them that immediate help is available; don’t use force to get them help. Use active listening to make sure you really understand what they are saying.

You can also contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:

Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.

Many of those who die by suicide have given some clue or warning. If someone tells you he/she is having thoughts of suicide, take them seriously. Even what may appear to be jokes could indicate serious suicidal feelings. Do not assume they are just looking for attention.

Yes. If someone you know has posted suicidal messages on social media, you should take it seriously. You can address the message directly and or report the message to the appropriate channels. Many platforms have integrated crisis intervention into their support options.

While an unmanaged mental health issue could be strongly associated with suicide, it is important to understand that most people diagnosed with a mental illness are not at risk of suicide. However, those who are struggling with feelings of depression or have conditions such as post-traumatic stress or bipolar disorder may have a higher risk of suicide.

Stigma is typically the perception among leaders and Soldiers that help-seeking behavior will either be detrimental to their career (e.g., prejudicial to promotion or selection to leadership positions), or that it will reduce their social status among their peers. The perceived stigma associated with seeking behavioral health treatment represents a very real barrier to care for individuals who would benefit from professional treatment. This barrier is further increased within the military culture where mental toughness is seen as a sign of strength, while seeking behavioral health assistance may be a sign of weakness. Until the stigma associated with behavioral health treatment can be overcome, the Army should continue to look at alternative methods for identifying Soldiers who may need such care, either by command intervention or through medical encounters. The first step toward care, however, begins with Soldiers who recognize when they need help.

Stressful life events can push someone who is already emotionally vulnerable to take self-destructive action. These actions may include:

• A bad performance evaluation.
• The breakup of a close relationship.
• Drug or alcohol misuse.
• Relationship or marital issues.
• Not having anyone to talk to about problems, issues, or concerns.
• Financial stressors.
• New military assignments.
• Recent loss of a close friend or family member.
• Loss of self-esteem/status.
• Humiliation.
• Rejection (e.g., by a romantic partner, not getting a job or promotion).
• Disciplinary or legal difficulty.
• Exposure to suicide of friend or family member.
• Discharge from the military, or loss of job.
• Retirement.