An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Department of Defense
Search
QUICK LINKS
Legal & Administrative

Legacy HomepageNewsSpecial ReportsSuicide Prevention - The Power of One

You have reached a collection of archived material. The content available is no longer being updated and may no longer be applicable.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: Suicide Prevention - The Power of 1

One person has the power to give Service members, their loved ones, and DoD civilians access to confidential support and resources through the Military Crisis Line (MCL). 1 person can have an impact on some one in crisis, recognize warning signs, intervene, chat, or make one call; it only takes one person or one act to save another person's life. The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, continues the "Power of 1" campaign.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter. Defense Secretary Ash Carter Full Message

Secretary's Message

"Every loss due to suicide is tragic, and we recognize that even one suicide is too many ... I ask each of you to make a personal commitment to participate in the "Power of One" campaign by taking just one step to help someone you see in need."

Resources

Military/Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255. Confidential chat at MilitaryCrisisLine.net or text 838255

 

The Military Crisis Line, online chat, and text-messaging service is confidential and free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, Veterans, and their families. Speak confidentially with a trained, caring VA responder, and get connected to services that can make a difference.


VA Resource Locator

Find localized help and support getting your life back on track, no matter where you are or what you are experiencing. More

VA Self Check Quiz

The following quiz is a voluntary and confidential way to learn whether stress and depression might be affecting you.

Defense Suicide Prevention Office

The Defense Suicide Prevention Office provides advocacy, program oversight, and policy for the Department of Defense suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts to reduce suicidal behaviors in Service members and their families in order to increase the readiness of the force. More

Help for Hearing Impaired

1-800-799-4889 (Text Telephone)

Speak confidentially with a trained, caring VA responder and get connected to services that can make a difference. Chat online or text with a VA responder to receive instant anonymous support. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals using TTY can call 1-800-799-4889. More

The Power of 1

Show Service members, Veterans, and their loved ones how one small act can make a big difference. Spread the word about the Military Crisis Line, where confidential support is just one call, text, or chat away. Here's how you can help: Create a message of hope. Get the toolkit to spread the word. Connect with #ThePowerOf1 network. More

Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Program

Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to make sure that all veterans and their loved ones know that support is available whenever, if ever, they need it. VA coordinates with communities and partner groups nationwide, including Veteran Service Organizations and local health care providers. More

VA Suicide Prevention Videos

Watch videos from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations about reaching out for help. More

Help raise awareness about the Power of 1 and the Military Crisis Line

Help raise awareness about the Power of 1 and the Military Crisis Line by posting our poster or sharing our fact sheet with your office.

click here to download fact sheet

Related Links

Seek Help Immediately

  • If you are:
  • Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
  • or
  • Looking for ways to kill yourself
  • or
  • Talking about death, dying, or suicide
  • or
  • Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

Identify the Warning Signs

Hopelessness, feeling like there's no way out
Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, mood swings
Feeling like there is no reason to live
Rage or anger
Engaging in risky activities without thinking
Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
Withdrawing from family and friends

Create a Message of Hope

Build an inspirational image using the Veterans Crisis Line graphic generator and share it with your family and friends

Graphic Generator

Photo Essay

Camp Murray Holds Prevention Event

"The battle to prevent suicide cannot be waged on a single front. It will only be won if we stand together and take every opportunity - in our homes, at our duty stations, and in conversations with friends and mentors - to support each other and be there for those in our communities who need our help. By fighting as one team, we will help prevent suicide."

- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel click for full message

Archives

Spotlight on Hope

One Sailor's story of coming back from the brink

Never Walk Alone, Part 1
Never Walk Alone, Part 2
Never Walk Alone, Part 3
Never Walk Alone, Part 4