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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: Suicide Prevention - BeThere
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: Suicide Prevention - BeThere

Secretary’s Message

“As a military community it’s our duty to support one another on and off the battlefield. So this month and every month let’s be there for one another, to help prevent suicide."


Defense Secretary Ash Carter
September 2016

Dr. Keita Franklin

Director's Message

Message From Keita Franklin, Director
Defense Suicide Prevention Office

Full Message

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 Veterans Affairs responder, and get connected to services that can make a difference.

 

Peer Support and Outreach Center -Call: 844-357-PEER (7337) | Text: 480-360-6118 | Web: betherepeersupport.org

The Defense Department BeThere Peer Support Call and Outreach Center provides targeted help for any area of life to active duty, National Guard and reserve members and their families. The call and outreach center is staffed by veterans and military spouses and is available 24/7/365 by phone, text or live chat.


Veterans Affairs Resource Locator

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

Virtual Hope Box

The Virtual Hope Box is a smartphone application. It contains simple tools to help patients with coping, relaxation, distraction and positive thinking. It provides personalized, supportive audio, video, pictures, games, mindfulness exercises, positive messages and activity planning, inspirational quotes, coping statements and other tools. More

Defense Suicide Prevention Office

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

Help for Hearing Impaired

1-800-799-4889 (Text Telephone)

Speak confidentially with a trained, caring Veterans Affairs 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 National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is the public-private partnership advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. More

Military OneSource

Military OneSource provides comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and reserve component members and their families. Find helpful resources, products, articles and tips on numerous topics related to military life. More

SAMHSA logoSAMHSA National Registry of Evidenced-Based Programs and Practices

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. More

SAMHSA logoUSMilitaryMatters

Free online training and resources for National Guard and reserve members, loved ones and prevention professionals. More

VA Suicide Prevention Videos

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

Defense Suicide Prevention Office Virtual Exhibit

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury 2016 Summit. More

Seek Help Immediately

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

Connect With Us

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