Suicide Prevention Through The Veterans Crisis Line During A Mental Health Emergency

Military service members and veterans tend to face unique mental health challenges due to combat experiences and other factors. Reaching out to the Veterans Crisis Line can be one way to receive immediate support for a mental health emergency, whether you're a veteran, a service member, or a loved one of a veteran or a service member. Read on for a closer look at the Veterans Crisis Line, how it can be helpful, and other mental health resources for service members. 

What is a crisis line?

A crisis hotline, or crisis line, is a free crisis intervention service that people can contact when they’re experiencing a mental health emergency. Crisis lines were traditionally phone numbers people could call, though many today also offer text message- and online chat-based support. 

The American Psychological Association defines crisis intervention as “psychological intervention provided on a short-term, emergency basis for individuals experiencing mental health crises, such as an acute psychotic episode or attempted suicide.” The exact protocols and sequence of events that may occur when you call a crisis line can vary depending on the line and the situation, but they often offer compassionate emotional support to help stabilize a person mentally as well as a connection to local resources as a next step.

How can a crisis line help with suicide prevention?

The qualified responders can often help the person find emotional stability and immediate local resources.

Individuals also have the option of contacting a “warmline” for less severe situations. Both types of helplines can provide meaningful support. A concerned friend or family member can call a crisis hotline or warmline on behalf of a loved one to get support and guidance on ways to proceed.

What is the Veterans Crisis Line?

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, 24/7 service that offers immediate support specifically to “service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.” The line exists to provide immediate crisis intervention for those in this group who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The website notes that “you don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to connect.” 

How a veteran can contact the Veterans Crisis Line

To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, you can call 988 and then dial 1, send a text to 838255, or navigate to the website to use the online chat feature. 

Those who contact the line can be connected with one of a team of trained, caring VA responders. They can provide a listening ear and connect the individual to local resources. 

Thoughts of suicide and other mental health emergencies: When to contact a crisis line

The Veterans Crisis Line shares several different signs of crisis that could indicate it may be time to call the crisis line. These include:

• Thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life
• Talking about death, dying, or suicide
• Engaging in risky behaviors, like drug or alcohol misuse

They also share a list of potential warning signs for family members and friends to look out for. Some examples of these include:

• Rage
• Neglecting personal care
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Giving things away, tying up loose ends 
• Hopelessness
• Anxiety, agitation 

Remember that loved ones can also call the Veterans Crisis Line for support. In addition, it could be helpful to remind the veteran in your life that you are there for them, listen actively to their feelings and concerns, stay calm, and offer to help them reach out for support. 

Suicide prevention as a part of mental health care

Suicide prevention is considered a key component of mental health care. There may be several different mental health conditions and emotional challenges that could lead to suicidal thoughts or actions, including but not limited to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and various psychotic disorders. Suicide prevention services like a crisis line can form a crucial component of mental health care, in addition to self-care practices, community support, practical support, and ongoing mental health care such as therapy and medication. 

Understanding veteran mental health

Many veterans experience various risk factors for mental health challenges. The physical and mental trauma associated with combat can be a primary one. Particularly when left unaddressed, trauma can cause a variety of physical and mental health complications.

Still, trauma can often be processed and addressed in a healthy way through talk therapy. Medication may also be prescribed in some cases, such as when the person has severe post-traumatic stress disorder. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a diagnosable mental illness per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), though it was  formerly called by different names, such as “soldier's heart,” “shell shock,” and “war neurosis.” While a person can experience trauma in different forms and develop trauma-related disorders from different types of experiences, PTSD has long been associated with war.

Symptoms of PTSD are commonly divided into four categories:

• Re-experiencing symptoms, like flashbacks and nightmares
• Avoidance symptoms, such as avoiding reminders of the traumatic event(s) and not talking with others about the event(s)
• Hyperarousal symptoms, like irritability, aggression, feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping 
• Changes in mood/cognition, like memory problems, panic attacks, and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness 

Treatment for PTSD may involve talk therapy and medication, often in combination with lifestyle changes and other forms of care like support groups. While trauma can feel all-consuming, it can be possible to reduce symptoms and find healing over time with the right support. 

Statistics about veteran mental health

Service members and veterans may be at an increased risk of experiencing mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation and mental illnesses that can cause suicidal ideation. Here are a few key statistics about the state of veteran mental health in the U.S. today: 

• According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide was the second-leading cause of death for veterans under age 45 in 2022. 
• The prevalence of many illnesses—including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—is statistically higher among veterans than non-veterans, likely because of the “physical and psychological stress from combat duty and deployments” and “physical or mental trauma.”
• As many as 22% of veterans report experiencing cognitive or mental health challenges, from traumatic brain injury to post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Other ways veterans can receive mental health care and support

Crisis lines can be a crucial form of mental health support for veterans as well as the broader population. However, they are just one of a few different forms of support that veterans can take advantage of. Support groups are another intervention many people find helpful, since they can enable veterans or other people who have experienced trauma to receive support from people who have had similar experiences.

In addition, seeking individual mental health support is typically recommended for those who have experienced trauma or are living with other mental health challenges. A therapist can help an individual process their experiences, address their symptoms, and build healthy coping mechanisms. 

The potential benefits of individual therapy for a veteran

Some form of talk therapy is usually the recommended first line of treatment for people experiencing a variety of mental health conditions, from PTSD to depression and others. Therapists are specially trained to provide compassionate and non-judgmental care, so clients can be honest about their challenges and be met with kindness and support in a therapeutic setting. Through modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a therapist can also help a person learn to challenge distorted thoughts that may be negatively affecting their mental health. 

Exploring the option of online therapy

The benefits of attending individual therapy for a veteran or another individual who is experiencing mental health challenges can be significant and life-changing. However, not everyone is able to regularly attend in-person therapy appointments, whether due to few providers in their area, availability of transportation, a busy schedule, or a physical disability that makes travel difficult. In such cases, online therapy may be a more convenient way to receive care.

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist who you can then meet with via phone, video, or live chat from anywhere you have an internet connection. Many people find the virtual format to be more comfortable than meeting with a provider in person. Plus, online therapy can cost less than traditional in-person care without insurance. 

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Research on online therapy’s effectiveness 

In recent years, a significant body of research has emerged on the topic of how effective online therapy can be. Most research indicates that online therapy can be equally effective as in-person therapy for treating a variety of mental health challenges. For example, a study from 2023 suggests that online therapy may be as effective as traditional therapy for treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.