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Service members may face emotional or psychological challenges from the stress of military life, such as the period following a deployment. For some, these feelings can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It can be hard in the moment to see beyond these thoughts and feelings. Know that you are not alone. Help is available (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/suicide-prevention/) and effective. The following tactics can reduce distress, manage suicidal thoughts, and prevent self-destructive behaviors:
Recognize Your Distress
Sometimes thoughts of suicide occur when a person feels overwhelmed by stress and emotions. They can also occur when a person has a psychological health concern. Feeling isolated, avoiding others, and misusing alcohol or other substances can make one vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.
Suicidal thoughts can vary from person to person, and within a person over time. They can be passive with comments like "I wish I were dead," or active comments like "I should kill myself now." Some suicidal thoughts are present for just a second or two, while others may be more persistent. If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out – you've got lots of options (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/safety_plan_app.asp).
Take Action
If you or a loved one is feeling unsafe, start with crisis resources. Remember, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/) provides 24/7/365, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
For the Veterans/Military Crisis Line (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/), dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255. You can also receive support through the chat feature online. For OCONUS calling options and online chat accessible from anywhere in the world, visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/military-crisis-line.
In addition, talk with those in your support system about the following techniques that can help when you may be struggling:
- Confide in people you trust. For example, speak with a family member, fellow warrior, unit leader or military chaplain. Sharing what’s on your mind is a great first step to receive support, get other perspectives, and feel better.
- Make your environment safe. Practice lethal means safety by securely storing personal firearms or other dangerous items in a locked safe or other secure options. You can also ask a trusted person to store those items for you if you’re feeling unsafe.
- Avoid alcohol and other substances. Substance use may feel like it reduces stress but can lower inhibitions and impact good decision making.
- Take care of your mind and body. Schedule enjoyable activities, or hobbies and follow-through. Physical activities like walking and running, or other forms of relaxation such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation (https://mobile.health.mil/).
Reach Out for Support
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. If you or a loved one would like additional support, contact the Psychological Health Resource Center (health.mil/PHRC) 24/7 to confidentially speak with trained health resource consultants. Call 866-966-1020 or use the Live Chat (https://home-c72.niceincontact.com/incontact/chatclient/chatclient.aspx?poc=980d09d5-c178-4872-b2e5-4fcfbec6dec8&bu=4599581).
Remember, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline opens in a new window provides 24/7/365, free and confidential support via phone or chat if you are or someone you know is in distress. For the Military/Veterans Crisis Line (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/), dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255. You can also chat online.
In addition to the Military Crisis Line, you can access suicide prevention resources through the Defense Suicide Prevention Office (https://www.dspo.mil/) and the Psychological Health Center of Excellence (health.mil/PHCoE) before or after a crisis situation.
Service Specific Resources:
- Air Force (https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Army-Suicide-Prevention-Program-(ASSP)?serv=121)
- Army (https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Army-Suicide-Prevention-Program-(ASSP)?serv=121)
- Coast Guard (https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Suicide-Prevention-Program/)
- Navy (https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Culture-Resilience/Suicide-Prevention/)
- Marine Corps (https://www.usmc-mccs.org/marine-family-support/prevention-and-counseling/suicide-prevention)
- National Guard (Yhttps://www.nationalguard.mil/Resources/Suicide-Prevention/_
Additional Resources:
- Department of Veterans Affairs (http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention)
- Military OneSource (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/)
Sources:
- Sadler, N., Pedlar, D., & Ursano, R. (2024). Suicide in military and veteran populations: a view across the Five Eyes nations. Psychiatry, 87(2), 161-164. https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.2024.2306794.
- Defense Suicide Prevention Office. (n.d.). Risk and warning signs how to help. https://www.dspo.mil/Portals/113/Documents/Risks%20and%20Warning%20Signs.pdf
- Hoffmire, C. A., Donovan, M. L., Ryan, A. T., Brenner, L. A., Vogt, D., Maguen, S., ... & Forster, J. E. (2024). Perceived social support moderates the relations between mental health symptoms and current suicidal ideation. Psychological Services, 21(4), 817. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000849
- Darvishi, N., Poorolajal, J., Azmi-Naei, B., & Farhadi, M. (2024). The role of social support in preventing suicidal ideations and behaviors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Research in Health Sciences, 24(2), e00609. doi:10.34172/jrhs.2024.144
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Suicide prevention resource for action: A compilation of the best available evidence. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/pdf/preventionresource.pdf
Stay up-to-date on the Real Warriors Campaign. Sign up for our email list or give us a follow on social media:
- Email list (https://health.mil/PHCoESubscribe)
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For additional resources, visit health.mil/RealWarriors.
| Date Taken: | 08.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 08:03 |
| Story ID: | 548206 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
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