This puzzle looks different for everyone. It's why we believe that in order to heal for the long-term, we must use suicide-specific care to save lives.
All tools and techniques used at Stop Soldier Suicide are clinically woven together tailored to the individual in our care.
Treating suicide requires more than just crisis management. We believe in treating for the long-term. With suicide-specific treatment, clients are with us for as long as it takes.
Military service can be filled with traumatic events and frequent exposure. Quite frankly, these things can alter the way someone thinks and behaves. Trauma literally changes the brain.
Learning more about the effects of trauma might ultimately save a life.
You can help someone struggling with trauma by:
Learning their triggers
Providing reassurance of safety if someone shares their experience
Focusing on their strengths
Offering space for them to share their feelings
And more ...
These events don't have to define someone forever. Managing traumatic experiences in healthy and holistic ways can help.
Check for these warning signs to determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
Talking about wanting to die or killing themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Repetitive stressful events
Extreme mood swings
Be direct and talk openly with them
Listen and allow them to express their feelings
Get involved and make yourself available to them
Offer hope that alternatives are available
Take action to remove lethal means
Encourage them to seek help from a licensed professional