The Facts
2019 US total deaths by suicide
Average deaths by suicide per day
2019 Veteran deaths by suicide
Average veterans take their own life
How To Know If You Could Be Suicidal
Have you had thoughts that you would be better off dead?
Do you wish you would not wake up when you go to sleep?
Maybe you have been planning how you could end your life.
Have you actually begun to take action to hurt yourself in a way that could kill you?
These are increasingly serious levels of suicidal behaviors.
If you are having any of these thoughts or actions, you need to seek immediate support. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, use the Veterans Crisis Line online chat, or send a text message to the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you feel you are in a crisis, whether or not you’re thinking about killing yourself, you can also contact the Veterans Crisis Line. It’s better to call sooner, rather than wait for problems to get worse.
Why Would Someone Consider Suicide?
Most people who consider suicide have problems they think they can never overcome. There is the feeling that no one can help them and that suicide is the only way out. A person considering suicide may feel:
- Helpless, like there is nothing they can do to make things better
- Thinking their problem cannot be solved by them or anyone else
- Feelings of worthlessness, thinking they’re unable to help themselves or feeling like a failure
- Hatred towards themselves
- Feeling they are a burden to others
- As if the pain of living is more than they can bear
The Warning Signs
If you recognize any of the following signs of suicide in yourself or others, you should reach out for support:
- Feeling hopeless, trapped, or like there’s no way out
- Having persistent or worsening trouble sleeping or eating
- Feeling anxious or agitated
- Feeling like there is no reason to live
- Feeling rage or anger
- Engaging in risky activities without thinking of the consequences
- Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
- Withdrawing from family and friends