Personal and relationship issues, legal and financial worries, and job-related stress are the leading contributing factors linked to suicides. Take the opportunity this month, especially, to educate yourself and others with helpful facts surrounding suicide prevention.

Be aware of the Warning Signs for Suicide:

• Threatening or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills or other means
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family and society
• Feeling anxious, agitated or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes
• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or exhibits any of the above signs, don’t hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

It’s important to talk about suicide and feelings of depression or post traumatic stress. If you're looking for more information or resources for any and all psychological health concerns, trained health professionals are available at the DCoE Outreach Center 24/7 by phone at 866-966-1020, e-mail resources@dcoeoutreach.org or live chat.

Taking a few minutes to learn more could save a life — a fellow warrior, friend or loved one.

Afterdeployment.org is an online behavioral health resource site that provides the military community with web-based tools focusing on common post-deployment mental health concerns such as PTSD, depression, anger, sleep irritability and relationship issues. You can take an assessment, view video-based testimonials and access narrator-guided workshops.

Real Warriors Campaign provides information on ways to deal with combat stress. While there, take time to watch a video profile of a service member who courageously sought care for psychological concerns and now encourages others to reach out for help.

Suicide Facts: What Military Families Should Know to Help Loved Ones Who May Be At Risk

Suicide Facts for Primary Care Providers Helping Service Members and Families Overcome Barriers to Care

Restoring Hope: You Can Help Save a Life

Find more suicide prevention information, resources and tools for service members, veterans, families and health professionals on DCoE’s website here.

Take the opportunity now to get informed!

*Honor Week: A time to recognize that person who always has your back / Visit DCoE’s page on Facebook to get involved.

*Recently come across something that you think could help others? Share it with us here.