Department of Defense

The Defense Department is focused on bringing greater attention to suicide prevention efforts and connecting the military community to resources.

During September, the Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Department’s 2024 theme, Joining Your Fight: Connect to Protect, is a call to action to the greater military community to focus on community, collaboration, connection, and hope

How can you be a year-round suicide prevention advocate for your unit, peers, or family?

Join the Fight. Supporting those struggling with thoughts of suicide can take time, energy, and effort. Self-care and knowing your limits are key to staying resilient while being there for others.  

• Be willing to listen and talk to others.
• Learn about suicide prevention resources and tools for prevention, including the availability of chaplain support and services.
• Adopt lethal means safety as a normalized practice in your day-to-day life.
• Spend time with friends and family members — whether in-person or virtually, depending on what works best.
• Seek support from peers, family, or health professionals when you need it. 

Connect with Others. There are many ways to #JointheFight for members of your community and strengthen connections. Show your support.

• Check in with friends and family. Let them know you care.
• Use de-stigmatizing language and safe ways to talk about suicide.
• Plan activities that you can enjoy together.
• Listen when they want to talk.
• Accept what he or she has experienced without judgment.
• Resist the temptation to problem-solve.
• Reassure them.
• Express care and concern.
• Encourage them to get help and stay in touch with friends and family.

Speak Up. If you are concerned about someone, ask if they are thinking about suicide, have a plan, and have the means, such as a firearm, medication, or other method of self-harm.

Listen and Offer Support. Be calm and express concern. Take what they say seriously and ask how you can help.

• Act Quickly. If you have a concern that they are at imminent risk for suicide, do not leave them alone and seek help immediately. Contact a crisis line, chaplain, health provider, emergency room, or 911. The Veterans / Military Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (press 1). If you are on the phone with an individual who you believe is in immediate danger, try to keep him or her on the line while you or someone else calls 911.
• Ask if there is someone nearby who could offer support and keep talking to the individual until help arrives.

Remember, there is no one “fix,” and no single person or organization can prevent suicide alone.