September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary No. 5254 is informing the public about being aware of veteran suicide. Twenty-two veterans and one active duty soldier are lost every day to suicide.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, so the Auxiliary asks the public to visit the Veterans Affairs website which offers resources to support suicide prevention, such as the following warning signs: threatening to hurt or kill self, looking for ways to kill self, seeking access to pills, weapons or other means, talking or writing about death, dying or suicide.

Presence of any of the above warning signs requires immediate attention and referral.

Additional warning signs include hopelessness, rage, anger, seeking revenge, acting reckless, feeling trapped-like there’s no way out, increasing alcohol or drug use, with-drawing from friends, family and society, anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time, dramatic changes in mood or no sense of purpose in life. For any of the above, refer for mental health treatment or follow-up appointment.

The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by phone at 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255.