How to Help a Veteran in Crisis
When a loved one is in crisis, it can be a scary and overwhelming experience for all involved. As a support system, it’s crucial to be informed, empathetic, and prepared to offer guidance and assistance. As the brave men and women of the United States armed forces transition back to civilian life, they often carry hidden scars from their wartime experiences. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), around 22 veterans commit suicide daily.
Immediate Attention Required
If a veteran in crisis is actively trying to harm themselves or showing warning signs, act IMMEDIATELY by following these steps:
- Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly 1-800-273-TALK): Trained counselors will assist with immediate care, connect the veteran to mental health professionals, or provide referrals for local help.
Contents
Emergency Care
• Go to a Hospital Emergency Room: Medical help is essential for treatment of acute mental health concerns.
• Have a Mental Health Provider’s Phone Number Handy: Reassurance and backup help from a trusted therapist can alleviate feelings of fear, hopelessness, or vulnerability.
Understanding PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects many veterans returning from war. Characterized by flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and hypersensitivity to stimuli, it’s essential to recognize its effects. Education on PTSD is critical in addressing the following common myths:
Debunked PTSD Myths:
| Myth # | Rebuttal |
|---|---|
| Anyone with PTSD is weak-minded | Not true; trauma reactions can be triggered in any person. |
| Trauma experiences are directly connected to a person’s inner strength or weakness | Refutes this; individual courage or fear doesn’t equal a stronger or weaker brain. |
Comprehensive Care for Veterans in Crisis
As a trusted advocate, understanding the vast mental health needs of a crisis-affected veteran involves supporting the whole individual:
Treatments and Interventions
Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helpful for anxiety and depression by promoting healthier coping mechanisms and managing thoughts.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET): Gradually, with the guidance of a trained therapist, increase confrontation with trauma-related experiences, gradually becoming more familiar.
Support Groups and Recovery Resources
- In-person and Online Forums: Group settings share recovery strategies and provide bonding and peer-to-peer emotional validation.
- Phone-based Support Line: Call 855-274-7478, for dedicated support groups like The War Horse project and Military Crisis Line.
Facts and Statistcis: Understanding Crisis-Tinged Statistics
• 71% of suicides among 2017 veteran deaths in VA care had no identified substance use disorder [VA].
• 68.7% of the Veteran Crisis Hotline responders identify with LGBTQ+; and 40.7% report some form of victimization during their time of service [DoD].
• 2017 veteran population: ≈20 million individuals who served at least one tour**.
When Can’t They Help Themselves?
Support doesn’t need to revolve solely around the crisis, though; family involvement is vital to providing stability:
Lending Emotional Support: Crucial Aspects for Effective Communication
How to Convey Supportive Messages
- Use ‘I Statements’: Frame sentiments like ‘I sense a deep distress’, demonstrating active listening and sharing without accusation.
- Reflect Feelings: Example: ‘You appear visibly distressed…’, illustrating compassion.
- Framing with Empathy: Start with something genuine: ‘I see a brave and strong service member’, highlighting self-potency.
Remembering to offer listening attentively and validating reactions without judgment, it becomes even more important to resist providing unsolicited solutions. Your role remains distinct, to provoke growth, not self-condemnation.
To guide this vital support effort:
- Document: Keep notes on critical instances and their outcomes (optional but highly recommended by authorities).
- Preservation of Confidentiality: Honor privacy by agreeing beforehand and protecting sensitive material. Encourage reporting when ready to share;
- Empowering Veterans with Knowledge
This compassionate endeavor empowers informed actions, fosters greater connections, and leads a safer journey for each person. Remember your critical role: as the silent rock, guiding trusted advocates towards healing.
Visit online resources like VA and VSO for continued insight into these vital themes:
