Suicide is the 11th most frequent cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 30,000 deaths annually. It is estimated that someone dies from suicide every 16 minutes. To ensure that veterans who may be contemplating suicide have immediate access to trained personnel who can help, the VA has established a 24-hour national suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The hotline is staffed by mental health professionals who know how to assess and respond to crisis situations for veterans at risk of suicide. Callers to the hotline will be asked to press “1” if they are a veteran or are concerned about the well-being of a veteran, and will be immediately referred to a trained staff member.

Here are some warning signs that can indicate a person is contemplating suicide:

• Talking about wanting to hurt or kill himself or herself.
• Trying to get pills, guns or other items that can harm or kill someone.
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide.
• A general feeling of hopelessness.
• Exhibiting behaviors that indicate rage, uncontrolled anger, or a need to seek revenge on someone or something.
• Acting in a reckless or risky way.
• Feeling trapped, as if there is no way out.
• Saying or feeling there is no reason for living.

Veterans who have such feelings, or family members who have observed any or all of these behaviors, are urged to call the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).