The Veteran Suicide Prevention Toolkit is designed for local health departments, behavioral health partners, community-based organizations and individuals working to support veteran suicide prevention. The toolkit includes graphics and suggested captions that can be used on social media platforms to promote available resources and encourage help-seeking behavior, while actively working to reduce stigma surrounding mental health support for veterans. The CDPH Office of Suicide Prevention and CDPH Office of Communications extend our gratitude to CalVet for their partnership on creating this toolkit.
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Veteran Suicide Prevention - 1
Worried about a veteran? The Veterans Crisis Line isn’t just for veterans — it’s also for family, friends, and caregivers who want to help.
A trained responder will listen, guide you, and connect you to resources.
• Call 988 then press 1, or text 838255
• Free, anonymous, confidential, 24/7 support
One call can make a difference. More info at: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
#SuicideAwareness
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 2
If you have a veteran in your life, check in.
You don’t need the perfect words. Just remind them: “I’m here. You don’t have to do this alone.” Looking for the words to say? Start here: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/Suicide-Prevention-Community-Support-Handout.pdf
#SuicideAwareness
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 3
You were trained to be the steady one. The strong one. The helper. The protector. The one others lean on. But even the strongest among us need support.
• Reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line today:
• Dial 988 then press 1
• Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
• Text 838255
More info at: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
#SuicideAwareness
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 4
Losing a veteran to suicide is difficult and painful. It’s natural to have questions and strong emotions after a suicide loss.
It takes time to navigate this journey. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is here for veterans, their friends, and loved ones struggling with a suicide loss.
Call 1-800-959-TAPS (8277) for free, 24/7 support. More info at: https://www.taps.org/
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 5
Suicide prevention benefits everyone.
• Check in with a veteran you care about
• Start a conversation — you don’t need perfect words, just let them know you are there
• Secure medication and firearms to reduce suicide risk
• Connect to support — help is always available
If you or a veteran you know needs immediate support, call 988, then press 1. Support is also available at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or by texting 838255. More info at: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
#SuicideAwareness
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 6
Real strength is knowing when to reach out. Mental health support is a normal part of life — just like seeing a doctor for a cold. Reaching out doesn’t make you weak - it shows courage and resilience.
Call 988, then press 1 — free, confidential, 24/7 support and resources for veterans and their loved ones. Support is also available at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or by texting 838255
You don’t have to face it alone. More info at: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
#SuicideAwareness
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 7
Most suicidal crises are brief, with less than an hour from decision to action. By securely storing firearms, we can help prevent veteran suicides.
Veterans are eligible to receive a free cable-style gun lock from their local VA facility. These locks are an easy, effective way to keep firearms secure and they’re available at no cost, with no paperwork required.
Learn more at: https://www.va.gov/reach/lethal-means/cable-gun-lock/
#SuicideAwareness #KeepItSecure
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 8
Veteran suicide doesn’t always look like a crisis. It doesn’t always come with warning signs that are loud or obvious. That’s what makes it hard to see.
Sometimes it looks like a normal day. Going to work. Cracking jokes.
Showing up for everyone else.
But quiet struggles are still real struggles. Learn the signs to help you recognize when a veteran in your life may be having a difficult time:
VeteransCrisisLine.net/signs-of-crisis
#SuicideAwareness
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 9
Getting help is taking action—for yourself and the people who care about you.
Call 988, then press 1 to be connected to a VA responder 24/7 for free, anonymous, confidential support. Support is also available at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or by texting 838255.
More info at: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
#SuicideAwareness
Veteran Suicide Prevention - 10
What happens when you call the Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1)? You do not have to be enrolled in VA health care to access free, anonymous, confidential support. Support is available 24/7 for all veterans and their loved ones.
Call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
More info at: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
#SuicideAwareness
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