1. Eric Miller, MBA, BA Veteran Navigator
Suicide Prevention
Eric Miller, MBA, BA
Veteran Navigator

2. Objectives Awareness Myths about suicide Data on suicide Warning signs
How to help someone who is considering suicide
Resource guide

3. Awareness Suicide is the top leading cause of psychiatric emergencies
Males are four times more likely to die by suicide than females
For every suicide death there are 5 hospitalizations and 22 emergency room visits for suicidal behaviors –over 670,000 visits per year
Every 17 minutes an American dies by suicide.
Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in American.
(QPR institute)

4. Myths and Realities about Suicide
Myth: Asking about suicide may lead a Veteran to take his or her life. Reality: Asking about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts. The act of asking the question simply gives the Veteran permission to talk about his or her thoughts or feelings. Myth: There are talkers and there are doers. Reality: Most people who die by suicide have communicated some intent. Myth: If somebody really wants to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do about it. Reality: Most suicidal ideas are associated with treatable disorders. Helping someone connect with treatment can save a life. Myth: He or she really wouldn’t die by suicide because …he just made plans for a vacation, she has young children at home, he made a verbal or written promise, she knows how dearly her family loves her. Reality: The intent to die can override any rational thinking.

5. Michigan Veteran Suicide Data Sheet
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), (2018, May 8). Michigan Veteran Suicide Data Sheet - VA Mental Health. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

6. RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
History of suicide attempt
Family history of suicide or suicide attempts
Chronic pain
Mental health or substance abuse diagnosis
Homelessness
Limited social supports
Access to lethal means (guns)
History of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
Financial problems
Impulsivity

7. RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
Mental health disorders
Prior suicide attempts
Social isolation
Physical illness
Unemployment
Family conflict/Loss
Family history of suicide
Impulsivity
Incarceration
Hopelessness
Seasonal variation
Serotonin dysfunction
Agitation, insomnia
Childhood trauma
Exposure to suicide
Homelessness
Combat exposure
Low self-esteem, shame

8. Warning Signs and Symptoms
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more overt and dangerous
Increased alcohol and drug use
Aggressive behavior
Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community
Dramatic mood swings
Talking, writing or thinking about death
Impulsive or reckless behavior

9. Warning Signs and Symptoms
Any person exhibiting these behaviors should get care immediately:
Putting their affairs in order and giving away their possessions
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Mood shifts from despair to calm
Planning, possibly by looking around to buy, steal or borrow the tools they need to complete suicide, such as a firearm or prescription medication

10. Warning Signs and Symptoms
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for materials or means
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression
Fatigue

11. Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
Depression
Anxiety
Loss of interest
Irritability
Humiliation
Agitation
Rage
(American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

12. HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING SUICIDE:
Know the risk factors and warning signs
Talk openly with your loved one, or your friend
Show care and concern
Take the person’s threats of suicide seriously
Never underestimate the power of understanding and support
Obtain professional help
Call an ambulance or law enforcement personnel in an emergency and transport person to a hospital
Do not sound shocked
Do not promise anything you can’t guarantee
Do not argue with the person
Do not argue about moral issues
Do not leave the person alone
Do not agree to keep the suicide threat a secret
Do not remain the only person providing help

13. CONVINCE YOUR SUICIDAL LOVED ONE TO GET HELP BY CALLING:
Contact your family Doctor;
Contact your Chaplain/Pastor;
Contact the Veterans Crisis Line at TALK (8255) *Press 1;
Escort them to the closest Hospital Emergency Room;
Call 911 for imminent risk

14. Resources
Veteran Crisis line/ Suicide Prevention Lifeline to talk to someone
Start a confidential online chat session at
Send a text message to to connect to a VA responder
Take a self-check quiz at
If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, find a facility near you -
Visit if you are Active Duty, Reserve, or Guard
Connect through chat, text, or TTY if you are deaf or hard of hearing
Emergency Room
CALL 211
Community Mental Health Facilities
Local VetCenter
Buddy to Buddy ,