Suicide Prevention Month
We all have a role to play, together we can save Veteran lives. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: Call 1-800-273-8255, press 1.
“I didn’t contact you sooner because I didn’t want it in my medical record.”
“I don’t want folks to know I’m asking for help.”
She and her team hear Veterans say comments like this most every day. And for the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator, Valerie Ajuonuma, mental health stigma is still prevalent, and she and the team are working to change this fact.
September is Suicide Prevention Month and Ajuonuma wants to bring awareness to the fact that suicide is a national public health concern which can affect anyone, not just Veterans. “We all need a little help sometimes, I want Veterans to know there is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a part of life. Veterans who have diabetes and seek medical care are not marginalized,” Ajuonuma explains.
The Medical Center’s Suicide Prevention team is very aware that this era of COVID-19 is a difficult time for many Veterans. During this time of uncertainty when our environment is filled with news about the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidance, the Suicide Prevention Team wants Veterans to know they are not alone.
“Our team is available and ready to provide any needed support. We understand that current events can produce a lot of stress and feelings of isolation and anxiety,” she said. The Suicide Prevention Team has continued its mission throughout the pandemic and has been seeing Veterans virtually through secure VA Video Connect and phone visits. Ajuonuma encourages Veterans to not put off seeking help.
“We are here for Veterans, moving forward through the pandemic with safe care options. Veterans are encouraged to speak with their VA mental health provider about available appointment options.” For those who normally visit the main medical center for mental health care, phone 202-745-8156, and for CBOC patients, phone 202-745-4332, then select the appropriate CBOC location at the prompt.
Learn the Warning Signs of Suicide
We all have a role to play when it comes to preventing suicide. Ajuonuma urges everyone to learn the warning signs of suicide and what to do when one recognizes these signs:
- Talking or writing about suicide or death • Displaying a sense of hopelessness and worthlessness • Reckless behavior like driving too fast • Giving away possessions • Increased use of drugs or alcohol • Preparatory behavior, like stock-pilling medications • Buying a rope and fashioning a noose
What to do if you recognize warning signs in a friend or family member? • Probe a little bit. Is the person experiencing psychological or mental pain? Ask how you can help? • Talk openly to the person; don’t be afraid to be ask, “Are you thinking about taking your life?” Asking does not put the thought in a person’s mind, but rather it opens an important dialogue. • If they say yes, do NOT leave them alone. Explain that you will get help. • Remain calm, be direct and non-judgmental. Call 911. • Ask the person how they plan on taking their life. • Never promise to keep a person’s thoughts, plans or intent of suicide a secret. • Remember, they have opened up because they want help.
The Veterans Crisis Line is Available 24/7
If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, you are not alone. Help is just a phone call, text or online chat away. The Veterans Crisis Line offers trained professionals who are available 24/7: By Phone: Call 1-800-273-8255, press 1. By Text: Send a text to 838255 By Chat Line:
Use the confidential chat line: VeteransCrisisLine.net.
VA Vet Centers
VA Vet Centers are available in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia to help Veterans and their family members readjust to life post-combat deployment. The Vet Centers are currently providing virtual, telephonic and some face-to face services. For an appointment, please call the Vet Center nearest you.
Washington DC Vet Center
1296 Upshur Street, N.W.
Washington, DC
202-726-5212
Alexandria Vet Center
6940 South Kings Hwy, Suite 204
Alexandria, Va.
703-360-8633
Prince George’s County Vet Center
7905 Malcolm Rd., Suite 101
Clinton, Md.
301-856-7173
Silver Spring Vet Center
2900 Linden Ln., Suite 100
Silver Spring, Md.
301-589-1073
To find a Vet Center near you visit: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/ Combat Veterans can also phone War Vets hotline at any time, night or day, 1-877-War-Vets.
