Suicide Prevention

Find support now

If you are struggling or worried about someone you love, you can reach out now.

Veterans, service members, and their loved ones

Call 988, then press 1 · Text 838255 · Chat online

You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

Anyone in the United States

Call 988, text 988, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911.

Being there for one another

Being there for military and veteran families is at the heart of Fisher House. Alongside the comfort of a home and the support of loved ones, knowing where to turn during an emotional crisis can make a difference.

A shared meal, a listening ear, and the presence of family can bring comfort during a difficult time. Reaching out for mental health support is another way to care for yourself and the people around you.

These resources connect our community with trained crisis responders and trusted information. Fisher House Foundation does not provide crisis counseling or mental health treatment.

Know the warning signs

A person may need help if they talk about wanting to die or feeling like a burden; feel hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain; or withdraw, say goodbye, give away valued belongings, or show marked changes in mood, sleep, or substance use. Take new or increasing changes seriously and seek help promptly.

Read the warning signs from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Five ways to help someone you care about

1. Ask directly. Ask whether they are thinking about suicide. Asking does not increase suicidal thoughts and can open a conversation.
2. Listen and be present. Give them space to talk about what they are feeling without judgment.
3. Help them stay safe. Ask about immediate safety and work with them to reduce access to dangerous items or places.
4. Connect them with support. Help them contact 988, a mental health professional, or someone they trust. You can call a crisis line if you are concerned about another person.
5. Keep in touch. Check in after the conversation and after a crisis or discharge from care. Continued contact matters.

Adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health’s five action steps.

Keep support close

Save a crisis number in your phone, share these resources with your family, and talk with your health care provider about mental health concerns. You do not have to wait for a crisis to start a conversation.

• Veterans Crisis Line — support for veterans, service members, and those who care about them.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — crisis support across the United States.
• NIMH suicide prevention resources — information and materials to share with your community.