Did You Know…

An average of 17.6 veterans die by suicide every single day.

The suicide rate among veterans is over 1.5 times higher than that of non-veteran U.S. adults—even after adjusting for age and sex.

In 2022 alone, we lost 6,407 veterans to suicide.

For veterans under age 45, suicide is the second leading cause of death.

I share this not as a statistician, but as a veteran who battles severe PTSD and major depression myself.

I know what it feels like to fight battles no one sees. I know how heavy the days can be.

And I also know that awareness saves lives, compassion saves lives, and Jesus Christ saves lives.

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How You Can Help a Veteran

🔹 Learn the Warning Signs

• Withdrawn, depressed, or unusually sad
• Feeling hopeless or trapped
• Showing anxiety or agitation
• Misusing alcohol or drugs
• Talking about death, self-harm, or feeling like a burden

These signs don’t always mean someone wants to harm themselves—but they tell us someone needs love, support, and connection.

🔹 Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

“Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

This does not increase risk. It opens a door:

• A door for honesty
• A door for connection
• A door for hope

Sometimes that one question becomes the lifeline a veteran has been waiting for.

🔹 Use the S.A.V.E. Method

S — Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized.

A — Ask the most important question directly.

V — Validate feelings—listen with compassion.

E — Encourage treatment and support.

🔹 Help Veterans Connect to Care

Encourage veterans to seek support:

• Apply for VA health care (VA Form 1010EZ)
• Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387)

Connection saves lives. Isolation destroys them.

🔹 Promote Secure Storage

• Gun locks
• Lock boxes
• Secure medication storage

This isn’t about taking anything away—it’s about protecting life during a moment of pain.

🔹 Show Genuine Compassion

• Sit beside someone
• Listen without judgment
• Offer kindness
• Be a safe place

“I’m here. You’re not alone.”

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❤️ You Matter. Your Life Matters.

You are not a burden.

You are not forgotten.

You are not alone.

Your story is not over.

Your purpose is not finished.

God is not done with you yet.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, please reach out to someone you trust.

You are valued. You are needed. You are loved.

A Word to Every Veteran Reading This

If you’re a veteran and you feel tired, numb, angry, or overwhelmed…

Please hear this:

You are not a burden.
You are not forgotten.
You are not alone.

Your life matters.
Your story matters.
God is not done with you yet.

If you ever need someone to talk to, reach out—to a friend, a family member, a pastor, a battle buddy, or a crisis line.

And as a fellow veteran, I want you to know:
I see you. I care. Your life is worth fighting for.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18