September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and making a difference by being the difference includes raising awareness around the mental health challenges of the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

We all have a role to play. United, we can and have helped save Veterans lives.

You want to make a difference by being the difference but not sure how?

Reach out to the United Relief Foundation

• We can provide you with information and ideas to use on your own or with others
• We can connect you with a veteran in need
• You can make a tax-deductible Good Deed Donation to the United Relief Foundation

From this day forward reach out and stay connected to the Veteran in your life. Be There.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

For a Veteran facing hard times, your support can provide hope when it’s needed most—and you already have what it takes to show you care. Take a few minutes to check-in today.

Talking on the phone with your Veteran loved ones can strengthen your connection. Calling to just catch up is important—especially during this unpredictable time.

•  Not only does an open and honest conversation help people feel less alone, but it also can give you a window into their experiences.

If you’re worried about someone, you might need to have a more serious conversation.

•  Remind them you are there for them, even if physically apart. It’s easier to feel isolated these days—so reaching out is more important than ever.
•  Validate their experience. Listen more than you speak—don’t dominate the conversation. Even if you can’t relate to what they are going through, you can tell them you understand that they went through something difficult and show them you respect their feelings about it.
•  Let them decide how much information to share. Supportive and encouraging comments, rather than invasive personal questions, will create a space for open communication and avoid putting them on the defensive.
•  If you’re concerned, it’s okay to ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. Asking questions about thoughts of suicide does not increase a person’s suicide risk, and the answers can help you determine the next steps to take.