Reach Out for Support at the Veterans Crisis Line
Do you know a former military service veteran who needs emergency assistance to cope with suicidal ideation or deep mental/emotional troubles?
Perhaps, you are one yourself, and haven’t been able to find help. If so, then we’d like to show you an important resource for veterans: The Veterans Crisis Line (AKA, Dial 988). This article will explain what that is, how to use it, and why it’s crucial for veterans to have a support line during serious emergencies.
What is The Veterans Crisis Line?
This was a new way of promoting emergency responsiveness, which came about from the National Hotline Designation Act of 2022. By calling the toll-free number, veterans can obtain fast access to trained and caring responders who can help them walk through whatever circumstances have them considering suicide. Something like this could make a life-or-death difference for a veteran struggling with overwhelming mental health difficulties.
The hotline itself has been around since 2005, but has received even greater funding and expansion over the past couple of years. This service has received over 750,000 calls since the 2022 legislative act, and answers them within an average of 9.37 seconds. So, you won’t have to wait long to get help.
This crisis line also accepts text messages and online chats. Since the new legislation, it has added 900 new employees to assist veterans faster.
How to Use The Veterans Crisis Line
All you have to do to use The Veterans Crisis Line is to dial the number 988, followed by “1” at the prompt. Veterans do not have to be enrolled in any type of VA benefits or healthcare to use this service. These are the three ways to use the crisis line anytime.
- Calls – Dial 988, and press “1”
- Text Messages – Send to 838255
- Chat Online – Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
Why This Matters
Although there are other suicide hotlines to address this horrible pandemic, it’s essential to know veterans have something tailored to fit their specific needs. As we’ve covered in other blog posts, there has been a massive increase in mental health trauma and military suicides. We view it as our responsibility to help and intervene as much as possible, so that service men and women do not languish or suffer all alone.
SRQ Vets is a Sarasota-Bradenton organization with the sole intent of providing support and relief to American military veterans. If you’d like to learn more about ways to help, or have questions about preventing suicide among veterans, feel free to reach us anytime at 941-777-8387.
