Signs of Crisis
An emotional or mental health crisis can occur for a variety of different reasons. For those who have served in the military, these crises may be heightened by past trauma related to the military. Whether you are a veteran or the loved one of a veteran, these are some of the signs of crisis:
Many veterans may not show signs of intending to hurt themselves or others until they’ve already done it. If they do show signs, they can be subtle. Some warning signs to look out for include increasing alcohol or drug misuse; rage or anger; losing interest in hobbies, work, or school; showing violent behavior; giving away prized possessions; feeling as if there is no reason to live; hopelessness; and appearing sad or depressed most of the time.
These signs should encourage you to seek help for yourself or for your loved one. Contacting a hotline or reaching out to a therapist can help you or your loved one get help right away. More serious signs that require immediate attention including self-destructive behavior, talking about death or suicide, looking for ways to kill oneself, and thinking about hurting or killing oneself. If you or a loved one experience these problems, contact an emergency hotline or call a therapist and explain that you or a loved one is in crisis.
If you are a veteran and you want to avoid an emotional or mental health crisis, you can work with SRQ Vets. We are a group of local veterans dedicated to serving fellow local veterans. To get involved with our services, you can reach us by phone at 941-777-8387.
