Suicide Prevention for Veterans: 7 Warning Signs You’re Missing

Suicide Prevention for Veterans: 7 Warning Signs You’re Missing (And How to Get Help Fast)

Every 65 minutes, we lose a veteran to suicide. That’s 22 veterans every single day, a statistic that should shake us all to our core. Veterans die by suicide at a rate 1.5 times higher than civilians, and yet many of us still miss the warning signs that could save a life.

If you’re reading this because you’re worried about a veteran in your life, or you’re a veteran yourself struggling with dark thoughts, know this: you’re not alone, and help is available right now.

At the Outer Circle Foundation, we see these warning signs every day through our work with veterans and first responders. We also see the incredible healing that happens when people get the support they need. That’s why we’re sharing these seven critical warning signs that too many people miss, and exactly how to get help fast.

The 7 Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

1. Hopelessness and Feeling Trapped

When veterans start expressing that there’s “no way out” or that things will “never get better,” this is one of the most serious warning signs. You might hear phrases like:

“What’s the point anymore?”
“I’m stuck and nothing will change”
“There’s no solution to this”

Veterans experiencing hopelessness often feel like they’re in a tunnel with no light at the end. Combat trauma, financial struggles, relationship problems, or chronic pain can create this overwhelming sense that suffering is permanent.

2. Withdrawal from Family and Friends

Isolation is a red flag that’s easy to miss because it happens gradually. Veterans who are struggling might:

Stop returning phone calls or texts
Cancel plans repeatedly
Avoid family gatherings or social events
Withdraw from activities they used to enjoy
Stop participating in veteran groups or support networks

This withdrawal often happens because they don’t want to “burden” others with their problems, or because depression makes social interaction feel impossible.

3. Increased Substance Use

Veterans already face higher rates of substance abuse, but a sudden increase in drinking or drug use is a major warning sign. Watch for:

Drinking alone or at unusual times
Increased tolerance (needing more to feel the same effects)
Using substances to cope with emotions
Combining alcohol with medications
Hiding their substance use from family

Substance abuse often masks deeper pain and can dramatically increase impulsive behavior, making suicide attempts more likely.

4. Sleep and Appetite Disruptions

Changes in basic life functions are often early indicators of crisis. Veterans in distress might experience:

Chronic insomnia or sleeping too much
Nightmares increasing in frequency or intensity
Complete loss of appetite or overeating
Significant weight loss or gain
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

These physical symptoms often accompany depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions that increase suicide risk.

5. Extreme Mood Changes

Dramatic shifts in behavior or personality can signal internal turmoil. Be alert for:

Sudden rage or anger over minor issues
Agitation and restlessness that seems out of character
Unexpected calmness after a period of distress (this can indicate they’ve made a decision)
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Mood swings that seem extreme or unpredictable

That sudden calmness is particularly concerning, it often means someone has decided on a plan and feels “relief” that their suffering will end.

6. Reckless and Self-Destructive Behavior

When veterans stop caring about their safety, it’s a serious warning sign. This might look like:

Driving recklessly or speeding
Engaging in dangerous activities without proper safety measures
Starting fights or seeking conflict
Neglecting personal safety in other ways
Taking unnecessary risks at work or in daily life

This behavior often reflects a “what does it matter?” attitude that suggests they don’t value their own life.

7. Direct Expressions About Death or Suicide

The most obvious signs are often the ones people dismiss or don’t take seriously:

Talking about death frequently or obsessively
Making jokes about suicide or saying things like “you’d be better off without me”
Researching suicide methods online
Giving away prized possessions or making final arrangements
Writing notes or updating wills suddenly
Expressing plans for when or how they might die

Never dismiss these as “just talk.” Research shows that 75% of people who die by suicide give clear warnings beforehand.

How to Get Help Fast, Right Now

If you recognize any of these signs in a veteran you care about, or if you’re experiencing them yourself, here’s exactly what to do:

Immediate Crisis Resources

Veterans Crisis Line (24/7):

Call: 988, Press 1
Text: 838255
Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net

This free, confidential service is staffed by qualified responders who understand military culture and trauma.

For immediate danger:

Call 911
Go to the nearest emergency room
Don’t leave the person alone

Outer Circle Foundation Support

We provide free, immediate support through:

24/7 crisis support hotline for veterans and first responders
Mobile app with instant access to coping tools and crisis resources
Peer support programs connecting veterans with others who understand
Family support services for loved ones who need guidance

Visit our mental health resources page or contact us directly for immediate assistance.

The SAVE Approach: How to Help

When you suspect someone is in crisis, use this proven approach:

S – Signs: Recognize the warning signs listed above
A – Ask: Ask directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
V – Validate: Listen without judgment and acknowledge their pain
E – Encourage: Push for professional help and expedite treatment

Don’t worry about asking the “wrong” thing. Direct questions about suicide don’t plant ideas, they often provide relief that someone cares enough to ask.

What NOT to Do

Don’t promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret
Don’t leave them alone if they’re in immediate danger
Don’t argue about whether life is worth living
Don’t act shocked or judgmental
Don’t minimize their pain with phrases like “it could be worse”

The Reality: Help Works

Here’s what we want every veteran and their families to know: most people who consider suicide don’t actually want to die, they want their pain to end. With proper support, treatment, and resources, veterans can and do recover from suicidal crises.

At the Outer Circle Foundation, we’ve seen thousands of veterans and first responders find hope again through our programs. Whether it’s through our trauma recovery programs, career transition support, or peer counseling, recovery is possible.

Your Next Step

If you’re concerned about a veteran in your life, don’t wait for “the right moment” to act. Trust your instincts, if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Take action today:

Have the conversation using the SAVE approach
Connect them with resources immediately
Stay involved in their support network
Take care of yourself too, supporting someone in crisis is emotionally demanding

If you’re a veteran reading this and recognizing yourself in these warning signs, please know that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness: it’s the most courageous thing you can do. Your battle isn’t over, and you don’t have to fight it alone.

Call 988, Press 1 right now, or reach out to us at the Outer Circle Foundation. We’re here, we understand, and we want to help you find your way forward.

Your life has value. Your story isn’t over. And tomorrow can be different from today: but only if you’re here to see it.