Community Toolkit

A brief overview that allows those who are unfamiliar with VA to learn about available benefits and services, with an emphasis on mental health and suicide prevention services.

Learn the challenges and risks that Veterans face, and how to communicate concern to connect in advance of a crisis.

Learn the specific challenges and risks faced by Veterans who have attempted suicide in the past, and how to communicate concern to connect in advance of a crisis.

Learn the specific challenges and risks that LGBT Veterans face, and how to communicate concern to connect in advance of a crisis.

Learn the specific challenges and risks that women Veterans face, and how to communicate concern to connect in advance of a crisis.

Learn the specific challenges and risks that Veterans transitioning from service face, and how to communicate concern to connect in advance of a crisis.

Learn the specific challenges and risks that aging Veterans face, and how to communicate concern to connect in advance of a crisis.

Information about substance abuse and suicide prevention resources. Targeted toward individuals who are experiencing challenges with substance use.

Information about PTSD and suicide prevention resources. Targeted toward individuals who are dealing with PTSD.

Information about TBI and suicide prevention resources. Targeted toward individuals who are dealing with the effects of TBI.

Information about chronic pain and suicide prevention resources. Targeted toward individuals who are experiencing chronic pain.

Information about mental health, depression, and suicide prevention resources. Targeted toward individuals who are dealing with depression.

Information about MST and suicide prevention resources. Targeted toward individuals who are dealing with the effects of MST.

Information about common issues that Veterans may face as they age, such as loss of loved ones and declining health, as well as resources that can help. Targeted toward older individuals.

Tips for starting a conversation with a Veteran in your community, before the issue becomes a mental health crisis.

Tips for starting a conversation with a Veteran about firearm safety and the importance of staying safe through proper storage before a mental health crisis.

Tips for starting a conversation with a Veteran about getting help for substance abuse, before substance misuse becomes a crisis.

Tips for starting a conversation about mental health after a Veteran has attempted suicide, to help ensure they are safe and feel supported.

Tips for clinicians to use when starting a conversation with patients about mental health crises, suicide risk, and prevention.

Tips for starting a conversation with a Veteran you love, before the situation becomes a mental health crisis.

Tips for starting a conversation with teens and younger children about suicide.

An overview of a safety plan, its use, and who can/should create one, as well as strategies and tips for completing a safety plan with someone who is at risk for suicide.

Information about common issues that Veterans may face as they transition from service, such as planning a new phase in life, or finding a job, as well as resources that can help.

"Start the Conversation: New Tools for Veteran Suicide Prevention" is a comprehensive toolkit that includes information about common issues that many Veterans face. Learn how to customize the toolkit for the Veteran in your life.

This presentation is intended to help suicide prevention advocates and VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators introduce audiences to "Start the Conversation: New Tools for Veteran Suicide Prevention."

This video provides an overview of resources in the Start the Conversation: New Tools for Veteran Suicide Prevention toolkit developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Information and a sample conversation to help family members talk to Veterans about their emotional health, distress, or even suicide.

Information and a sample conversation to help members of community organizations talk to Veterans about their emotional health, distress, or even suicide.

Information and a sample workplace conversation to help community members talk to Veterans about their emotional health, distress, or even suicide.

Information and a sample conversation to help clinicians talk to Veterans about their emotional health, distress, or even suicide.

For some Veterans, life after service is difficult. “Lost: The Power of One Connection” shows how one person can make a big difference for a Veteran in crisis.

“Behind the Scenes” provides a look into the Veterans Crisis Line call center, housed in Canandaigua, New York, where qualified, caring responders answer the calls of Veterans, Service members, and their families and friends in times of crisis.

The Veterans Crisis Line gun safety video shows the importance of taking precautions at home when a firearm is present. Simple actions can help Veterans, Service members, and their families stay safe.

“The Power of 1” shows how taking the time to reach out can be the first step to getting those who served the support they need. A single action — one call, one chat, one text, one conversation — can have a significant impact.

In following through on their commitment to protect our country, Veterans defended what matters most. “Commitments” shows how their pledge to serve, and the experiences Veterans have had, continue to affect them.

Families and friends play a big role in helping Veterans through challenges. “Talking About It Matters” shows how asking the hard questions can be the first step toward Veterans’ getting support.

“These Hands” shows glimpses of Veterans serving our country, linked to images of Veterans and their family members and friends navigating the challenges of transitioning to civilian life — together.

We’re all in this together. “Stand by Them” calls on family members, friends, and communities to support the Veterans and Service members who have stood up for them in defense of our nation.

It’s OK if you can’t fully understand what Veterans go through during service or when they return. “Side by Side” shows that you can still make a difference. No matter what’s going on, support is available.

“Common Journey” follows the Veteran’s path from recruitment and boot camp to the sometimes difficult transition back to civilian life.

“Perspectives” portrays a chance meeting of two young Veterans at a VA Medical Center, when one tells the other how his call to the Veterans Crisis Line changed his life.

“Waking Up” depicts the challenges one resilient Vietnam Veteran confronts and his choice to make the call to the Veterans Crisis Line.

A snapshot of true stories featuring Veterans who honorably served their country, faced challenging life events and experiences, reached out for support, and are now living more fulfilled lives. They made the connection. You can too.

A sampling of candid and inspiring stories of Veterans’ strength and resilience. These men and women share their experiences of overcoming challenges so their fellow Veterans will know they are not alone.

Women Veterans represent an enduring legacy of leadership, service, and sacrifice. Each woman’s experience is unique, yet many women face similar challenges while serving in the military and after returning to civilian life.

Many Vietnam Veterans have overcome challenges and become pillars of their communities. Yet they may still face difficult life events, such as retirement or losing a loved one. No matter how long it’s been since you served, you can improve your life.

Service members don’t have to face tough transitions from military service alone. If you’re feeling on edge or even overwhelmed, there are resources that can help. Watch Veterans like you talk about how their lives improved after they reached out.

The challenge of readjusting to civilian life affects both Veterans and their families. See how MakeTheConnection.net helps Veterans and their families connect with the support and resources they need to get back on track.

Readjusting to civilian life can be challenging for Veterans, but sleepless nights, problems at school, or issues at work don’t have to be the norm. Connect the Veterans you know with stories of resilience and recovery at MakeTheConnection.net.

Dr. Jane Pearson of the NIMH Division of Services and Intervention Research discusses the progression of suicide prevention and treatment in the United States, as well as the warning signs that someone may be suicidal.

A safety plan is a tool that at-risk Veterans and their families and friends can use before or during a suicidal crisis. Use this video as a tool to train health care providers about the importance of encouraging Veteran patients and their loved ones to create a safety plan.

Using humor as a catalyst, this mental health campaign helps men dealing with mental health challenges to connect with information about certain conditions, treatments, and coping mechanisms.

Man Therapy® offers tips for dealing with stress through breathing exercises.

Man Therapy® provides advice on dealing with stress and depression through yoga.

Man Therapy® humorously shows how cooking can reduce stress.

To someone going through a difficult time, a text, a call, or a visit can mean so much. And sometimes, even the smallest act has the power to change a life.