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About IDPH

Veteran Suicide Prevention

Crisis Support Information

If you are a Veteran going through a crisis, please reach out for help right away. You are not alone.

Call the Veteran’s Crisis Line:

Dial 988, then press 1.

You can also:

These services are free, private, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits to use. Please click the image below to learn more about these supports.

Understanding Veteran Suicide Prevention

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Sadly, Veterans die by suicide more often than civilians. This is especially true for younger Veterans ages 18–34. In Illinois, Veterans die by suicide at nearly twice the rate of the general population.

Suicide among Veterans does not happen for just one reason. It is usually caused by a mix of things, such as:

  • Emotional pain
  • Physical health problems
  • Trauma
  • Feeling isolated or unsupported

The risk is highest during the first year after leaving active duty. This is often because Veterans may feel alone or misunderstood during this big life change. The good news is that suicide can be prevented. Learning more about Veterans’ needs helps save lives.

Unique Considerations

Veterans are not all the same. Each Veteran has their own background and life story. Still, many share military experiences that can affect their mental health in ways civilians may not fully understand. Knowing these differences is important for Veteran suicide prevention.

Transition Support for Service Members Leaving Active Duty

Transition Support for Service Members Leaving Active Duty

Leaving the military is one of the hardest times for many Veterans. It is not just a job change—it can mean losing:

  • A sense of purpose
  • Daily structure
  • Community and support
  • And in many cases, a major transition and stressor for the Veteran’s family

This transition can increase suicide risk, especially in the first year after leaving service.

Moral Injury

Much of the talk about Veteran suicide focuses on trauma. However, this often leaves out the hidden pain caused by moral injury. Moral injury is a specific type of trauma that can increase a Veteran’s risk of suicide. Research shows that moral injury is strongly connected to suicidal thoughts.

Moral injury is a type of trauma that happens when someone feels they have gone against their own strong beliefs, values, or sense of right and wrong. It can lead to deep feelings of shame, guilt, and inner struggle. Many Veterans say they feel that some of their actions were “unforgivable.” People who feel that their sense of morality has been injured in some way also often feel cut off from others, believing that no one can truly understand what they have been through. Healing from moral injury does not mean forgetting the past. It means a more complete understanding of what happened, which in turn helps those affected to feel like themselves again and reconnect with other people and the world around them. For some Veterans, talking about their experiences with moral injury can be the first step toward getting life-saving help.

Women Veterans

Women Veterans are the fastest-growing group of Veterans in the United States. They have their own unique experiences and needs, but these are often not fully recognized. Even though women make up a smaller number of Veterans overall, they face a higher risk. Women Veterans die by suicide at almost twice the rate of women who did not serve in the military. This is due to higher rates of military sexual trauma, trouble.

Getting healthcare that meets women’s needs, and the fact that women Veterans are often overlooked or not properly identified in Veteran services. Many women Veterans find it hard to adjust to civilian life. They often juggle caregiving duties and may feel out of place in Veteran spaces that are mostly focused on men. Some women Veterans do not seek help because of past negative experiences in the military or healthcare systems. Suicide prevention for women Veterans must be based on awareness and fairness. Being seen and recognized is not just about inclusion—it can mean getting the right care and saving lives.

Warning Signs

Veteran suicide is preventable. Learning that someone is thinking about suicide can be scary and overwhelming, especially when you feel unsure where to begin to help. It is important to know that you do not have to be an expert to help prevent suicide. Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. Friends, family members, coworkers, and even casual acquaintances can oftentimes recognize when something is wrong. Knowing the warning signs of suicide can help prevent loss of life.

It is important to remember that not all Veterans will show the signs outlined below, and some may show no signs at all. Also, Veterans may not always say how they are feeling. That is why simply checking in with someone, even in times when nothing seems wrong, can be so important. Just showing someone that you care is enough to make a difference and may help someone find their way back to hope. 

Common Warning Signs of Suicide

Behavioral Signs Emotional Signs Verbal Cues

Talking about death, feeling hopeless, or being a burden

Deep sadness, rage, or apathy

“Everyone would be better off without me.”

Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed

Mood swings or sudden calmness after distress

“I can’t take this anymore.”

Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness, or hopelessness

“I just want it to end.”

Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively

“No one understands what I’ve been through.”

Reckless or aggressive behavior

Giving away possessions or saying goodbye

Firearm Safety & Lethal Means

Getting healthcare that meets women’s needs, and the fact that women Veterans are often overlooked or not properly identified in Veteran services. Many women Veterans find it hard to adjust to civilian life. They often juggle caregiving duties and may feel out of place in Veteran spaces that are mostly focused on men. Some women Veterans do not seek help because of past negative experiences in the military or healthcare systems. Suicide prevention for women Veterans must be based on awareness and fairness. Being seen and recognized is not just about inclusion—it can mean getting the right care and saving lives.

Illinois Initiative for Veteran Suicide Prevention

Illinois is taking action to coordinate an approach to help prevent Veteran suicide in the state. Part of that initiative is being led by the Governor’s Challenge, which combines local innovation, federal collaboration, and community engagement. This initiative is a broader commitment to ensuring no Illinois Veteran faces a crisis alone. Please visit the website for more information on the Governor’s Challenge by clicking on the image below.

Here is where you can help! Join the Illinois Governor’s Challenge by participating in free training to learn how to support Service Members, Veterans, and their families.

Suicide Prevention Training: The Governor’s Challenge has an ambitious goal of training over 70,000 individuals in suicide prevention best practices. Training opportunities are being held across the state and are available online. The trainings are intended for anyone who interacts with Service Members, Veterans, and their Families with learning pathways tailored to specific professions and roles. To learn more about the training, view this short video message from IDVA Director Terry Prince.

The Illinois Department of Human Services-Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (IDHS-DBHR) and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs are working in partnership with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).