If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency or crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Calling and texting is available and you can also chat live on their website www.988lifeline.org.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month.
In 2022, nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in the US, which is the highest number ever recorded. Left behind are friends, family members, and in the case of service members, fellow soldiers and shipmates. Project Sanctuary knows all too well the struggle of veterans and suicide and the pain of those left behind dealing with the tragedy of loss.
September is a time to share resources and information. Veterans have higher rates of suicide than the general public. In fact, veterans are at a 57% higher risk of suicide than those who never served. Individuals, friends, and families should educate themselves about the risk factors and how to address them. Talking about suicide can be difficult, but it's one of the most important things we can all do to prevent it. Studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal doesn’t increase suicidal thoughts or actions. In fact, findings show it can actually reduce suicidal ideation.
How Project Sanctuary can help:
"Project Sanctuary doesn't stop suicides, we empower the family, teach tools, give hope and light a path for a way forward. Families do the hard work and become part of our loving tribe". - Heather Ehle, Founder & CEO, Project Sanctuary
Therapeutic Retreats
Every Project Sanctuary therapeutic retreat creates a safe environment where trust has been established for veterans and their families. Retreats also offer connection, community, and hope to combat some of the common risk factors for suicide.
Our Post Traumatic Growth class pays special attention to suicide prevention. Adults learn and share coping mechanisms and resources during class while our Teen Group curriculum is an age-appropriate way for young adults to learn about PTS' impact.
Family Support
Project Sanctuary encourages our veterans and family members to seek connection and community with others to avoid isolation, to address underlying causes by engaging in the mental health system, and by making resources available for suicide prevention.
If you or your family would like to access our comprehensive family support services, which include referrals to low- to no-cost mental healthcare, reach out to Project Sanctuary at familysupport@projectsanctuary.us.
Please keep in mind that Project Sanctuary is not a crisis intervention organization or hotline; in an emergency or crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Resources- Suicide is never the solution. Help is always available to you.
TAPS If you or someone you know are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is available with loving support & resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277).
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call toll free 988 or text 988
Veterans Crisis Line: call toll free 988 (Press 1) or text 988
Vets4Warriors (confidential peer support): 1-855-838-8255
Objective Zero mobile and web app to connect military and veteran community to peer support, wellness activities, & mental health resources.
VA Local Resource Finder: search tool to help connect locally to mental health resources, including suicide crisis teams
CDC Suicide Prevention Toolkit
#Bethe1to campaign: don't know how to talk to someone who may be in crisis? Start here.
Cohen Veterans Network mental health support for post-911 veterans, active duty, and military family members
Stop Soldier Suicide mental health support, alternative therapies, resources & referrals and case management
