Read between the lines

Off By Ed Hanna

One in three Veterans have felt suicidal. It’s not a topic people find easy to talk about. Could you read between the lines to understand what people are really thinking?

One life taken by suicide is one too many. That’s why we’re on a mission to create suicide-safer communities, where Veterans and their families get the support they need.

Our free online suicide awareness training, developed in partnership with Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA), teaches you how to spot the signs that someone might be feeling suicidal. You will also develop the confidence and tools to start a conversation and signpost them to the right support.

Research has shown that Veterans are less likely to ask for help if they are having suicidal thoughts, compared to the general public.

Lifesaving
Learning how to read between the lines and having a conversation, could be lifesaving.

We’re reaching out to those in local communities who might spend time with veterans, such as tattoo artists and barbers. Places where people are relaxed and more likely to open up. We will encourage people in these public-facing roles to take the suicide awareness training.

The training gives examples of helpful phrases to say to people who are struggling. For example, if you have concerns about someone, it’s ok to ask if they are feeling suicidal. Hearing that question in a calm way, can help get someone talking. 

By having a conversation, reaching out, and saying the word suicide, you could #SaveALife.