Hidden Cause of Veterans’ Struggles Brings Renewed Urgency to VA Messaging
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This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Honoring America’s veterans means more than reflecting on their service from time to time. It means supporting those who still fight battles that others go unnoticed.
Advocates are highlighting a nationwide effort to end veteran suicide. The effort is 24/7.
The Ad Council and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are partnering on a campaign called “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” Encourages veterans to seek help and connect with the resources they deserve.
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The campaign strongly urges struggling veterinarians to seek help for their life challenges before they reach a crisis point.
Suicide was the 12th leading cause of death among veterans in 2022, with an average of 17.6 veteran suicides per day, according to the 2024 Annual National Suicide Prevention Report.
The VA and Ad Council campaign provides lifesaving resources to veterans struggling with depression, PTSD and substance abuse. It’s called “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
According to the VA, an estimated 3.5 million veterans who are familiar with the campaign have taken steps to seek help when they were struggling.
“No mission should be fought alone. Life has its challenges. You don’t have to solve them alone. That’s true whether it’s an everyday struggle or something more complicated,” the campaign website notes.
For anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts: “Don’t wait. Reach out.” Visit VA.gov/REACH for resources today.
Watch the new public service announcement here.
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U.S. Army veteran Aaron Knowles is participating in the campaign and said he feels honored to participate in something so personal for veterans across the country.
“Talking to those who may not feel worthy of the title ‘veteran’ is a very meaningful opportunity to remind them that they absolutely belong, that growth and camaraderie are still theirs, and that new missions and opportunities are always within their reach,” Knowles said in a statement provided to News Digital.
“Talking to those who may not feel worthy of the title ‘veteran’ is a very meaningful opportunity to remind them that they absolutely belong, that growth and camaraderie are still theirs, and that new missions and opportunities are always within their reach,” said one U.S. Army veteran (not pictured). (James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
Heidi Arthur, director of campaign development at the Ad Council, told News Digital that the group has seen progress in preventing veteran suicide, although there is still work to be done.
“We are committed to keeping this message top of mind all year long. While we know the holidays can be especially difficult for many, the reality is that veterans can struggle at any time,” Arthur said.
He added, “The goal is to always encourage veterans to reach out if they are struggling and to remind them that their experiences are valid and that support is always within their reach.”
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The program “Don’t wait. Reach out.” The campaign lists resources related to money, career, education, relationships, and substance abuse challenges.
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Resources are also shared that address feelings of depression, isolation, and PTSD.
According to the campaign, veterans may struggle if they experience sleep problems or fatigue, face financial difficulties, have trouble managing stress, are bothered by traumatic memories, use alcohol or drugs in unhealthy ways, or struggle with personal relationships.
The campaign notes that friends and family should “start the conversation” by sharing their own feelings and reminding veterans that others care and are willing to listen. (iStock)
The campaign said friends and family should “start the conversation” by sharing their own feelings and reminding veterans that they care and are willing to listen.
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Suggestions include words like, “I may not be able to understand exactly what you’re going through or how you feel, but I care about you and want to help you,” and “When you want to give up or feel overwhelmed with emotion, take things in smaller chunks, like spending the next minute, hour, or day whatever you can handle.”
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The campaign advises friends and family not to argue, lecture, accept confidentiality or blame themselves.
For more information, anyone can explore the details in “Don’t wait. Get in touch.”
Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter at News Digital.