Texas Veteran Suicide Prevention Day: How to help those in crisis

AUSTIN September 22 is Texas Veteran Suicide Prevention Day. The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) wants to help inform veterans, their families, friends and communities of the risk factors, warning signs and resources available for those in crisis.

“Anyone can help save lives by knowing how to connect people in need to resources and knowing risk factors,” Dr. Blake Harris, TVC Veterans Mental Health Department Director, said in a news release.

Harris says just asking if someone served is a good way to start helping veterans in need.

“By asking ‘Have you or an immediate family member ever served in the military?’, you begin building rapport and understanding, these are critical steps in providing the proper referrals and resources,” said Harris. “Asking if someone served may also be a crucial step toward suicide prevention.”