Once out of the military, veterans may miss out on benefits they have earned and needed local resources and services. TVC Veterans Mental Health Director Dr. Blake Harris says just asking about service is an effective way to start helping veterans in need.
“We have to know people are veterans before we can help them find resources. 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.
These resources range from earned financial compensation and health care to employment and mental well-being.
Asking if someone served may also be a crucial step toward suicide prevention. Licensed Professional Counselor and TVC Suicide Prevention Coordinator Jessica Del Rio states veterans are at a higher risk for suicide.
Del Rio advises not to skirt the issue of suicide. “Asking someone if they are having thoughts about suicide does not mean it will make someone consider it as an option,” said Del Rio. “If anything, it makes them feel more comfortable to open up and see you as a safe person who can actually help them. Listen and be nonjudgemental; offer hope and get help for them.”
In broaching that subject, Del Rio noted warning signs to look for. “Some of the warning signs are loss of interest in activities in something they used to enjoy … talking or writing about suicide, decreased social interaction, no self-care, no grooming, feeling hopeless or worthless, and putting affairs in order.”
Listen to Del Rio talk about this, risk factors, how to help and more on TVC’s La Voz de los Veteranos de Texas podcast Suicide Prevention: What Can You Do?
September is National Suicide Prevention Month.