In 2023, 6,398 Veterans lost their lives to suicide, according to the latest data from the VA from the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.
For Suicide Prevention Month, The Ad Council and Army veteran Raphael Rigaud, working with the national "Don't Wait. Reach Out." campaign, offer insights into how veterans can check in with and support one another.
The Power of Connection
Veterans have distinctive experiences and because of this, are in a unique position to support other veterans. Vets are often the first to help others, but it can sometimes be hard to ask for help or accept it for themselves. But all veterans deserve support and you do not need to wait for a crisis to check in with a fellow vet.
You don't need to have all the answers. Even the simple act of reaching out can make all the difference in strengthening bonds. Just being there for a buddy can help remind them they are not alone and that support is always within reach.
There are tangible steps you can take to support other vets.
Take Steps to Prepare
Buddy Checks encourage veterans to connect (or reconnect) with each other. They also serve as a way to support each other, improve mental health and share resources.
Before doing a Buddy Check with a veteran who may be struggling, read about tips for approaching the conversation and signs of distress to watch out for:
- The VA Buddy Check Week peer wellness training provides helpful information on these kinds of check-ins. From starting a meaningful Buddy Check, to recognizing warning signs in other veterans and how to use the VA S.A.V.E. model to respond in crisis, all the way to tips for self-care and building personal resilience.
- Guidance for checking in is also available, from potential conversation starters to recommended questions, and to helpful dos and dont's. You are not alone in navigating these conversations.
- Finally, personalized resources and support are available for any veteran navigating life's challenges or who may be struggling.
By reaching out and showing up you can make a huge impact in the life of another veteran. But it's also important to make sure to take care of yourself, both ahead of and following these conversations.
Learn About Available Resources for Veterans Who May be Struggling
Many veterans wrestle with complex feelings about their service, sometimes even questioning whether they deserve veteran resources. All veterans deserve support, but asking for support isn't always easy. That's why other veterans can play a unique role in building connections.
Hearing from another veteran can help create a sense of safety and validation to let someone who is struggling know that help is within reach. No act of connection is too small and can serve as a reminder that they are not alone.
At VA.gov/REACH there are a wide range of resources for challenges that a veteran may be struggling with, including career challenges, experiencing grief, life transitions and more. For any veterans in crisis, immediate help is always available at the Veterans Crisis Line. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
Check in with Other Veterans in Your Life
Whether it's a simple call or text, grabbing coffee or stopping by for a visit, it's never a bad time for a Buddy Check. These moments strengthen the bond between veterans and can ultimately improve mental health, feelings of community and make it easier to access resources.
Veterans have unique experiences and because of this, vets have an important role to play in checking in with one another. These moments of connection are so important and can help to encourage any veteran who may be struggling to get the support they deserve.
Reaching out for support is one of the bravest things veterans can do for themselves, and for each other. During Suicide Prevention Month, and all year round, everyone can be a part of the solution and save lives.
This story was produced by The Ad Council and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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