Help Others
The time to act is now.
If someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, or showing warning signs of suicide, he needs your help. Your support and concern for their well being could provide them motivation to get help.The most important thing you can do is to be understanding and supportive. Start a conversation about how he’s feeling and remind him that what he is going through is treatable and quite common. Mental health challenges such as depression, stress and anxiety affect 1 in 4 adults. Encourage him to go out for a walk with you, or to participate in an activity that he used to enjoy.
If you feel that he needs more help than you can provide, use the resources on this site to help him find additional support. Take the initiative to schedule or even attend treatment appointments with him.
Last, be patient. Recovering will take some time and caring for a loved one can take a toll on you as well. Be sure to take care of yourself.
If you are a family member or friend of an Iraq or Afghanistan veteran, Support Your Vet offers tips and resources related to mental health and suicide prevention, or download the Handbook for Family & Friends of Service Members Before, During and After Deployment.
SIGNS OF CONCERN
Seek help by calling (800) 479-3339 for a referral if you witness, hear or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of these behaviors:
Seek help by calling (800) 479-3339 for a referral if you witness, hear or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of these behaviors:
- Hopelessness
- Rage, anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped—like there's no way out
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Recent loss of spouse, home, or job
- Withdrawing from friends, family or society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life