Defense Suicide Prevention Office

Simple Things Save Lives

Social media helps us stay connected to one another, and it can also make us aware of the challenges our friends and loved ones are facing. If you see someone post something concerning on social media, know the steps you can take to offer help and support. You could save a life. Our video, “Simple Things Save Lives,” and accompanying resources will show you how.

Simple Things Resources

Announcement

We encourage Service members, family members, veterans, and civilians to take the necessary steps to prevent suicide in their community – whether it’s in-person or online. If you see a concerning post from someone on social media going through relationship, financial, work-related, or other life challenges, there are “Simple Things” you can do to offer support, as well as messages of hope and resilience. DSPO’s “Simple Things Save Lives” page gives you the tools to effectively assist those who are experiencing tough times and guide them to the appropriate care and resources.

Access the “Simple Things Save Lives” Resources Page here.

As we all strive to support our nation’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, the Department of Defense (DoD) maintains its commitment to supporting our most valuable resource – our people. The personal health and well-being of our Service members, civilian employees, and families is paramount. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations; and, certainly, an infectious disease outbreak that requires social distancing, quarantine, or isolation is bound to generate stress. Many across our nation – and around the world – are feeling stress, uncertainty, anxiety, disconnectedness, financial insecurity, as well as potentially feeling hopelessness. For some, such experiences can be associated with an increased risk for suicide. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress during this time will help us to remain strong. The following are some tips and resources both within and outside the DoD to help cope with stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“Connect to Protect During the Upcoming Holiday Season” Announcement

During this upcoming holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes and sincere thanks to our Service members, DoD civilian employees, and their families. As many of you are planning to celebrate with family and friends, I encourage you to take proper safety precautions on the road, at work, and at home, and to continue to follow the most current DoD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus disease 2019 guidance. As always, the health and well-being of you is paramount for force readiness.

Access the “Connect to Protect During the Upcoming Holiday Season” Memorandum here.

Annual Suicide Report (ASR)

Effective January 1, 2019, the Department of Defense (DOD) Annual Suicide Report (ASR) serves as the release authority for the official annual suicide counts and unadjusted rates for the DOD. The Department is fully committed to preventing suicides in our military community – every death by suicide is a tragedy. Our third ASR presents recent suicide data for Service members and their families and describes current and future efforts underway to combat suicide in the Department of Defense. To view the Calendar Year 2020 Annual Suicide Report, please click here.

Department of Defense Wants You to "Connect to Protect" for Suicide Prevention Month

The battle to prevent suicide reaches far beyond an awareness month for the Department of Defense (DOD). It is a top priority for the DOD all year. This September, DOD observes Suicide Prevention Month (SPM) by spotlighting initiatives to educate our military community about suicide prevention and connecting them with resources.
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Announcement

Military leaders take on the duty of protecting their own, both on and off the battlefield. But when it comes to creating an environment that is safe, inclusive, and supportive in order to prevent suicide, knowing what to do or say can be challenging. It is our hope that leaders take advantage of the Leaders Suicide Prevention Safe Messaging Guide, a resource to help you navigate your role as a leader and a communicator in the fight against suicide. Learn the facts and how to address misconceptions about suicide; learn the dos and don’ts in communicating about suicide, understand how to lead with caring and effective language; discover outreach and engagement opportunities to mobilize your community. View and download the guide here.

Veteran/Military Crisis Line

The Defense Suicide Prevention Office does not provide crisis services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Veteran/Military Crisis Line for immediate assistance.