Sedona AZ (February 25, 2013) – The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Veterans Administration responders.

Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. 

Call the VA Crisis Line — 1-800-273-8255 — Now!

You can chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net. 

Or you can send a text message to 838255 to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even if you are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. 

The professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances—from Veterans coping with mental health issues that were never addressed to recent Veterans struggling with relationships or the transition back to civilian life.

Warning Signs 

People experience emotional and mental health crises in response to a wide range of situations—from difficulties in their personal relationships to the loss of a job. For Veterans, these crises can be heightened by their experiences in military service. When emotional issues reach a crisis point, it’s time to call on the Veterans Crisis Line for support. Sometimes, a crisis may involve thoughts of suicide.

Learn to recognize these warning signs: 

• Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out
• Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
• Feeling like there is no reason to live
• Rage or anger
• Engaging in risky activities without thinking
• Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
• Withdrawing from family and friends

The presence of the following signs requires immediate attention: 

• Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
• Looking for ways to kill yourself
• Talking about death, dying or suicide
• Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

For more information on what VA is doing to help prevent suicides, read here: www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/

VA has also completed hiring and training of additional staff to increase the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, press 1) and phone lines have been increased by 50 percent.

As of December 31, 2012, the Veterans Crisis Line had received over 747,000 calls, over 83,000 chats, as well as over 5,000 texts, and has saved more than 26,000 Veterans in imminent danger.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has made significant progress in providing increased access to mental health care services for our Nation’s Veterans by hiring new mental health professionals. Last year, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced a goal to hire 1,600 new mental health clinical providers and 300 administrative support staff. The President’s August 31, 2012, Executive Order requires the positions to be filled by June 30, 2013. As of January 29, 2013, VA has hired 1,058 mental health clinical providers and 223 administrative support staff in support of this specific goal.

For the best Sedona Arizona News and Views? Subscribe to www.SedonaEye.com today.