Hope For The Warriors Talk Radio EXCLUSIVE interview with Ms. Mullane, Veteran Crisis Hotline Program Director

Julianne Mullane, Program Director - The Veterans Crisis Hotline

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Julianne Mullane, Acting Program Director of The Veterans Crisis Hotline.

Hope For The Warriors offers wonderful free counseling for post 9/11 military veterans and their family members. Sometimes, however; veterans and their family members have emergency situations where they need to talk with someone  during non-business hours. The responders at The Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some of the responders are Veterans themselves and understand what Veterans and their families and friends have been through and the challenges Veterans of all ages and service eras face.

People who know a Veteran best may be the first to recognize emotional distress and reach out for support when issues reach a crisis point — and well before a Veteran is at risk of suicide. You should call the Veterans Crisis Line, log onto the online chat, or send a text message if you are a Veteran or Service member experiencing an emotional crisis or know one who is, especially when concerned about the risk of physical harm.

Please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, use the online chat at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net, or send a text message to 838255 immediately if you or a Veteran or Service member you know is experiencing any of the following warning signs:

• Hopelessness; feeling like there’s no way out 
• Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, 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. 

Many people do not realize that even if there is no immediate danger, the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. Crisis feels different for everybody and can stem from a wide range of situations. Some Veterans are coping with aging, stress, relationship problems, financial or legal issues, or lingering effects stemming from their military service, which were never addressed. Some Veterans have difficulty with their relationships or the transition back to civilian life. To make sure all Veterans and their loved ones are aware of the Veterans Crisis Line, VA is coordinating with communities and partners such as Hope For The Warriors to let Veterans and their loved ones know that support is available whenever, if ever, they need it.

To listen to The Veterans Crisis Hotline interview featuring Hope For The Warriors Talk Radio Hostess, Patti Katter and Julianne Mullane from The Veterans Crisis Hotline please CLICK HERE.

Follow us on Twitter:

 Hope For The Warriors - @Hope4Warriors

Patti Katter - @PurpleHeartWife

Suicide Prevention Follow Up

Yesterday, I posted about the outstanding Suicide Prevention Training class that our staff attended.  As a follow up to this posting, I would like to share our trainer's information:

Yvette Branson, PhD
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
VA Medical Centers
New York Harbor Healthcare System
718.836.6600 x6807
212.686.7500 x7456
yvette.branson@va.gov

If you are located in the New York City area and interested in local traning, please contact Yvette.  In her training, she stressed that everyone that comes in contact with veterans can benefit.

If you are not in the NYC area, every VA Medical Center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator on staff.  Please call your local center for more information.

Suicide Prevention

 

This morning, several members of our staff attended Suicide Prevention Training with Yvette Branson, a Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the Department of Veterans Affairs, New York Harbor Healthcare System.  The training was both helpful and eye opening.  Some of the statistics that she shared:

• 91 suicides occur each day; 18 are veterans
• Suicide is the second leading cause among 25-34 year olds
• Suicide is the third leading cause among 15-24 year olds

What is more disturbing are some of the statistics connected with Vietnam veterans. Although reports vary, all agree that the numbers are high. According to Win Over PTSD, since 1975, three times as many Vietnam veterans have committed suicide than were killed in the war.  This tells us that long after this war is over, we will need programs and services in place to support our veterans.

Men and women approach suicide differently and although men are more likely to commit suicide, more women attempt suicide.  However, among veterans, the numbers change a bit.

• Female veterans are 3x more likely than civilians to complete their suicide attempts.
• Male veterans are 2x more likely than civilians to complete their suicide attempts.

One number that everyone should keep is the Veterans Crisis Line number (800.273.8255, press 1).  The crisis line can be used by the veteran, even if the veteran is unsure of what they are experiencing.  It can also be used by their family members who need help--either for the veteran or for themselves.

 

The Veteran Crisis Website offers a number of important services including online confidential chat line, self-check quiz and other resources.  There is also an important list of warning signs. If you are part of an organization that works with veterans, materials can be downloaded from the site with the logo above.

 

The VA is working very hard to help our veterans.  My final statistic:  although 18 veterans commit suicide each day, among veterans affiliated with a VA, the number drops to 5 suicides/day.  We would all like to see those numbers lower, but the VA is moving in the right direction.