Last month, I wrote about suicide and the impact it left on families, friends, battle buddies, service members, and Veterans in the CSRA. As we recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month nationally, I believe the conversation must continue.
This month, my message is simple: Listen more. Talk less.
Sometimes people don’t need us to fix everything. They don’t need a lecture, a judgment, or an immediate solution. Sometimes, they simply need someone willing to sit with them, listen, and remind them that they don’t have to carry everything alone.
We are living in challenging times. The cost of living continues to strain household budgets. Families are facing housing instability, homelessness, food insecurity, employment concerns, and financial pressures. For our military and Veteran community, those challenges can be compounded by experiences and burdens carried from service.
When life starts closing in, everybody needs a lifeline.
That lifeline might be a battle buddy who answers the phone. It might be a spouse, family member, friend, chaplain, pastor, counselor, healthcare professional, or another Veteran who understands what it means to simply say, “I’m here. Talk to me.”
And sometimes, that lifeline is the Veterans Crisis Line.
Veterans, service members, and those concerned about a Veteran can dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also text 838255. Trained responders are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to listen and provide confidential support.
But another lifeline has carried many of us through our darkest valleys: faith.
For me, faith comes first. But sometimes even a person’s faith can feel weak. When that happens, don’t mistake a difficult season for the end of your story. Sometimes we need someone else to stand beside us, pray with us, encourage us, and help strengthen us until we can stand firmly again.
And if you are the person someone chooses to call, remember: you don’t have to have all the answers.
Listen more. Talk less.
Listen without judgment.
Listen without rushing.
Listen without immediately trying to fix everything.
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can give another person is our presence.
So, this Military Monday, check on your battle buddy. Check on the Veteran who always says, “I’m good.” Check on the strong friend. Check on the family member who has gotten unusually quiet.
And when they start talking—listen.
One conversation may not solve every problem, but it can remind someone they don’t have to face that problem alone.
Need support?
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Text: 838255
Available 24/7
Reach Africa at T.A.G. IT Healthcare Solutions™
Office: 706.993.7570
Email: contact@tagithcs.com
Website: https://tagithcs.com
