How the Veterans Crisis Line helps long before a crisis hits

You don’t have to wait: Why reaching out before a crisis saves lives

In a recent article titled “The Veterans Crisis Line isn’t only for a Suicide Crisis,” Dr. Steven Dobscha, acting executive director, Office of Suicide Prevention, encourages Veterans and their loved ones to reach out for support before someone is in crisis. Early connection can make all the difference.

Research shows that contacting suicide prevention helplines can reduce distress and lower suicide risk. Importantly, evidence also supports the life-saving value of seeking professional support before a crisis develops.

Layers of support

For Navy Veteran Gary Brown, peer support specialist (PSS), Peer Support Outreach Center, this message is deeply personal. Since joining the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) in 2023, Brown has encouraged Veterans to connect with their local VA Medical Centers to access their medical care and benefits and to contact VCL for support.

“Having resources like VCL is a blessing, an honor and a privilege. It’s something I didn’t have when I got out of the military in 1999, yet something I desperately needed,” he shared. 

Brown, a PSS since 2013 and father of a Navy Veteran and an active duty Navy service member, knows firsthand that Veterans don’t always reach out when they are in crisis. Sometimes, they simply need someone who understands because they have been there, too. “My own struggles opened my eyes, ears and mind to what Veterans may be experiencing. I can relate to their challenges, share what I’ve learned from my own experiences and help guide them forward.”

Together, peer support specialists and crisis responders connect Veterans with help before challenges become overwhelming.

“In the military, our main mission was to be proactive about everything and prepare for the worst,” said Howard Hill, crisis responder and Marine Veteran. “But when we transition into civilian life, it’s easy to get lost and create challenges for ourselves and our families. That’s why, as both a Veteran and crisis responder, I remind Veterans of the importance of staying proactive in civilian life and learning how VA and VCL can help them now. VA has enriched my life beyond measure, and I want other Veterans to know that there are real resources here that can change their lives for the better, too.”

Reach out before a crisis

Encouraging early outreach creates opportunities to listen, support and intervene before circumstances become critical for Veterans from all walks of life.

“As a female Veteran and crisis responder, I have the opportunity to talk with other female Veterans, relate to their experiences, and talk about their hesitancy to seek VA care and mental health support,” said Elisa Isner, crisis responder and Air Force Veteran.

Isner, an Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran with more than 23 years of military service, said, “I remind all my fellow Veterans that it takes courage to ask for assistance and strength to be proactive about their mental health. Many thank me for saying that and remind me that being ‘strong’ doesn’t mean we have to hold everything in.”

Support is always available

VCL crisis responders and peer support specialists are here to meet people where they are, listen without judgment and help them find the support and resources they need to take the next step.

At VCL, every conversation is an opportunity to remind Veterans that they do not have to wait until they are in crisis to reach out for support.  

You don’t have to be enrolled in VA healthcare to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line. If you need someone to talk to, dial 988, then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255. Whenever you are ready, we are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.