Carrying the weight: Why caregiver well-being is part of suicide prevention

Taking care of yourself isn’t separate from caring for a Veteran. It’s part of it.

If you’re helping a Veteran who is going through a hard time, you’re already helping to prevent suicide. But your own well-being is part of the picture, too.

Those who support a Veteran going through a difficult stretch can sometimes find themselves carrying a heavy load. Maybe the Veteran is grappling with the transition away from military life, or they’re facing issues with finances, relationships, housing or substance use. You notice the hard days, you absorb part of the worry and you keep showing up. Thank you for that.

Caring for yourself isn’t an unnecessary luxury or a distraction from caring for a Veteran. It’s what makes it possible to keep going. You matter, too.

The weight caregivers carry

Supporting someone through a painful season can become painful for you, too. Caregivers can take on the stress and even the secondhand trauma of the people they care for. This is sometimes called caregiver burnout. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means you’re human, and you’re carrying something heavy. Naming it is the first step toward getting relief.

Know the signs of burnout

Burnout can sneak up on you.

Here are some signs worth watching for: feeling exhausted no matter how much you rest, pulling away from friends, snapping at people you love, losing interest in things that used to bring you joy or regularly feeling like you’re running on empty. You might tell yourself you don’t have time to slow down, but noticing these signals early is what lets you get ahead of them.

It’s also worth knowing the signs of crisis, both for the Veteran you’re supporting and for yourself. Your mental health matters just as much as theirs does.

Protecting your own well-being

Caring for a Veteran in crisis can be emotionally demanding, and protecting your own well‑being is an essential part of being able to show up for someone else.

Maintaining healthy sleep, staying connected to friends and keeping hobbies that are just for you can help sustain balance. You don’t need expert training to make a meaningful difference—being present and listening often matters most. And when you need someone to talk to, Vet Centers offer free, confidential counseling for eligible Veterans, service members, families and supporters.

Additional guidance, including how caregivers can reduce loneliness and isolation, is available through this VA News article. In addition, eligible caregivers can receive mentoring, training, respite and other services and support through the VA Caregiver Support Program.

Tools and support built for you

VA also offers practical tools designed specifically for caregivers. The Caregiver Toolkit provides strategies for managing stress, strengthening support networks and navigating daily challenges, while Make the Connection shares real stories from Veterans and loved ones who’ve faced similar situations. Working together to build a plan can also strengthen safety and communication. The Safety Plan app helps Veterans identify warning signs, coping strategies and trusted contacts—including you—and caregivers can use it themselves to support their own mental health and resilience.

You’re not carrying this alone

Partners in suicide prevention deserve support of their own, and there are plenty of good reasons to reach out, even if no one is in immediate crisis. The Veterans Crisis Line is here for caregivers, too.

When someone contacts the Veterans Crisis Line, they’re connected with a real person who listens with no judgment and no pressure. It’s available 24/7, and it’s confidential: Dial 988 then Press 1, then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA healthcare to reach out.

You shouldn’t have to wait for things to get bad to connect with support, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of the Veteran you love. We have their back, and yours.