Get help from the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7For the Faith Community
Veterans often carry silent burdens, including within the congregations and communities you belong to and serve. As an engaged member of your faith community, you’re uniquely positioned to help them. Learn how to foster environments where healing can flourish for Veterans who need help and support.
Deliver key messages for supporting Veterans
You need to focus on messages that increase understanding, encourage action, and remove barriers to asking for help. Organize your messages around the following themes.
The importance of community support
When talking about community support, emphasize these messages:
- No one has to struggle alone. Assure Veterans and their loved ones that they’re not alone in facing life’s challenges. Your community will provide support for their healing and resilience.
- Faith and fellowship matter. Explain how being part of a caring community of faith makes people stronger. Ask your members to reach out to Veterans and their families to offer practical help and compassionate care.
“When [Veterans were] seemingly reluctant or embarrassed, I would applaud their courage and commitment for serving in the military and to use that fortitude to seek help now that they were back home.”Rev. Sara Webb Phillips
Understand when a Veteran needs help
Veterans often don’t know they need help or don’t want to ask for it. Learn about the signs you should talk to a Veteran. Tell others in your community about these signs too.
Changes in how they act. For example, the Veteran may withdraw from social activities or stop doing things they used to enjoy. They may stop doing what they need to do for their job or families.
Emotional signs. These include increased irritability, anger, anxiety, guilt, or feelings of hopelessness. You also may notice mood swings or depression.
Physical symptoms. Look for changes in how they eat, sleep, or take care of themselves. Frequent fatigue, headaches, or stomach issues without a clear reason also can be red flags.
Talking about suicide. Take such talk seriously, even if it seems casual or offhand. Statements like “I can’t take this anymore” or “Everyone would be better off without me” should be addressed right away. VA S.A.V.E. Training is a brief online course you can take to learn how to respond when a Veteran is having these thoughts.
Substance use. Drinking more than usual or misusing drugs can be one way a person tries to cope with mental health issues.
Trust your instincts
These are just some of the signs and struggles you may see. Anytime you feel that something isn’t right, it’s a good time to talk and offer your support.
Start the conversation
If you’re concerned about a Veteran in your congregation and want to talk, choose a private and comfortable setting. If possible, try to wait for a time when the Veteran seems calm and receptive before starting a conversation.
The tips that follow can help guide your conversation. Share them with members of your community too.
First, focus on your own observations and share your feelings:
“You’ve mentioned feeling very overwhelmed lately, and I’m wondering how you’re doing.”
“I wanted to check in with you because you seem like you’ve been dealing with a lot.”
“I care about you and just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“I’ve been worried about you and your health because you've seemed very stressed over the past few months.”
Do
- Be yourself
- Remain calm
- Listen without judgment
- Be positive
Don't
- Argue
- Lecture
- Agree to confidentiality
- Make assumptions
Most importantly, let your care and compassion guide you. Understand that they may not be ready to talk; respect their choice if they say no. Let them know that you’re there for them, whether they want to talk now or later.
Why shouldn’t you agree to confidentiality? You don’t want to have to break your word, and if you think the Veteran’s life is in danger, you may need to connect them with a mental health or medical professional.
"I was in the United States Air Force for 30 years ... I called [the VA] wanting to be assessed for mental health and it was difficult because I am a faith leader too. I was a senior military person and you just seem to think ... you can overcome anything, you don't need any help, you don't need anybody. ... When you reach out, there will be a response. And that, to me, that's courage." Imam Dr. Talib Shareef, President and the Imam of historic Masjid Muhammd and US Air Force Veteran
Organize a Veterans support service
Creating a service to support Veterans and their loved ones can be a powerful way to help people learn more about suicide prevention. Find a good time for the service, such as Suicide Prevention Month in September or another key moment.
How to plan your service
Consider taking these steps as you plan your service:
- Choose a relevant theme like healing, resilience, hope, or community.
- Invite Veterans to attend. Reach out to them personally.
- Include Veterans in the service to share personal stories or lead a reading or prayer.
- Ask a mental health expert to speak.
- Select scripture that fits the theme. This might include passages about [the Divine’s] care for people who are suffering and the importance of community support.
- Select hymns with themes of hope, healing, and [the Divine’s] presence in times of struggle.
- Prepare a sermon about the importance of talking openly and asking for help. Speak about the community’s value in the healing process, and about the role of faith in overcoming challenges.
"If you're a Veteran in crisis, some people think it's weakness to ask for help, but it doesn't have to be that way. ... You absolutely have resources." Fred Hammond, Grammy Winning Gospel Artist & U.S. Army National Guard of Michigan Veteran