Skip to Content

Veterans learning how VA Mental Health Services Operate Can Be Lifesaving

Russell in front of airplane.

Suicide Prevention is the VA’s primary clinical focus when it comes to the Veteran population.

In 2023, suicide was the 13th leading cause of Veteran deaths and the second leading cause for Veterans over the age of 45. While Suicide Prevention has many different components, one such tool is education on the resources and processes of mental health care at the VA. 

Russell Wacaster enlisted in the Army in 2008 and served until 2014. During this time, he was a Blackhawk Crew Chief and Maintainer with the 101st Airborne Division and deployed twice to Afghanistan. During his deployments, Russell started struggling with depression and anxiety that only worsened over time.

“I didn’t even realize it at the time but looking back, starting with my first deployment. I was having issues with crowds and loud noises. I was anxious and I would get really sad. I just thought I missed home. But it was more than that. I did not understand what I was experiencing. I could not identify it or understand it, let alone seek help for it. It was not until years after I was discharged that I was able to acknowledge that these were feelings of depression, anxiety, and trauma. Once I acknowledge it, a new feeling arose - stigma and fear.  I didn’t want to be ostracized. I was afraid what people would do if they knew I wanted to die sometimes.”

The stigma around mental health issues has always been a factor in preventing many people from seeking care and support. Veterans can face unique struggles with this stigma. Coming from a military culture that values strength, seeking help can be perceived as weak. The fear of unknown consequences can further lead a Veteran to isolation and crisis. 

When Russell experienced a mental break in January 2020, he struggled with suicidal ideation and reached out to VHSO. He was pleasantly surprised on the level of care, support and compassion he received.

“I wanted to die, and this was one of the first times I actually had a plan. But I was afraid what was going to happen to me when I went to the VA. I think if more people were aware that they are not going to just lock you up or take away your guns or punish you for reaching out, more people would reach out. More people would get help. There would be less fear,” said Wacaster.  “The VA seemed to really care about keeping me safe and doing what was in my best interest. They didn’t just jump to locking me in a padded cell. I got to participate in the conversation and be a part of the solution.”

Safety Planning and Risk Assessments are standard practice for Suicide Prevention at VHSO. During these assessments, the Veteran is asked about risk factors and triggers in their life, their support system, medication, treatment, and options. Every Veteran is evaluated on their risk level to determine the next best steps in treatment. This can include safety planning around access to guns and medication, establishing therapy or peer support, reviewing medication, finding resources for things like housing and food, and potentially, inpatient treatment. 

Russell worked with his family and team of doctors to determine the different types of care that would be best for him. As a gun owner, he was concerned they would try to confiscate the guns. Instead, as part of the safety planning, he was given the opportunity to relocate his guns somewhere he did not have access to until it was deemed safe. VHSO also supported his wife with information and support.

This experience changed Russell’s perceptions of mental health care and the VA as a whole. He felt like VHSO was a safe place for him. He wants more Veterans to know that the process of seeking help can be intimidating but that the VA does have their best interest at heart. 

“I have lost military friends to suicide, and I truly believe if they knew how Mental Health Services worked, they might have reached out for help. It would save lives. I share my story so I can help a fellow brothers and sisters know VA is a safe place and there is help available.”

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Find support anytime day or night

To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night: