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VA San Diego: A Resource for Recovery

Male veteran holding a cellphone
No Veterans should go to a crisis alone. If you're in crisis, call the new Veteran Crisis Line number - Dial 988 then Press 1.

“If you are a Veteran having thoughts of suicide, the VA is here to help you,” said Vic Martin, a Navy Veteran who sought help after nearly taking his life and now is providing services to help get Veterans back on track.

Martin's struggles began during his service in 2012 from an injury that resulted in medical separation from the service. At home with a new medical condition he couldn't cope with and a family he couldn't take care of, his struggles led him to thoughts that his family would be better off without him. One night, nearly a year after leaving the military, he unsuccessfully tried to end his life. He made a choice that night that he wanted to live and get back on his feet.

"As a result, I got involved with nonprofit organizations here in San Diego along with therapies at the VA that helped me recover," said Martin. Evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapies received at the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center helped him progress beyond where he was at the time of separation. "I've come a long way and it's a testament to the services offered in the community and at the VA to help Veterans." 

As with Martin's recovery, every Veteran's situation is unique, with plans customized to treat the whole individual under a network of options. In every case, the overarching goal is to promote recovery by helping Veterans achieve the best version of themselves.

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance in a crisis, please dial 988 and press 1. If you are not in a crisis but need assistance, call (858) 552-8585.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Join us for our Annual Suicide Prevention Day Virtual Event on Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (PT)

Join via WebEx
(WebEx download required) 

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