Practical skills for Veterans to lower suicide risk

By Christopher Maxwell, Director of Communications, Outreach, and Events, VA Office of Suicide Prevention

May 18, 2026

Suicide prevention isn’t only about what happens before or during a crisis. It’s also about the practical skills you use every day to handle stress, frustration, isolation or major life changes before they pile up.

If you’re adjusting to civilian life, dealing with anger, not sleeping well or feeling cut off from people who matter, you’re not alone. These are common experiences for Veterans. The good news is that there are straightforward tools you can use right now to steady yourself and stay connected.

VA is your partner in this. We offer training, apps and support that can help you build skills early, so challenges don’t turn into emergencies.