Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Helps Veterans
Support for Veterans in crisis is just a phone call, click, or text away, 24 hours a day.
Veterans in crisis can access immediate, confidential support — even if they are not registered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care. Confidential support is available through the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line.
“VA is at the ready to help any Veteran in crisis. Support is just a phone call, click, or text away, 24 hours a day,” said Anita Carmona Caravelli, a licensed clinical social worker at Hines VA Hospital. “We encourage Veterans to reach out if they are experiencing difficulty coping with daily life — no matter what the issue may be.”
Family members and friends, too, of Veterans who may be in crisis or who just have questions about what a loved one is going through can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net for confidential support. The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified VA responders, some of whom are Veterans themselves. They understand what Veterans have been through and the challenges Veterans of all ages and service eras face, from World War II to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and also during peacetime. Responders can refer Veterans to a local VA suicide prevention coordinator (SPC) and VA providers who specialize in issues such as transitioning back to civilian life, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, family and relationship issues and more.
Caravelli said crisis feels different for everyone and can arise from a wide range of situations before, during, or after military service. Some of the warning signs include hopelessness, anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness or mood swings, feeling as if there is no reason to live, rage or anger, engaging in risky activities, increasing alcohol or drug abuse and withdrawing from family and friends.
Some Veterans are coping with stress or challenges faced during civilian life while others may experience difficulties in their relationships or transitioning back to employment or education.
“Whatever’s got you down — chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, anger, or even homelessness — VA can help you,” said Caravelli.
To contact the SPC at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, please call (708) 202-4096. To find an SPC in a different area, visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/ResourceLocator. For more information about VA’s mental health resources, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the confidential Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text to 838255.
