Staying Connected through the Holiday Season

By Kim Donohue, NDVS Suicide Prevention Program Manager

As NDVS Director Kat Miller mentioned in her newsletter column this month, the holiday season is here and the pandemic requires ALL of us to adapt in various ways, especially connecting with loved ones; I would like to highlight how we can still stay CONNECTED with family and friends!

Due to the unprecedented territory this pandemic has launched upon our nation, the connectedness to our family, friends and community has also had to adapt to keep us healthy and safe. There is something you can do right now to help support and keep those around you supported, connected and safe. You can access Suicide Prevention Training Course – S.A.V.E. and a bonus training module 15 Things Veterans Want You to Know, this training module is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the PsychArmor Institute. This training is designed to empower viewers with the basic knowledge of what the signs may be for someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide, how to ask if someone may be having thoughts of suicide and provide ideas of how to help. The bonus module connects our civilian population to Military Culture Training and how to support our veteran population. To access these training links, visit https://psycharmor.org/sign-up/nevada-department-of-veterans-services/?gid=355327&unCbmSApNhXKs

Here are some ways to stay connected: Grab a cup of coffee; sit down and enjoy a meal together over an on-line platform like; FaceTime, Zoom, Snapchat, emails, texts, a postcard or a phone call, BE CREATIVE, STAY CONNECTED. I encourage you to reach out to FIVE friends, family, or those that may need a caring contact; and ask them “How are you today?”. Remember if you suspect someone you know or love may be at risk for suicide, be direct and ask them and do not keep it a secret – seek help.

The Veterans Crisis Line, is also the National Suicide Prevention Line, can be accessed by phone 1-800-273-8255, press 1 for a responder specially trained to support veterans, service members and their Families (SMVF). They will answer your call and provide support. You can Text to 838255 or chat VeternsCrisisLine.net, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You do not have to be in a crisis to use this service, sometimes we just need someone to talk to and feel supported.

Thank you for becoming part of this community-wide team and for your commitment to learning how to keep your community strong and safe. Happy Holidays!