{"id":3222054,"date":"2025-12-02T14:06:48","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T15:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/?p=3222054"},"modified":"2025-12-02T15:24:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T15:24:53","slug":"hidden-cause-of-veterans-struggles-drives-renewed-urgency-in-va-messaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/2025\/12\/02\/hidden-cause-of-veterans-struggles-drives-renewed-urgency-in-va-messaging\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden cause of veterans&#039; struggles drives renewed urgency in VA messaging"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"beyondwords-wrapper\" class=\"beyondwords-wrapper\" readability=\"7\">\n<p><span class=\"label-bg\">NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"speakable\"><i>This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"speakable\">Honoring America&#8217;s veterans means more than reflecting on their service now and then. It means supporting those still fighting battles that are largely unseen by others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Advocates are spotlighting a nationwide effort to end veteran suicide. The effort is 24\/7.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Ad Council and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are partnering on a campaign called &#8220;Don\u2019t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221; It <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/us\/military\/veterans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">encourages veterans<\/a> to seek help and connect with the resources they deserve.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\/veterans-deserve-gratitude-moment-veterans-day-heal-unseen-wounds\"><strong>VETERANS DESERVE &#8216;NATIONAL MOMENT OF GRATITUDE&#8217; ON VETERANS DAY TO HELP HEAL &#8216;UNSEEN WOUNDS&#8217;<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The campaign strongly urges any vets who are struggling to seek help for their life challenges before they reach a crisis point.<\/p>\n<p>Suicide was the 12th-leading cause of death for veterans in 2022, with an average of 17.6 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/us\/battlefield-injury-suicide-prevention-wounded-soldier-helping-save-fellow-veterans-lives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">veteran suicides per day<\/a>, according to the 2024 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/343\/192\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/686\/384\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/672\/378\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1344\/756\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/931\/523\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1862\/1046\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/720\/405\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1440\/810\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20343%20192'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Veteran-2.png\" alt=\"department of veterans affairs\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/picture><noscript><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/343\/192\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/686\/384\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/672\/378\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1344\/756\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/931\/523\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1862\/1046\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/720\/405\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1440\/810\/Veteran-2.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20675'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Veteran-2.png\" alt=\"department of veterans affairs\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Veteran-2.png\" alt=\"department of veterans affairs\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/noscript><\/picture><\/noscript><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><span>The campaign by the VA and the Ad Council provides life-saving resources for struggling veterans who are facing depression, PTSD and substance abuse challenges. It&#8217;s called &#8220;Don&#8217;t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221;<\/span> <span>(Robert Alexander\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>An estimated 3.5 million veterans who are familiar with the campaign have taken action to seek help when they were struggling, according to the VA.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;No mission should be fought alone. Life has its challenges. You don\u2019t have to solve them alone. That\u2019s true whether it\u2019s an everyday struggle, or something more complicated,&#8221; the campaign&#8217;s website notes.<\/p>\n<p>For anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts: &#8220;Don&#8217;t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221; Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/VA.gov\/REACH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">VA.gov\/REACH <\/a>for resources today.<\/p>\n<p>Watch the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=m6vzeZXTjqA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">public service announcement here.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/lifestyle\/military-heroes-transition-civilian-life-help-unique-coffee-meetings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>MILITARY HEROES TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE WITH HELP OF UNIQUE &#8216;COFFEE MEETINGS&#8217;<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>U.S. Army veteran Aaron Knowles is involved in the campaign and said he&#8217;s honored to be involved in something so personal to veterans nationwide.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;To speak to those who may not feel worthy of the title &#8216;veteran&#8217; is such a meaningful chance to remind them they absolutely do belong, that growth and camaraderie are still theirs \u2014 and that new missions and opportunities are always within reach,&#8221; said Knowles in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/343\/192\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/686\/384\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/672\/378\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1344\/756\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/931\/523\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1862\/1046\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/720\/405\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1440\/810\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20343%20192'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A-US-veteran.jpg\" alt=\"A U.S. military veteran giving a salute.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/picture><noscript><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/343\/192\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/686\/384\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/672\/378\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1344\/756\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/931\/523\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1862\/1046\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/720\/405\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/1440\/810\/A-US-veteran.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20675'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A-US-veteran.jpg\" alt=\"A U.S. military veteran giving a salute.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A-US-veteran.jpg\" alt=\"A U.S. military veteran giving a salute.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/noscript><\/picture><\/noscript><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"9\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"13\">\n<p><span>&#8220;To speak to those who may not feel worthy of the title &#8216;veteran&#8217; is such a meaningful chance to remind them they absolutely do belong, that growth and camaraderie are still theirs, and that new missions and opportunities are always within reach,&#8221; said one U.S. Army veteran (not pictured).&nbsp;<\/span> <span>(James Carbone\/Newsday RM via Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Heidi Arthur, chief campaign development officer at the Ad Council, told Fox News Digital the group has seen progress in preventing veteran suicide, though there&#8217;s still work to be done.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We\u2019re committed to keeping this message front and center year-round. While we know that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/lifestyle\/occasions\/holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the holidays<\/a> can be especially hard for many, the reality is that veterans can struggle at any time,&#8221; said Arthur.<\/p>\n<p>She added that the &#8220;goal is always to encourage veterans to reach out if they\u2019re struggling and to remind them that their experiences are valid, and that support is always within reach.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/newsletters?cmpid=fnfirstnl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The &#8220;Don\u2019t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221; campaign lists resources concerning money, career, education, relationships, and substance abuse challenges.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/lifestyle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Resources that address <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/mental-health\/depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feelings of depression<\/a>, isolation and PTSD are also shared.<\/p>\n<p>Veterans may be struggling if they are experiencing sleep or fatigue issues, facing financial difficulties, having trouble managing stress, feeling bothered by traumatic memories, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/mental-health\/addiction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">using alcohol or drugs<\/a> in unhealthy ways or struggling with personal relationships, according to the campaign.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/343\/192\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/686\/384\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/672\/378\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1344\/756\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/931\/523\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1862\/1046\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/720\/405\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1440\/810\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20343%20192'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg\" alt=\"Group of three veterans sitting around discussing mental health.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/picture><noscript><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/343\/192\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/686\/384\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/672\/378\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1344\/756\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/931\/523\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1862\/1046\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/720\/405\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1440\/810\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20675'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg\" alt=\"Group of three veterans sitting around discussing mental health.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/veterans-day-dont-wait-reach-out-campaign.jpg\" alt=\"Group of three veterans sitting around discussing mental health.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/noscript><\/picture><\/noscript><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"6.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><span>The campaign notes that friends and family should &#8220;start the conversation&#8221; by sharing their own feelings \u2014 and reminding veterans that others care and are ready to listen.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The campaign noted that friends and family should &#8220;start the conversation&#8221; by sharing their own feelings \u2014 and reminding veterans that they care and are ready to listen.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/foxnews.onelink.me\/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&amp;af_dp=foxnewsaf%3A%2F%2F&amp;af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fapps-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Suggestions include such words as, &#8220;I might not be able to understand exactly what you\u2019re going through or how you feel, but I care about you and want to help,&#8221; and &#8220;When you want to give up, or feel overwhelmed by emotion, take things in smaller chunks, like getting through the next minute, hour or day \u2014 whatever you can manage.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/lifestyle\/quizzes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The campaign advises friends and family not to argue, lecture, agree to confidentiality or blame themselves.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, anyone can explore details on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/REACH\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">&#8220;Don&#8217;t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221;<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p> <!----> <\/p>\n<div class=\"article-meta\" readability=\"6\">\n<div class=\"author-bio\" readability=\"7\">\n<p>Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!<br \/>\n This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide &#038; Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).Honoring America&#8217;s veterans means more than reflecting on their service now and then. It means supporting those still fighting battles that are largely unseen by others.\u00a0Advocates are spotlighting a nationwide effort to end veteran suicide. The effort is 24\/7.\u00a0The Ad Council and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are partnering on a campaign called &#8220;Don\u2019t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221; It encourages veterans to seek help and connect with the resources they deserve.VETERANS DESERVE &#8216;NATIONAL MOMENT OF GRATITUDE&#8217; ON VETERANS DAY TO HELP HEAL &#8216;UNSEEN WOUNDS&#8217;The campaign strongly urges any vets who are struggling to seek help for their life challenges before they reach a crisis point.Suicide was the 12th-leading cause of death for veterans in 2022, with an average of 17.6 veteran suicides per day, according to the 2024 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report. The campaign by the VA and the Ad Council provides life-saving resources for struggling veterans who are facing depression, PTSD and substance abuse challenges. It&#8217;s called &#8220;Don&#8217;t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221; (Robert Alexander\/Getty Images)An estimated 3.5 million veterans who are familiar with the campaign have taken action to seek help when they were struggling, according to the VA.&#8221;No mission should be fought alone. Life has its challenges. You don\u2019t have to solve them alone. That\u2019s true whether it\u2019s an everyday struggle, or something more complicated,&#8221; the campaign&#8217;s website notes.For anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts: &#8220;Don&#8217;t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221; Visit VA.gov\/REACH for resources today.Watch the new public service announcement here.\u00a0MILITARY HEROES TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE WITH HELP OF UNIQUE &#8216;COFFEE MEETINGS&#8217;U.S. Army veteran Aaron Knowles is involved in the campaign and said he&#8217;s honored to be involved in something so personal to veterans nationwide.\u00a0&#8220;To speak to those who may not feel worthy of the title &#8216;veteran&#8217; is such a meaningful chance to remind them they absolutely do belong, that growth and camaraderie are still theirs \u2014 and that new missions and opportunities are always within reach,&#8221; said Knowles in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. \u00a0 &#8220;To speak to those who may not feel worthy of the title &#8216;veteran&#8217; is such a meaningful chance to remind them they absolutely do belong, that growth and camaraderie are still theirs, and that new missions and opportunities are always within reach,&#8221; said one U.S. Army veteran (not pictured).\u00a0 (James Carbone\/Newsday RM via Getty Images)Heidi Arthur, chief campaign development officer at the Ad Council, told Fox News Digital the group has seen progress in preventing veteran suicide, though there&#8217;s still work to be done.\u00a0&#8220;We\u2019re committed to keeping this message front and center year-round. While we know that the holidays can be especially hard for many, the reality is that veterans can struggle at any time,&#8221; said Arthur.She added that the &#8220;goal is always to encourage veterans to reach out if they\u2019re struggling and to remind them that their experiences are valid, and that support is always within reach.&#8221;CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThe &#8220;Don\u2019t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221; campaign lists resources concerning money, career, education, relationships, and substance abuse challenges.CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIESResources that address feelings of depression, isolation and PTSD are also shared.Veterans may be struggling if they are experiencing sleep or fatigue issues, facing financial difficulties, having trouble managing stress, feeling bothered by traumatic memories, using alcohol or drugs in unhealthy ways or struggling with personal relationships, according to the campaign. The campaign notes that friends and family should &#8220;start the conversation&#8221; by sharing their own feelings \u2014 and reminding veterans that others care and are ready to listen. (iStock)The campaign noted that friends and family should &#8220;start the conversation&#8221; by sharing their own feelings \u2014 and reminding veterans that they care and are ready to listen.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPSuggestions include such words as, &#8220;I might not be able to understand exactly what you\u2019re going through or how you feel, but I care about you and want to help,&#8221; and &#8220;When you want to give up, or feel overwhelmed by emotion, take things in smaller chunks, like getting through the next minute, hour or day \u2014 whatever you can manage.&#8221;\u00a0TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZThe campaign advises friends and family not to argue, lecture, agree to confidentiality or blame themselves.For more information, anyone can explore details on &#8220;Don&#8217;t Wait. Reach Out.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3222056,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3222054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3222054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3222054"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3222054\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3222060,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3222054\/revisions\/3222060"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3222056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3222054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3222054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3222054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}