ShooForge Community
No veteran should fight alone.
If today is hard, start with one call, one text, or one honest conversation. If you are worried about someone you care about, you can start here too.
A note from Shoo
Asking for help is strength.
ShooForge Studio is built by a disabled veteran. PTSD, depression, and anxiety affect countless veterans, including me.
I have learned that accepting help is not weakness. Sometimes strength looks like answering the phone, sending the text, or letting somebody sit with you through a hard hour.
You are not a burden. Your life matters, and you deserve real support.
Immediate action
If this feels urgent, reach out now.
If you or someone else may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You do not have to figure this out by yourself.
Why this matters
The numbers are people, not talking points.
Every number represents a veteran, a family, and people left wishing there had been more time. Stop Soldier Suicide shares these figures to show the size of the crisis and why reaching people earlier matters.
Statistics presented by Stop Soldier Suicide. Visit its official page for the full context and source list.
Review the full statistics and sources
Mission allies
Trusted places to begin
These organizations have different eligibility rules and services. Visit each official site to find the support that fits your situation.
Stop Soldier Suicide
Suicide prevention and clinical navigation
A national nonprofit focused exclusively on reducing military and veteran suicide. Its team helps veterans, service members, and concerned loved ones take the next step toward care.
Visit official site
Vet Centers
Confidential counseling close to home
Community-based counseling, outreach, and referrals for eligible veterans, service members, and families, including support for PTSD, transition, and military sexual trauma.
Visit official site
Cohen Veterans Network
Mental health care for veterans and families
A network of mental health clinics serving post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military family members.
Visit official site
The Headstrong Project
Trauma-focused mental health care
Veteran-founded mental health care for military members, veterans, and associated family members affected by the psychological impact of trauma.
Visit official site
Warrior Care Network
Specialized treatment for invisible wounds
Wounded Warrior Project connects eligible veterans, service members, and families with specialized care for PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and related concerns.
Visit official siteCheck on your people
You do not have to know the perfect thing to say.
If somebody seems off, trust your gut. Pull them aside, be real with them, and listen. You are not there to fix everything. You are there to make sure they are not alone.
Things that can mean someone is struggling
- Saying they feel hopeless, trapped, or like everyone would be better off without them
- Pulling away from friends, family, routines, or things they usually care about
- Big changes in sleep, mood, anger, anxiety, or how they are acting
- Drinking or using drugs more, driving recklessly, or taking unusual risks
- Giving away meaningful belongings, saying goodbye, or suddenly putting affairs in order
None of these automatically means someone is suicidal. But you know your person. If something feels wrong or very out of character, check in.
You can say it plainly:
“Hey, you haven't seemed like yourself lately. What's going on?”
“I'm going to ask you straight: are you thinking about suicide?”
“I'm here. I can call with you, and I can stay with you.”
If they say yes, have a plan, or you believe they are in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. Call 988 and press 1, or call 911 if the danger is immediate.
Continue the mission
Turn concern into action.
You can help without having all the answers. Learn what to do in a hard moment or support an organization already doing this work every day.
Help fund the work
Donations made through Stop Soldier Suicide's official site help fund suicide-specific care for veterans and service members. ShooForge never handles the money.
Donate on the official siteKnow what to do next
VA S.A.V.E. walks through how to notice warning signs, ask directly about suicide, listen without judging, and help someone connect with support.
Read the VA guideShooForge commitment
Awareness with care.
ShooForge Studio is not a mental health organization. It is a veteran-owned creative studio committed to sharing trusted paths toward support and honoring the people doing this life-saving work. Official logos and photographs identify their source and do not imply a partnership or endorsement.
This page is a starting point, not medical advice or a substitute for emergency care. Resource details can change, so confirm current services directly with each organization. Last reviewed July 31, 2026.