Veteran Notes – Organizations
Worried About a Veteran: Helping Families Protect the Veterans They Love
For many Veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life can bring challenges that are not always visible. Family members and friends are often the first to notice when something isn’t right, but many struggle with knowing what to do, what to say, or where to turn for help.
That is where Worried About a Veteran (WAV) steps in.
WAV was created to empower the people closest to Veterans by providing education, support, and practical tools aimed at preventing Veteran suicide. The program focuses on one powerful reality: loved ones often have the opportunity to recognize warning signs and take action before a crisis becomes life-threatening.
According to WAV, their mission is to help loved ones build critical time and space before a moment of crisis while guiding Veterans toward support and recovery. The organization specifically addresses Veteran suicide prevention through education, communication, and responsible firearm safety practices.
How WAV Started
WAV began as a New York State pilot program in 2022 under the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide initiative. The program was developed in response to the devastating impact of Veteran suicide and the recognition that families often feel unprepared to intervene when concerns arise.
Following positive engagement and growing demand, the initiative expanded nationally in 2024 with a redesigned website, enhanced educational content, and outreach efforts reaching Veterans and their loved ones across the country. WAV partnered with Veterans, firearm safety experts, mental health professionals, and community organizations to create practical resources grounded in evidence-based suicide prevention practices.
WAV’s Mission
At its core, WAV exists to help loved ones:
- Recognize warning signs of suicide.
- Start difficult but important conversations.
- Create safer home environments.
- Reduce access to lethal means during periods of crisis.
- Connect Veterans with professional support and resources.
- Build long-term support plans for recovery.
Rather than focusing solely on the Veteran, WAV recognizes that spouses, parents, siblings, friends, and fellow Veterans are frequently the first line of support.
The organization’s approach is built around compassion, respect, and practical action rather than judgment or fear.
Why WAV Matters
Research has consistently shown that firearms are involved in a significant percentage of Veteran suicides. Recognizing this reality, WAV provides guidance on firearm safety and temporary storage options during periods of heightened risk.
The goal is not about taking away rights.
The goal is creating enough time and distance during a mental health crisis so that a Veteran has an opportunity to seek help, reconnect with support systems, and survive a difficult moment.
As WAV emphasizes throughout its educational materials, slowing down access during a crisis can save lives.
Starting the Conversation
One of the most valuable resources WAV offers is guidance on how to start conversations that many families find difficult.
Suggested Conversation Starters
Use the “Conversation Starters” graphic within the article here.
The resource suggests asking questions such as:
- “I noticed you’ve been going through a tough time. How can I support you?”
- “Tell me about what your guns mean to you.”
- “How do you store your firearms?”
- “What would you want me to do if you were thinking about hurting yourself?”
- “Let’s start working on a plan for your firearms that you feel comfortable with.”
The guidance encourages active listening, avoiding judgment, and focusing on connection rather than persuasion.
The accompanying tips remind loved ones to:
- Listen without judgment.
- Share only what feels comfortable.
- Take breaks when needed.
- Respect boundaries.
- Focus on mutual problem-solving.
These simple but meaningful conversations can help break isolation and encourage Veterans to seek support before a crisis escalates.
The Suicide-Safer Home Program
One of WAV’s cornerstone resources is its Make Your Home Suicide-Safer Checklist. The checklist provides practical steps families can take when concerned about a Veteran’s safety.
Key Areas Include:
Firearm Safety
The checklist recommends:
- Temporary off-site firearm storage when appropriate.
- Storing critical firearm components separately.
- Using locks and safes.
- Separating firearms from ammunition.
- Creating additional time and distance between a person in crisis and their firearms.
Medication Safety
Recommendations include:
- Disposing of unused medications.
- Reducing immediate access to large quantities.
- Using locked medication containers.
- Working with healthcare providers on refill schedules when necessary.
Reducing Impulsive Decisions
WAV also encourages:
- Limiting access to alcohol and other impairing substances.
- Keeping reminders of reasons to live visible in the home.
- Identifying other potential risks and creating plans to address them.
The organization stresses that no home can be completely “suicide-proof,” but even small delays can provide opportunities for reflection, support, and intervention.
PDF Checklist and Ongoing Plan
Building a Long-Term Support Plan
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WAV teaches families that suicide prevention is not just about responding during a crisis. It is also about building a sustainable support system.
The organization’s “Checking in on a Veteran at Risk of Suicide: An Ongoing Plan” provides a roadmap for ongoing support.
Areas of Focus
Prepare for Future Crises
Families are encouraged to:
- Develop a suicide-safer home plan.
- Create safety plans with trusted professionals.
- Save emergency contacts.
- Discuss preferred responses before a crisis occurs.
Support the Recovery Journey
Suggestions include:
- Helping Veterans access therapy and healthcare.
- Supporting treatment goals.
- Encouraging healthy activities and routines.
- Maintaining regular communication.
Watch for Warning Signs
WAV encourages loved ones to monitor for:
- Isolation
- Increased alcohol use
- Risk-taking behavior
- Changes in routine
- Expressions of hopelessness
Regular check-ins can create opportunities for Veterans to discuss challenges before they become overwhelming.
Practice Self-Care
WAV also reminds caregivers that supporting someone at risk can be emotionally exhausting. Families are encouraged to seek their own support through friends, therapists, support groups, and Veteran-serving organizations.
Additional Support Available
WAV offers a variety of resources through its website, including:
- State-specific firearm storage laws and resources.
- Veteran-focused educational materials.
- Personal stories from Veterans and families.
- Warning sign education.
- Safety planning tools.
- 24/7 peer support assistance through their support line.
Individuals looking for guidance can call 844-255-2928 (844-CLL-2WAV) to connect with trained peers who can help navigate available resources.
For emergencies or immediate crises, Veterans or loved ones should contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255.
Final Thoughts
Veteran suicide prevention is not the responsibility of any single person or organization. It is a community effort. By empowering families, encouraging open conversations, and providing practical safety tools, Worried About a Veteran is helping bridge the gap between concern and action.
Many loved ones recognize when a Veteran is struggling, but uncertainty often prevents them from taking the next step. WAV’s resources provide the confidence, education, and support needed to start those life-saving conversations.
If you’re worried about a Veteran in your life, remember that you do not have to navigate it alone. Resources are available, help is available, and sometimes a single conversation can make all the difference.
Learn more at: https://www.worriedaboutaveteran.org
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