Erin Fletcher

Virtual reality, or VR, is transforming how people view the world. For veterans, it has become a crucial tool for coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. trib.al/zEyVO03

A7: We also share warrior stories like Donna’s to encourage veterans to reach out for help: youtu.be/7EY9VZPstcM #WWPChat

A7: Help us destigmatize seeking treatment by sharing the resources available. #PreventSuicide #WWPChat

@wwp A7: To learn more about veteran suicide prevention, awareness and how you can make a difference go to the WWP Newsroom page on suicide prevention. newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/prevent-suicide

Q7: How can individuals and communities get involved with your organization to help prevent suicide? #WWPChat

@wwp A5 P2 Asking the question, “are you thinking about suicide?” does not cause someone to start to think about suicide. Having the dialogue creates connection and builds out a community of support for someone who is struggling with suicide. #WWPChat

Q5: Many people feel uncomfortable asking someone if they are thinking about suicide or worried that talking about it will make someone more likely to do it. Why is it important we have this dialogue? #WWPChat

@wwp A5: Not talking about it makes it worse. Not talking about it makes everything feel that much more overwhelming and shameful. Talking openly about it can increase hope and foster healing. #WWPChat

@wwp A4: The Warrior Care Network provides 2-weeks of accelerated mental health treatment that not only treats PTSD, depression, and anxiety, it reduces suicidal thoughts. woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/warri…

Q4: What resources do you provide to service members and veterans who may be at risk for suicide? #WWPChat

@wwp A4: Here are 2 more resources: Vets4Warriors 855-838-8255 NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness Hotline 800-950-6264 You are not alone. #WWPChat

@wwp A4 National Crisis Line is available 24/7/365 days a year. Call 988, press 1 if one is a veteran or family support member. You can also text 838255 to connect with a crisis counselor. #WWPChat

@wwp A3: You want to look for changes in behavior like eating or sleeping more or less, withdrawing from friends and family, engaging in risky behavior, talking about wanting to die or being a burden. Feeling sad, hopeless, agitated. #WWPChat

Q3: Are there signs that someone is at risk for suicide that a family member, friend, or coworker can look for? #WWPChat

A2: Watch how Phil Krabbe was able to overcome his suicidal ideations with the help of WWP: youtube.com/watch?v=l4d_Y_… #WWPChat

@wwp A2: Let them know that reaching out for help takes strength and there are resources to help. #WWPChat

Q2: What should someone do if they are in crisis or they are concerned about a family member or friend being at risk for suicide? #WWPChat

@wwp A2 Educate yourself on available resources like the 988 Crisis Line and directly ask the question “are you thinking about killing yourself?” Asking directly shows you care and you are a safe person they can talk to.

@wwp A1 Through breaking down the stigma of suicide we are providing hope and resources to help those struggling with thoughts of suicide. #WWPChat

Q1: What is National Suicide Prevention Month? #WWPChat

@wwp A1 it’s a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness, increase empathy and knowledge and break down the stigma around mental health. #WWPChat

@wwp Hello! I'm Dr. Erin Fletcher from Wounded Warrior Project. I am fortunate to be the director of our Warrior Care Network program that provides 2 weeks of accelerated treatment for PTSD, TBI, and other mental health conditions.

Who’s joining us today? Introduce yourself by sharing your name and a bit about yourself or your organization. #WWPChat

@wwp looking forward to the conversation!

Join us Wednesday, September 13th, at 1:00 pm ET as we educate, raise awareness, and share information about programs that address the underlying risk factors for suicide. #WWPChat

Join us today at 1:00 pm EST as we raise awareness and share information about programs that address the underlying risk factors for suicide. #WWPChat #PreventSuicide

We are excited to bring clinicians, researchers, and others together during our Open House and Reception. Attendees for the @ISTSSnews Annual Meeting, VSO partners, or those working in the trauma field are welcome. Email veteransprogram@emoryhealthcare.org for details.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage in such an important conversation!