Veterans experience a higher risk of suicide than non-veteran U.S. adults, and firearms remain the most common method of suicide among veterans. Yet many people hesitate to start conversations about suicide, firearm safety, or getting help because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing or making a difficult situation worse.
Ask Anyway: Conversations to Save a Life is a suicide prevention campaign from Cohen Veterans Network that encourages people to move past that hesitation and start the conversations that can help save lives.
Whether you’re checking in on someone you care about, talking about firearm safety, or reaching out for support yourself, one conversation can be an important first step toward connection, safety, and hope.
The conversation may feel difficult. Ask anyway.
Ask The Question
You don’t need the perfect words or all the answers. Research suggests that asking someone directly and compassionately about suicide can help them feel seen, supported, and less alone. Taking a few moments to check in could make a meaningful difference.
If you’re concerned about someone, trust your instincts and start the conversation.
Ask Anyway.
Learn how to recognize warning signs, start a conversation, and support someone who may be struggling.
Learn About Suicide Prevention
Ask About Firearms
For many veterans and service members, firearms are an important part of daily life. They are also the most common method of suicide among veterans. During a suicidal crisis, creating time and distance between lethal means like firearms and a veteran in crisis can reduce risk and provide an opportunity for support and intervention.
While conversations about firearm safety can feel difficult, they can help save lives.
Ask Anyway.
Explore practical guidance, secure storage options, and conversation tools developed for military and veteran communities in our lethal means safety toolkit, supported by Face The Fight.
Explore the Toolkit
Ask For Help
Everyone needs support sometimes.
Veterans, service members, and military families face unique challenges, but no one has to face them alone.
If you’re struggling, reaching out can feel difficult. You may worry about burdening others, appearing weak, or not knowing where to turn. But asking for help is a sign of strength.
Ask Anyway.
Find immediate 24/7 support through the 988 Lifeline (Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line), explore suicide prevention resources, or use the button below to locate a Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic near you to connect to care for veterans, service members, and their families.
Find a Clinic
Don’t wait to ask.
Don’t wait until you feel completely comfortable or confident to start the conversation. People rarely regret asking a caring question — but after a tragedy, they often regret the conversations they never had.
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
“Can we talk about firearm safety?”
If someone says they are struggling, listen, stay connected, and help them find support. And remember – you don’t have to navigate that conversation alone. Cohen Veterans Network offers resources to help. Explore our Suicide Prevention page, practice what to say with our Practice Prevention Q&A or browse Suicide Prevention Resources for additional support.
These conversations may feel uncomfortable, but they can create connection, increase safety, and help someone take the next step toward support.
Ask Anyway. Because one conversation can save a life.