Operation Hope: Being the Light in Someone’s Darkness
Dear Friends,
I want to share a story with you. It’s about a local organization in Charlottesville, VA that does yoga and meditation retreats for Veterans. Over the past three years, they have served around 180 Veterans nationally, creating a close-knit community—a tribe. One Veteran who regularly attends their programs found himself in a deep crisis a few years back. One night, he decided that he was going to end his life. With adrenaline pumping and his body shaking, he unlocked his safe, got his gun, and headed to his garage.
In the midst of the chaos and internal struggle he was in, he had one rational thought: he didn’t want to end up worse than dead. In that moment—gun in one shaking hand and phone in the other, he decided to open a meditation link that had been shared in a text chain from this organization. He felt to do this task right, he needed to calm himself. Those precious moments—less than five minutes—saved his life. Moments like this, made possible by a local resource like Mission Flexible, are the critical footprints we strive to expand every day in our work.
What does it mean to be the light in someone's darkness? For those who have served or supported those who have, we know the challenges are complex and sometimes overwhelming. It’s often a balancing act where we desperately want to change the narrative and show you who these heroes are-- tough and determined, loving family members, loyal servants, and American heroes, but we have to address the elephant in the room. Today, we are remembering the 125,000 Veterans that have lost their lives to Veteran suicide, and we are focused on the 30 that will lose their lives today, tomorrow, and the next to Veteran suicide.
There’s no single cause of Veteran suicide, nor one solution to end it. The factors range from mental health struggles to relationship issues, financial stress, and the lingering effects of trauma. It’s everything all at once, and then again, maybe not one thing at all. Here’s what I know: this isn’t just a Veteran problem—it’s preventable and a commitment we all share.
Know the Simple Facts:
The Veteran suicide rate is 71.8% higher than that of non-Veteran adults.
Over 125,000 Veterans have died by suicide since 2001.
More than half of people who die by suicide do not have a diagnosed mental health disorder.
During a crisis, the brain is less flexible, meaning someone in distress may not see or hear a way out.
41% of Veterans have documented mental health needs, yet less than half seek intervention.
The rate of suicide among women veterans is nearly double that for non-veteran women.
Veterans often silently struggle with mental health symptoms for an average of 11 years before seeking help.
60% of Veteran family members or caregiver experience 2nd Hand Effect Trauma.
This is where we are, but not where we are staying. As a community, we can step in to connect, offer support, assess safety, and Commit to Hope. Here are a few ways you can be the light:
Listen to Hear: When someone is struggling, what they need most is a compassionate ear. Listen to their story without trying to fix the problem. Your presence alone can make a difference.
Support with Understanding: Recognize that each person's journey is unique. Be patient and offer support in a way that respects their individual experience.
Assess for Safety: If you sense that someone is in immediate danger, it’s important to act. Ask direct questions if necessary and seek help from professionals trained to intervene.
#JustFknAsk: Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is bluntly ask, “Are you okay?” Don’t stop there—ask, “Are you thinking of harming yourself?” Those words can be challenging. You may wonder if you are overreacting, but they just might save a life. It’s not about you in that moment; it’s about them. Close friends, family members, and colleagues are often the first line of defense. Need more information visit Overwatch Project for free training.
Give Some Time: A simple conversation, connection, or a routine check-in from a family member or friend can make all the difference. Pull your Veteran out of isolation and remind them they’re not alone in their journey.
Being the light in someone’s darkness doesn’t mean you have to solve all their problems. Even when you do everything right, outcomes can still be challenging. That’s the hard truth, but our goal is to foster awareness, create space for connection and intervention, and provide resources to support our Veterans and those who support them, including local services and care teams. It’s up to all of us to show our Veterans that we see them, and most importantly, that they’re not alone—through our actions.
Our community is strong, but we’re stronger together. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember there is help and hope. We’ve linked more information and resources at Operation Hope. This September, for National Suicide Prevention Month, we’re keeping the light on. We invite you to join us and Commit to Hope in your community.
Stay safe, stay connected, and know that you are valued. #988+1
In solidarity,
Natalie
Founder
Veterans Collaborative
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