Veterans + Identity-Based Groups

These experiences matter. The challenges are real — and they’re not the same for everyone. Support here is built with that in mind, offering understanding, connection, and resources that meet people where they are.

Veterans

Those who have served our country carry experiences that can shape life long after service ends. Transitions, exposure to trauma, and shifts in identity or purpose can all impact mental health in different ways.

Risk Factors for Veteran Suicide

  • Difficulty transitioning to civilian life
  • Exposure to trauma or combat-related stress
  • Changes in identity, purpose, or routine
  • Isolation or disconnection from others
  • Substance use or coping challenges
  • Barriers to accessing support or care

Suicide Warning Signs for Veterans

  • Difficulty adjusting to civilian life
  • Talking about loss of identity, mission, or purpose after service
  • Unresolved trauma, including PTSD symptoms (flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance)
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or “moral injury” related to service experiences
  • Isolation from fellow service members or support networks
  • Hesitation to seek help due to stigma or a strong sense of self-reliance

Help Lines for Veterans

Youth

For young people, struggles don’t always look the way we expect. Changes in behavior, mood, or withdrawal can be easy to miss or misread. Early support – at home, in schools, and in the community – can make a meaningful difference.

Risk Factors for Teen Suicide

  • Existing mental health or substance use disorder – depression, anxiety, and alcohol use are most common
  • Romantic breakups
  • Peer or social conflict
  • Feeling bullied (in person and/or online)
  • Firearm(s) in the house
  • Family history of suicide
  • Impulsive behaviors and tendencies
  • Exposure to suicidal behaviors of others
  • Prior suicide attempt(s)

Suicide Warning Signs for Teens

  • Changes in eating and sleeping behaviors
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Withdrawal from friends and family members
  • Neglect of personal appearance
  • Lack of response to praise
  • Irritability
  • Sadness or crying spells
  • Posts on social media suggesting feelings of isolation or depression
  • Talking about or otherwise indicating plans to die by suicide or self-harm

Help for Youth Contemplating Suicide

  • Hope Squad is a group of students nominated by their peers and trained to notice signs of distress and reach out, connecting classmates to help and hope.
  • Sources of Strength is a peer-led program that builds on protective factors – trusted adults, healthy activities, and positive friends – to support student wellbeing.
  • Nearly every public school district in Brown County has either a Hope Squad or a Sources of Strength group. Contact your student’s school to find out which.
  • The Jed Foundation helps protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults by giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today and tomorrow.

Older Adults

Life transitions, isolation, and loss can quietly build over time. For older adults, support often starts with connection – staying engaged, being seen, and having access to resources that reduce isolation and support well-being.

Risk Factors for Older Adult Suicide

  • Social isolation
  • Physical impairments
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Chronic illness
  • Economic circumstances
  • Loss of independence
  • Grief over lost loved ones

Suicide Warning Signs for Older Adults

  • Giving away beloved items or changing their will
  • Sudden interest or disinterest in religion
  • Unexplained irritability or anger
  • Rapid change in mood from angry/irritable to content
  • Avoiding social activities
  • Neglecting self-care, medical regimens, and grooming
  • Exhibiting a preoccupation with death
  • Lacking concern for personal safety

Help Lines for Older Adults Contemplating Suicide

LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ+ individuals may face unique challenges, including stigma, rejection, or lack of affirming support. Access to inclusive, understanding care and safe spaces can make a significant difference.

Risk Factors for LGBTQ+ Suicide

  • Chronic stress from living in a stigmatizing society
  • Lack of family support and rejection based on sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Feeling that one does not belong to meaningful relationships and groups
  • Feelings that one is a burden on others
  • Low self-esteem and shame from anti-LGBTQ+ messages and prejudice
  • School and peer bullying and harassment
  • Housing instability (often stemming from family rejection)
  • Anti-LGBTQ+ policies and legislation
  • Inability to access mental healthcare or gender-affirming services

Suicide Warning Signs for LGBTQ+

  • Talking about feeling trapped
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Changes in eating and sleeping behaviors
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Withdrawal from friends and family members
  • Neglect of personal appearance
  • Lack of response to praise
  • Irritability
  • Sadness or crying spells
  • Posts on social media suggesting feelings of isolation or depression
  • Talking about or otherwise indicating plans to die by suicide or self-harm

Help Lines for LGBTQ+ Contemplating Suicide