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    "result": {"data":{"audience":{"id":"44e13429-5a10-5b67-b25e-595714a3076e","frontmatter":{"title":"For the Faith Community","metaTitle":"Veteran Resources for the Faith Community | Don't wait. Reach Out.","metaDescription":"As a member in your faith community, you’re uniquely positioned to help Veterans in your community. ","metaKeywords":"faith community, faith leaders, congregation, veteran suicide prevention faith service","metaImage":{"img":"images/faith-veterans-1080.jpg","alt":"Three Veterans sitting outside talking"},"heroText":"Veterans often carry silent burdens, including within the congregations and communities you belong to and serve. As an engaged member of your faith community, you’re uniquely positioned to help them. Learn how to foster environments where healing can flourish for Veterans who need help and support.","randomHeroImages":[{"img":"images/faith-veterans-1080.jpg","alt":"Three Veterans sitting outside talking"}],"btnText":"Download Printable Guide","btnFile":"images/reach-toolkit.pdf","btnLink":"","pageSections":[{"dark":true,"topContent":"## **Deliver key messages for supporting Veterans**\n\nYou need to focus on messages that increase understanding, encourage action, and remove barriers to asking for help. Organize your messages around the following themes.","iconGrid":null,"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":{"tabTitle":"The importance of community support","content":"When talking about community support, emphasize these messages:\n\n* **No one has to struggle alone.** Assure Veterans and their loved ones that they’re not alone in facing life’s challenges. Your community will provide support for their healing and resilience.\n* **Faith and fellowship matter.** Explain how being part of a caring community of faith makes people stronger. Ask your members to reach out to Veterans and their families to offer practical help and compassionate care.","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]},"tab2":{"tabTitle":"Overcoming barriers","content":"**Veterans may struggle to talk about their problems or ask for help, especially if they hold negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes about mental health and suicide. Here are some ways you can help:**\n\n* **Normalize the conversation.** Make it clear that talking about mental health challenges and thoughts of suicide should be as normal as talking about physical health.\n* **Position seeking help as a sign of strength.** Let them know that seeking support can be a courageous first step.\n* **Address misconceptions.** Some Veterans believe they should “tough it out.” Some worry that asking for help will burden other people. Tell them support is available. Assure them that asking for help is a responsible decision.","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]},"tab3":{"tabTitle":"Awareness and action","content":"Educate your community about the ways everyone can contribute to helping Veterans.\n\n* **Reach out to Veterans.** Urge people to reach out to Veterans, even when Veterans seem fine. A simple “How are you doing?” can help make a Veteran feel supported and cared for.\n* **Share resources.** Tell Veterans and their families where to find help. Direct them to reliable resources like VA’s website, local counseling, and Veteran support groups.\n* **Be aware of warning signs.** Teach people how they may be able to tell when a Veteran is struggling and in need of help.\n* **Highlight available support.** Remind people that help is available. Many experts and organizations are devoted to supporting Veterans. VA.gov/REACH can be a good starting point for finding these resources.","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]}},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":{"quote":"","citation":{"img":null,"alt":null,"text":""},"videoId":"","videoTitle":null,"videoTranscriptFile":null,"videoTranscriptLink":null},"bottomContent":null},{"dark":true,"topContent":null,"iconGrid":{"title":null,"orientation":false,"icons":null},"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":null,"tab2":null,"tab3":null},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":{"quote":"“When [Veterans were] seemingly reluctant or embarrassed, I would applaud their courage and commitment for serving in the military and to use that fortitude to seek help now that they were back home.”","citation":{"img":null,"alt":null,"text":"Rev. Sara Webb Phillips"},"videoId":"V4EmAmHMDh8","videoTitle":"Rev. Sara Webb Phillips and Veterans Crisis Prevention","videoTranscriptFile":null,"videoTranscriptLink":null},"bottomContent":null},{"dark":false,"topContent":"## **Understand when a Veteran needs help**\n\nVeterans often don’t know they need help or don’t want to ask for it. Learn about the signs you should talk to a Veteran. Tell others in your community about these signs too.","iconGrid":{"title":"","orientation":true,"icons":[{"img":"images/behavioral-changes-v3.svg","alt":"One person balancing a happy and sad face","text":"**Changes in how they act.** For example, the Veteran may withdraw from social activities or stop doing things they used to enjoy. They may stop doing what they need to do for their job or families."},{"img":"images/triangle-exclamation-light.svg","alt":"Caution sign","text":"**Emotional signs.** These include increased irritability, anger, anxiety, guilt, or feelings of hopelessness. You also may notice mood swings or depression."},{"img":"images/icon-physical-symptoms.svg","alt":"Person sleeping in bed","text":" **Physical symptoms.** Look for changes in how they eat, sleep, or take care of themselves. Frequent fatigue, headaches, or stomach issues without a clear reason also can be red flags."},{"img":"images/light-comment-dots-circle-exclamation.svg","alt":"Speech bubble with exclaimation point","text":"**Talking about suicide.** Take such talk seriously, even if it seems casual or offhand. Statements like “I can’t take this anymore” or “Everyone would be better off without me” should be addressed right away. [VA S.A.V.E. Training](https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save) is a brief online course you can take to learn how to respond when a Veteran is having these thoughts."},{"img":"images/icon-health.svg","alt":"healthcare plus sign","text":"**Substance use.** Drinking more than usual or misusing drugs can be one way a person tries to cope with mental health issues."}]},"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":null,"tab2":null,"tab3":null},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":null,"bottomContent":"### **<center> Trust your instincts </center>**\n\nThese are just some of the signs and struggles you may see. Anytime you feel that something isn’t right, it’s a good time to talk and offer your support."},{"dark":true,"topContent":"## Start the conversation\n\nIf you’re concerned about a Veteran in your congregation and want to talk, choose a private and comfortable setting. If possible, try to wait for a time when the Veteran seems calm and receptive before starting a conversation.\n\n\\\nThe tips that follow can help guide your conversation. Share them with members of your community too.","iconGrid":null,"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":{"tabTitle":"First, focus on your own observations and share your feelings:","content":"> “You’ve mentioned feeling very overwhelmed lately, and I’m wondering how you’re doing.”\n\n> “I wanted to check in with you because you seem like you’ve been dealing with a lot.”\n\n> “I care about you and just wanted to see how you’re doing.”\n\n> “I’ve been worried about you and your health because you've seemed very stressed over the past few months.”","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]},"tab2":{"tabTitle":"Once you’ve started the conversation, you can ask follow-up questions:","content":"\n\n> “When did you first start feeling like this?”\n\n> “Did something happen that made you begin to feel this way?”\n\n> “What can I do to best support you right now?”\n\n> “What do you think it would be like to talk to a therapist?”\n\n> “Sometimes when people are going through tough times, they think about suicide. Are you having those thoughts?\"","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]},"tab3":{"tabTitle":"Offer your support and some encouraging words:","content":"> “You’re not alone, even when you feel like you are. We're here for you and you don't have to carry these burdens by yourself.”\n\n>  “I might not be able to understand exactly what you’re going through or how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.”\n\n> “When you want to give up, or feel overwhelmed by emotion, take things in smaller chunks, like getting through the next minute, hour, or day — whatever you can manage.”","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]}},"dosDonts":{"dos":"Be yourself | Remain calm | Listen without judgment | Be positive","donts":"Argue | Lecture | Agree to confidentiality | Make assumptions","footnote":"**Most importantly, let your care and compassion guide you.** Understand that they may not be ready to talk; respect their choice if they say no. Let them know that you’re there for them, whether they want to talk now or later. \\\n\\\n**Why shouldn’t you agree to confidentiality?** You don’t want to have to break your word, and if you think the Veteran’s life is in danger, you may need to connect them with a mental health or medical professional."},"testimonial":null,"bottomContent":""},{"dark":false,"topContent":null,"iconGrid":{"title":null,"orientation":false,"icons":null},"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":null,"tab2":null,"tab3":null},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":{"quote":"\"I was in the United States Air Force for 30 years ... I called [the VA] wanting to be assessed for mental health and it was difficult because I am a faith leader too. I was a senior military person and you just seem to think ... you can overcome anything, you don't need any help, you don't need anybody. ... When you reach out, there will be a response. And that, to me, that's courage.\" ","citation":{"img":null,"alt":null,"text":"Imam Dr. Talib Shareef,  President and the Imam of historic Masjid Muhammd and US Air Force Veteran"},"videoId":"N_awiPBHygg","videoTitle":"Imam Shareef and Veterans Crisis Prevention","videoTranscriptFile":null,"videoTranscriptLink":null},"bottomContent":null},{"dark":false,"topContent":"## **Organize a Veterans support service**\n\nCreating a service to support Veterans and their loved ones can be a powerful way to help people learn more about suicide prevention. Find a good time for the service, such as Suicide Prevention Month in September or another key moment.","iconGrid":null,"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":{"tabTitle":"How to plan your service","content":"**Consider taking these steps as you plan your service:**\n\n* Choose a relevant theme like healing, resilience, hope, or community.\n* Invite Veterans to attend. Reach out to them personally.\n* Include Veterans in the service to share personal stories or lead a reading or prayer.\n* Ask a mental health expert to speak.\n* Select scripture that fits the theme. This might include passages about \\[the Divine’s] care for people who are suffering and the importance of community support.\n* Select hymns with themes of hope, healing, and \\[the Divine’s] presence in times of struggle.\n* Prepare a sermon about the importance of talking openly and asking for help. Speak about the community’s value in the healing process, and about the role of faith in overcoming challenges.","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]},"tab2":{"tabTitle":"Content to include","content":"**Here’s one way to structure a service to raise awareness, build a sense of community and support for Veterans, and let them know they’re valued and cared for.**\n\n***Welcome and introduction***\\\nAn overview of the day’s focus on Veterans’ mental health.\n\n***Opening hymn***\\\nA song, hymn, or chant about hope and healing.\n\n***Scripture readings***\\\nPassages focused on comfort, healing, and divine care.\n\n***Veteran’s testimony***\\\nA Veteran shares their personal story, if possible.\\\nNOTE: If you choose to invite a Veteran to share their experiences, please talk with them first about what they plan to say. Ensure their focus is not on a suicide attempt or death. The focus should be on what kept them alive—family, friends, VA services, etc. If possible, review [Effective Messaging Guidelines](https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/safe_messaging_best_practices.pdf) with them beforehand.\n\n***Remarks from mental health expert***\\\nInformation about mental health, suicide prevention, and ways the community can help.\n\n***Sermon***\\\nMessages about mental health, suicide prevention, community support, and the role of faith in healing.\n\n***Prayers of the people***\\\nSpecial prayers for Veterans, their families, and mental health providers. A prayer also may be recited for increased awareness and understanding within the community.\n\n***Special music***\\\nA reflective song, hymn, or chant.\n\n***Campaign public service announcement (PSA)***\\\nShow a “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” [campaign video](https://www.va.gov/REACH/spread-the-word/) to make the message stronger.\n\n***Sharing of resources***\\\nInformation on support services.\n\n***Closing hymn***\\\nA song, hymn, or chant of hope and encouragement.\n\n***Blessing and dismissal***\\\nA prayer of support and encouragement for all Veterans and their families.","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]},"tab3":{"tabTitle":"Following up","content":"* **Offer time for reflection or counseling.** After the service, give Veterans a place to talk privately with clergy or mental health counselors. \n* **Provide information on support services.** Put information in the church bulletin or on a display table about sources of help for Veterans. This could include information on local VA services, counseling centers, and Veteran support groups.\n\n  * For example: If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at [VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.veteranscrisisline.net%2Fget-help%2Fchat&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd3ddbca44a444bd26b2308dbb573bbc0%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638303280901204494%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=arVGYx8nLgjyAMoY943k5Mlam4u0EvavsjGVKXdCquw%3D&reserved=0), or text 838255.\n* **Plan ongoing activities.** Start a Veterans support group or regular prayer meetings that focus on Veterans’ issues.\n* **Promote regular check-ins.** Ask your members to keep supporting Veterans all year long.Offer time for reflection or counseling. After the service, give Veterans a place to talk privately with clergy or mental health counselors.","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]}},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":{"quote":"","citation":{"img":null,"alt":null,"text":""},"videoId":"","videoTitle":null,"videoTranscriptFile":null,"videoTranscriptLink":null},"bottomContent":null},{"dark":true,"topContent":null,"iconGrid":null,"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":null,"tab2":null,"tab3":null},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":{"quote":"\"If you're a Veteran in crisis, some people think it's weakness to ask for help, but it doesn't have to be that way. ... You absolutely have resources.\"\n","citation":{"img":null,"alt":null,"text":"Fred Hammond, Grammy Winning Gospel Artist & U.S. Army National Guard of Michigan Veteran"},"videoId":"_DNj6BeF4Yw","videoTitle":"Fred Hammond and Veterans Crisis Prevention","videoTranscriptFile":null,"videoTranscriptLink":null},"bottomContent":null},{"dark":false,"topContent":"## **Access resources that support Veterans in your community**","iconGrid":null,"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":{"tabTitle":"Resources for the faith community","content":null,"resourceListTitle":"","resourceList":[{"frontmatter":{"title":"VA S.A.V.E. Training","description":"A free, brief online course to help you act with care and compassion if you come across a Veteran who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide","resourceUrl":"https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-s-a-v-e","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Mental Health"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/mental-health/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"VA S.A.V.E. Training Handout","description":"A designed two-page flyer you can distribute to encourage people to take VA S.A.V.E. Training—a free, brief online or in-person course to help people act with care and compassion if they come across a Veteran who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/VA_SAVE_Training.pdf","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Mental Health"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/mental-health/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"VA Center for Faith","description":"Assistance for Veterans support groups, suicide prevention, Veteran outreach, clergy and congregation training, and more","resourceUrl":"https://department.va.gov/programs-and-initiatives/faith-based-and-neighborhood-partnerships/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Find Local Resources"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/local-resources-online-programs-and-call-centers/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Faith. Hope. Life.","description":"A website created by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention to help all faith communities become more closely involved in suicide prevention","resourceUrl":"https://theactionalliance.org/faith-hope-life","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Faith"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/faith/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"How Faith Communities Can Help Reduce Mental Health Stigma","description":"A rabbi’s perspective on three steps faith communities can take to influence attitudes and strengthen support for people with mental health challenges","resourceUrl":"https://behavioralhealthnews.org/how-faith-communities-can-help-reduce-mental-health-stigma/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Faith"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/faith/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Veterans Crisis Prevention Campaign Toolkit for the Faith Community","description":"A collection of carefully created resources to empower faith leaders and their community to effectively support Veterans mental health and prevent suicide","resourceUrl":"https://www.va.gov/REACH/material/faith-community-toolkit/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Faith"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/faith/"}}}}]},"tab2":{"tabTitle":"Resources for faith communities to share with Veterans","content":null,"resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[{"frontmatter":{"title":"Mental Health Support, Topics, and Resources","description":"Mental health resources by topic and support near you","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Mental Health"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/mental-health/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Substance Use Overview","description":"Signs and symptoms of substance use disorder","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use/index.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Substance Use"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/substance-use/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Overview","description":"Information, resources, and tools to help you address posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)","resourceUrl":"https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/ptsd/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Mental Health"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/mental-health/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Social Withdrawal and Isolation","description":"Self-help tools and VA resources to help if you are experiencing social withdrawal","resourceUrl":"https://www.maketheconnection.net/symptoms/social-withdrawal/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationships"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/relationships/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Family, Friends, and Co-workers: Connecting For Whole Health","description":"Whole Health Information and resources on maintaining healthy relationships","resourceUrl":"https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/family-friends-coworkers.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Whole Health"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/whole-health/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET)","description":"Access resources to learn more about paying for basic needs, managing debt, tips for saving more money, and learning how to increase income","resourceUrl":"https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/finvet/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Money Management"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/money-management/"}}}}]},"tab3":{"tabTitle":"Resources for Veteran families in your congregation","content":null,"resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[{"frontmatter":{"title":"Resources for Family Members or Friends","description":"Learn about mental health challenges and how to treat them ","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/families/index.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Ungrouped"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/ungrouped/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Suicide Prevention Steps and Resources","description":"Warning signs, intervention steps, and evidence-based treatments for a loved one in crisis","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/prevention/index.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Mental Health"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/mental-health/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Coaching for Discussions About Suicide","description":"Guidance and support for starting a conversation with a Veteran exhibiting thoughts of suicide","resourceUrl":"https://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/suicideprevention.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Ungrouped"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/ungrouped/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Stress Management in Families Dealing with a Mental Illness","description":"Learn causes and develop stress management plans to help families dealing with a mental illness and stress","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/families/docs/Stress-Management-in-Families.pdf","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Ungrouped"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/ungrouped/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Partners of Veterans with PTSD","description":"Information for partners of Veterans addressing PTSD","resourceUrl":"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/effect_partners_vets.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationships"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/relationships/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationship Problems","description":"Self-help tools and VA resources to help you improve relationships","resourceUrl":"https://www.maketheconnection.net/symptoms/relationship-problems/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationships"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/relationships/"}}}}]}},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":null,"bottomContent":null}]}}},"pageContext":{"id":"44e13429-5a10-5b67-b25e-595714a3076e"}},
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