Importance of recognizing suicidal behavior in Veterans

It's estimated that 6,000 veterans die from suicide each year. During this year's Suicide Prevention Week, experts are speaking to community members, loved ones and neighbors to make them aware of the alarming and growing statistic and help them identify signs.

Dr. Leah Blaine, of the University of Pennsylvania works at the Cohen Military Family Clinic and says while studies don’t show a direct cause, they have identified clear signs that help may be needed.

"Getting comfortable with talking about things that are uncomfortable, watching for changes certainly there are some key indicators, using more substances missing things they wouldn't previously have missed social withdraw. Just as really distinct changes in behavior that we would want to kind of key in on,” said Dr. Leah Blaine.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reach anytime of day at 800-273-8255.

Watch the full segment on CBS21 >>

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