Veteran Crisis Support Hotlines Provide Crucial Support Amid Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable populations such as US military veterans who are already at high risk for depression and suicide ideation relied heavily on support systems like the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), according to data published in Psychiatric Services.

Researchers sought to analyze the characteristics and concerns raised by veterans who utilized VCL services during the earliest months of the pandemic.

Between April 2020 and December 2020, 3.8% (12,869) of 342,248 calls were coded as related to COVID-19. Quantitative analysis was conducted for COVID-19-related reasons for contact, suicide risk screens, as well as caller concerns. A total of 360 unique calls with synopsis notes were qualitatively analyzed.

Researchers explained the quantitative analysis demonstrated mental health concerns, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts as the main reasons veterans called the VCL. Results from the qualitative analysis pinpointed specific economic and mental health concerns, related to the pandemic including income and housing, increased feelings of depression or anxiety, and testing and vaccine availability.

Additional concerns included disrupted access to resources for coping like support groups or exercise facilities, which in turn could increase the burden of preexisting problems like substance abuse or depression.

“These findings emphasize the role of the Veterans Crisis Line as providing general support to veterans experiencing loneliness and supplying assistance in coping with pandemic-related distress,” concluded researchers.

Reference:
Krishnamurti LS, Agha A, Iverson KM, Monteith LL, Dichter ME. Outreach to the veterans crisis line during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods analysis. Published online Sep 6, 2022. Psychiatr Serv. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.202200044