PTSD, suicide, and brain injuries plague our military and veteran communities, and local researchers are taking action. Eight new studies were just funded to research how we can best treat those conditions.

Whether it’s a fatal car accident, murder, or crime against a child -- San Antonio police officers are among the first on the scene.

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County officials said the 2-1-1 helpline can help find critical resources for surviving loved ones.

Suicide doesn't discriminate by age, race, or gender and it is now the second leading cause of death for those under 35.

Tackling the mounting military suicide rates is a massive task, but a network of nationwide providers agrees, part of it has to do with traumatic brain injuries.

A new bill would support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that was established last year, which since has been flooded with calls. It would fund more centers and establish an advisory committee.

A state sponsored anonymous app helps mentally distressed law enforcement officers seeking to peer support.

Suicidal behaviors have been strongly linked to mental disorders, but researchers involved in one of the largest genetic studies on suicide attempts say there may also be a genetic factor.

An Army veteran battling PTSD has co-founded a facility aimed at helping other veterans and first responders.

School districts are taking a more aggressive approach in trying to educate communities and providing programs to provide mental health services.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports national figures show that the suicide rate in the U.S. has declined 6% since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

A study conducted by Brown University’s Cost of War Project said the number of deaths by suicide has superseded that of deaths in combat.

SAN ANTONIO – By describing how she was largely unable to leave her royal surroundings in her time of crisis, a local mental health advocate said Meghan Markle described what many others are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. But hearing Markle speak openly about her own struggles could be beneficial to others, Dolge said. There’s so much shame when people feel alone in their own mental illness,” Dolge said. Dolge urges if someone is having suicidal thoughts, there is a 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255, and a long list of resources in Bexar County. The South Texas chapter of the National Foundation for Suicide Prevention that is deeply involved in the studying the issue, also increase awareness about suicide and its warning signs.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – A Universal City family is mourning the devastating loss of their loved one after she was gunned down during a murder-suicide case Schertz police are currently investigating. “She was a very empathetic person,” Gonzales said. They said as they take things a day at a time, they are going to stay faithful through this time of suffering. “You think they are always going to be there and don’t think events like this is going to happen. We just have to stay strong and be there for each other as we get through this.”RELATED: Man, woman killed in apparent murder-suicide in Schertz identified

SAN ANTONIO As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and shows no sign of ending anytime soon, the growing concern over the topic of suicide is increasing nationwide, according to a San Antonio clinical psychologist. Our bodies are really good with dealing with short-term stress, but long-term stress (makes) our bodies get exhausted. These calls are related to COVID-19 social isolation and the effects of that. She said risk factors promoted by the pandemic include:DepressionAnxietySocial isolationMoney IssuesFeeling like a burden to other peopleAlcohol and substance abuseWe know that substance abuse is increasing significantly during this pandemic, Bira said. We just need to come together and promote resiliency.Ways to seek help if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts:

(CNN) -- As many as 75,000 Americans could die because of drug or alcohol misuse and suicide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to an analysis conducted by the national public health group Well Being Trust. "We should expand the use of evidence-based interventions through technology while we work to build the mental health system that we all deserve. We're never going to have enough of the mental health workforce we need, so we should get creative with technology as well as who can deliver mental health care." "Without a clear framework for comprehensively addressing mental health and addiction, we will continue to tinker and play whack-a-mole looking for solutions." But they warned that even technology, if used robustly, by friends, religious groups and mental health experts may not suffice to solve the problem.

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Emotional health of medical workers during a pandemicIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a suicide. So, every time I would see him at lunch, I would sit with him and we would have our lunch together,” Juma said. School district raises awareness about mental health after student’s suicideJuma said Alonso was the constant target of bullying, picked on for the clothes he wore and his race. As they grieve his untimely death, they’re focusing on his bright spirit and the dreams they said he never got to realize. Student dies at Reagan High School, officials sayAlonso’s sister, Alyssa Jones, said their mother works as a biology teacher at the school.