That was a really sad time, coming back from deployment and exiting the Marine Corps. I scared the people that I love and they didn't know how to interact with me.
My name is Jenn. I served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 to 2012. I was a 4313 Broadcast Journalist and Combat Correspondent. It was a really challenging experience being in Afghanistan. I remember the moment being on that plane coming back from Afghanistan and I was terrified. I knew my only coping mechanism is alcohol and drugs. I had no idea how to comprehend what I had just seen and been through.
When I first got back from deployment, I was out of control and I went through a 30-day PTSD treatment program, and that was actually really effective. I did the treatment where you tell your stories and listen to them over and over again, and that really worked for me and it taught me a lot about disproportionate reactions. Something will happen and I'll make it level 10 when it's just simply not.
Then, I found treatment at the Salt Lake City VA. Weekly therapy really saved me. My mental health diagnosis is combat PTSD, chronic depression, anxiety, and a bunch of physical stuff. I experienced EMDR therapy at a treatment program. I used the paddles and held one and talked through my deepest darkest memories. I found so much healing. I was able to let go of not only military trauma, but childhood trauma. That's why it's so important for me today to maintain a healthy therapeutic regimen. I've gone through bouts of not minding my mental health, and it comes back in spades. And so bouncing my thoughts and fears off someone else is just such an important part of my life.
In 2022, I unexpectedly lost my father and I didn't handle it well. It took a long time. And then I remembered to get to the VA and I went through a three month inpatient treatment program called SARRTP. It was small, about 12 other Veterans, daily classes, individual therapy. The best thing that I found out of that was the recreation therapy programs at the VA. I mean, in the winter, snowboarding, in the summer we're river rafting. To be with fellow Veterans where I feel so comfortable and safe to be myself.
So recently, the hobbies that I've been into are cycling and swimming. The meditative aspect of it is so enjoyable. It's really relaxing for me. I have been inspired by so many Veterans who have come before me, and it's such a gift to be a part of this organization and this community. So I wish that I had known talking to someone or being around other veterans could feel so rejuvenating.
