For Kenn, coming back to civilian life after military service was challenging. He couldn't find a steady job and wasn't able to afford his own place to live. His family encouraged him to go to VA. There, he received housing support and found a community of professionals and other Veterans who could relate to what he was going through.
View Video TranscriptKenn:
My name's Kenn. I was in the Navy. I was in from November of ‘69 until September of ‘71. A lot was going in the country, anti-Vietnam and anti-Veterans, and adjusting to civilian life was in some ways not so bad, in other ways kind of tough, because it's a whole different way of life. You're looking for work. There's a lot of pressure on that, and you're trying to adjust. You have to have something steady to have to be able to afford your own place. You need steady income and I just didn't really have that all the time.
Family, more or less, encouraged me to go to the VA. You’re a Veteran. See what they can do to help you, and I thought well, maybe they can help me, because I’d been through a lot of different jobs, lot of different things and all that. Maybe, I can go over there for counseling and see what they can tell me. So, I went over and told the guy, this man that I talked to, and said, “I need a place, I kind of need a place to live. I don’t really have a place, and I really can’t afford it.” So, he says, “Okay, let me see.” And he took my information down, and then I had to keep checking back with him, and finally they called me and said, “Yeah, there’s an opening.” There was Nurses there, and there was a male Nurse that had been in the military. I appreciated the Veterans you know that were medical people, because they could relate to you more, and they had been through a lot of the same stuff that we went through.
It’s private when you talk to somebody over there. The Veterans respect each other, and they treat each other with decency and understanding, and the Doctors and Nurses are pretty good over there, and they’ll help you out. I think I was good for us to get to meet and once a week or whatever and talk about whatever we needed to talk about, you know what was hurting us or what was helping us or how we’re improving, and I can still go back if I need to if I feel like I need it, but I think it helped me enough where it gave me some confidence to just thinking right and knowing that there’s the help there, that they have helped me, and I’ve kind of gone picked up from there.
If you can help each other out, if you can help somebody, and if you let them help you, you can avoid a longtime of going through all kinds of issues. It always helps to talk to somebody. If you can just go over there and talk to a Doctor or Psychologist or get into a group session with somebody. Let somebody help you.
No matter what you may be experiencing, there is support for getting your life on a better track. Many, many Veterans have found the strength to reach out and make the connection.
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To manage upsetting feelings after a nightmare, focus on what's real by touching and describing objects around you. If you're unable to sleep within 15 minutes, leave your bed briefly to wash your hands or drink water while avoiding any strenuous activity. Also, talk to your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions. Learn more steps you can take on our Nightmares page.
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What can I do about drinking or drug use?
There are many options for Veterans who want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol or using drugs. One option is counseling, either one-on-one or in a group. Another involves medication to help reduce use. A third option is mutual-help groups. You can work with your doctor or counselor and try different types of treatment to find the one that's best for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Alcohol or Drug Misuse page.
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If I’m experiencing a gambling problem, what can I do about it right away?
The first step in addressing your challenges is to acknowledge that gambling has become a problem in your life and recognize that it is possible to make a change. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing to manage stress and urges to gamble. Spend time with supportive people who do not gamble, and talk with your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Gambling page.
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Reckless Behavior
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What can I do if I’ve noticed myself engaging in reckless behavior?
There are ways to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Plan to avoid situations that might lead to recklessness. For example, leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange a ride home if you'll be drinking. Talking with your family members, close friends, or a health care provider may help you find support and resources to address your challenges. Learn more steps you can take on our Reckless Behavior page.
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