After Ted came home from Vietnam, he didn't feel at peace or that he fit in. Years later, he went to a Vet Center. Connecting with Veterans helped him realize others had experiences similar to his. Going through an outpatient PTSD program helped him get his life to a better place.
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I'm Ted. I was in the U.S. Navy. I was in from 1966-1969. I was a “Kiddie Cruiser,” in before you're 18, out before you're 21. I was in Vietnam from August of 1967 to August 1968. I was wounded, spent five days in the Long Binh Hospital. I got two, what today would be called, traumatic brain injuries in less than 30 minutes, and I had superficial shrapnel wounds. I never had any problems with protestors or anything like that, and I just had problems with myself, and the things that went on during the war, such as when one of the rockets would go through your boat, the person that was in the middle of it wasn't a person any longer, and I had a lot of problems with that. I always woke up with a bad attitude, and things just weren't going good. I didn't feel good. I couldn't get my thoughts out of the septic tank. And so, I would just go for days, and it was like I would see people that were happy, I would see people having a good time, and it honestly, I didn't fit into that. I couldn't be happy. I didn't want to be successful. I just didn't care, and after awhile, it just my brain finally told me that, “Hey, you know what, this might not be right.”
There was a Vet Center here in town that I went to starting in the 1980s. The counselor there was also a combat Veteran from Vietnam, and he was really, really quite helpful, and he just guided us along a little bit. I went in with great trepidation, and pretty soon, you introduced yourself, and then I would just sit there and listen to what the other guys had to say, and it’s like, “Oh, yeah, yeah.” I would want to get real excited. “Yeah, that happened to me yesterday, you know.” That was probably the icebreaker was the fact that there was other people that had been in combat in Vietnam that felt the exact same way, and that was very, very helpful, and it wasn’t long before a couple or three of us would call each other once in awhile, and it was just that comradery that makes things more palatable.
I was recommended to go to a six-week outpatient 8-5 PTSD clinic at the local VA Hospital. You were assigned to one counselor, which was a very good thing, and you met with him most of the day.
I can go into a place that’s a crowd now. Now, granted I still kind of stand with my back against the wall and just kind of watch people, but I can still go to the mall. And so, I find that to be pretty appealing.
Fresh PTSD is really not much fun, and it’s really quite difficult to deal with, and it just takes time to calm itself down and learn that you’re rather alright, and that there’s other people that are actually sharing your exact same feelings.
At the Vet Center, some Iraqi vets or Afghanistan vets will show up, and I think the thing that strikes me the most is they’ve got that same look in their eye that supposedly we had. That thousand-yard stare, and it’s like, “Hey, look. Things are better. You know, you can get this done. It ain’t gonna be simple, but there’s a lot of help out there. It’s just you need to take care of yourself.”
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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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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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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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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