Henry experienced some challenges when he got out of the Army. At times, he felt depressed or anxious. There were other times when he would lash out at those closest to him. Problems with drugs took a toll. At VA, Henry got involved in recovery programs that helped him stop using. Support helped him get back to work, and his life is improving.
View Video TranscriptHenry:
My name is Henry. I was in the Army. I served at Fort Carson, Colorado from 1976 to '79. I was discharged with an honorable discharge and my job was 11C Mortarman. I knew I had to get out and do something with my life, so I decided to join the service. But while I was in the service, I got introduced into drugs.
I think it was like in 1980 we went down range on a bivouac. And one of my partners, we were asleep, sleeping out at night and a tank ran it over. And that stuck with me for the rest of my life. I still deal with it today. I have nightmares at times still, but I’m getting a lot of help at the VA and they helped me adjust with it.
I think what really escalated my problem… I got out, I felt like, I was never respected or honored for anything. I couldn’t get a job at first. No one and where nowhere to go, and I had no structure in my life other than my family.
A lot of times I couldn’t sleep at night, I would wake up in cold sweat or swinging and hollering in the bed and stuff, and a lot of relationships I was in, my significant other couldn’t deal with it.
My bipolar was… my thing was when I was low, I always got real low. I always was by myself. I usually liked to sit in the house. But when my anxiety, when it rose up, I would stress out at people. You know the main thing I do is verbally launch out at people and start hollering and cursing for no particular reason or it shouldn’t have been that severe for me to holler at them like that there. I figured they should have been there for me, not understanding what I’m putting them through at the same time.
Eventually, I turned back to drugs. So now I’m out in the streets and going through changes on drugs and everything, and I see myself getting back in my same pattern, so I ended up at the VA.
I ended up in the hospital, went into a deep depression, got diagnosed with bipolar. I ended up getting clean, getting off of drugs and everything. I ended up doing volunteer service for about a year and then they put me in the CWT program.
The CWT program has helped Veterans out there struggling, that’s been on drugs, or just been out in the streets. They get you a job and they just get you back in the workforce. I did that for nine months, then I ended up getting a permanent job there, which is what I’m doing right now.
I think it turned my life around 360 right now because, like I say, I’m in the workforce now in the day, I get along with all my coworkers, I can go to the movies, got a significant other, planning on getting married next year. And my family, we just get along too good now. Everything like to me, is like peaches and roses now. Right now, I feel real good about myself and everything that I’m doing.
My thing is go talk to somebody. We got to realize we’re not the only one out here struggling, going through this here. You need to come open up. Speak to people about it. It helped me out tremendously because I felt I’m not the only one going through this here. I see it’s not just me.
Take advantage of everything that you got coming, because you earned it anyway. You did your time. Why not go and help yourself now, because you ain’t doing nothing but bettering 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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