Jennet's father died while she was in Iraq, which made transitioning back even more challenging. She returned to her unit, and her chain of command saw a difference in her. With their encouragement, she began counseling and later found support at VA. Treatment helped Jennet overcome depression and begin living well again.
View Video TranscriptJennett:
My name is Jennett. I served in the U.S. Army in Fort Stewart, Georgia. I enlisted July of 2001, and I ended in July of 2004, so I did three years active duty. We deployed in September 2002 to Kuwait, a peacekeeping mission, but it turned into Iraq about six months later. It was just difficult being 19 in a different country when you've never been out of the country; that was difficult and I didn't want to believe that we were actually going to go to war.
My father died while I was deployed, while we were actually in Iraq. So everything just changed. When he passed, I went back to the States and I ended up going through that whole procedure, with the funeral and everything like that. And I was just so frustrated, like, the whole world just was different. You’re in a another country for so many months, almost a year, and you’re used to carrying a weapon with you every day, you have a helmet, you have all this gear, and now I’m riding in a car with just regular clothes on and I feel naked.
I went back to my unit. One of our headquarters had gotten blown up and the way that the plane flew so low that it shook everything and then this explosion and we don’t know what’s going on, just that chaotic feeling. I guess my chain of command saw a difference in me, so I ended up seeing a counselor when I came back. Just kind of went through the motions again. But the following year, I didn’t reenlist and I got out and I ended up coming home and I was really all about trying to get benefits, get into school and things like that. I knew things had changed, but I didn’t think about it like that. I was having panic attacks. I had a panic attack when I was still in the military, but I didn’t put it together like that. Friends I had before, they didn’t understand. You don’t understand if it’s like the Fourth of July and you set off a firecracker that’s really loud and I just go jetting down a street like for two blocks and everyone is laughing at me. But, to me, it’s an explosion; it’s not just a firecracker.
When I came home in 2004 and I got hooked up with the VA, they diagnosed me with a major depressive disorder, and I was like, “Nothing’s wrong with me.” But really, the panic attacks, I would have them periodically and my employer, they couldn’t understand it and they were, I was about to get in trouble for it. You know what I mean? So I ended up going to the VA. I was going to a women’s group and it was a little discouraging. Well, I’m kind of a quiet person around people I don’t know, especially talking about my issues or whatever. So I ended up speaking to the lady who was over the group and I was like, “I’d rather just talk to someone one-on-one,” so I ended up doing that. I ended up seeing a psychologist, because I didn’t really want to take medication. The therapy I would say has helped me. It’s really nice to talk to someone who’s not trying to judge you or tell you just a quick fix because there isn’t a quick fix. The VA, they actually helped. You know what I mean? I didn’t see how serious it was when I first got out, because I didn’t want to admit it, but going back now, now I see what they were saying. You can just feel so alone and it doesn’t have to get to that point.
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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If you find yourself living with guilt or remorse about a past action or inaction, try to set aside time to think about your feelings. Remember that everyone has things they would have done differently—but no one can change the past or predict the future. Sometimes the experience is worse if you keep your feelings to yourself. Telling someone, like a family member or friend, about your regrets or guilty feelings can be a good first step to overcoming them. Learn more steps you can take on our Guilt page.
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There are several ways to improve your sleep right away: (1) Make your bedroom a place just for sleeping—not for activities like watching TV, reading, working, or listening to the radio. (2) Avoid light exposure from screens at night, which can throw off your sleep cycle. (3) Avoid alcohol and large meals near bedtime. (4) Maintain a regular sleep schedule. In addition, 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 Trouble Sleeping page.
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If you are experiencing confusion, try to slow down and focus on the task at hand. Take regular breaks to avoid feeling tired and overwhelmed. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can make confusion worse. Talk to your health care provider to determine whether a medical condition such as TBI might be contributing to the problem. You can also talk to a pharmacist about the possible effects of medications you're taking. Learn more steps you can take on our Confusion page.
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If you are experiencing difficulty concentrating, avoid distractions like loud music or the television. Develop a routine and try to stick to a regular schedule. Additionally, take regular breaks to prevent feeling tired. Talk to your health care provider to determine whether a condition such as TBI, ADHD, or anxiety might be contributing to the problem. You can also talk to a pharmacist about the possible effects of medications you're taking. Learn more steps you can take on our Difficulty Concentrating page.
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If you are experiencing dizziness, lie down for a few minutes with your head slightly elevated. Lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, getting enough rest, and avoiding alcohol or drugs can help. Medications and medical conditions such as heart disease or ear issues can also cause dizziness; consult a medical provider if you get dizzy on a regular basis. If you suddenly lose function in part of your body (e.g., arm weakness, face drooping, difficulty speaking) along with experiencing vertigo, this can indicate a serious problem, such as a stroke. Call 911 and seek medical help immediately. Learn more steps you can take on our Dizziness page.
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Flashbacks
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A flashback can be distressing for you and those around you. Try grounding yourself by focusing on details of your surroundings or neutral physical sensations, such as the feeling of your feet on the floor. Call someone you trust and tell them what is happening. Your family, friends, or health care provider may be able to provide support and help you deal with your flashbacks. Learn more steps you can take on our Flashbacks page.
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Noise or Light Irritation
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Learn what triggers episodes of noise or light irritation. Try making adjustments to computer and TV screens, and ensure you get the right amount of sleep. If you're taking medication and want to know if it could be affecting your sensitivity to noise or light, talk to your doctor. Certain drugs or medications may cause vision or hearing problems. Never stop taking a prescription without first consulting a medical professional. Learn more steps you can take on our Noise or Light Irritation page.
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Nightmares
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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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Gambling
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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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