John spent a year in the Army during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he had nightmares and felt guilty about surviving the war. He told his family and friends that everything was fine, but his wife encouraged him to seek support. At his local Vet Center, John accessed counseling resources. By opening up, John was able to get on course.
View Video TranscriptJohn:
My name is John. I was drafted into the US Army in 1968, spent a year in Vietnam in '69 and '70. I left Vietnam and in three-day time I was back here in Chicago and it was all over. So one day you're in Vietnam, the next day you're in Chicago. At that time there was a lot of protests, particularly here in Chicago. I struggled with nightmares. I'd wake up in a cold sweat. I had a lot of, believe it or not, guilt, survivor guilt. I was very jumpy. I didn't like being around people, so I would go out of my way to kind of isolate myself. I had big problems with noise. I told myself that Vietnam didn't affect me at all, and I'd tell my family and my friends, “Don't worry about me, Vietnam didn't affect me,” but ultimately I guess I just wouldn't admit to it.
I drank a lot, and I drank for 25 years. Finally, my wife gave me an ultimatum that I had to stop or get out, so I joined AA. Currently I haven’t had a drink in 14 years. Immediately after stopping the booze, the depression was there, and my wife finally, again, said, “John, you’ve got to do something about this,” and so we went to my doctor and he says, “John, you need some help, and you probably need a psychiatrist,” and so I didn’t—I couldn’t afford a psychiatrist, so I went to the Oak Park Vet Center and I met Brian and he’s my counselor, and I’ve been seeing him on a weekly basis ever since, and he’s been terrific.
What’s gotten better is that the counseling has made me aware of things that went right over my head before. So I am trying more, okay? And I’m trying because I want to. They’re teaching me to talk more. Talk to my wife, talk to my kids, and about subjects, you know that I’m having a hard time with, and so that’s kind of cool.
Vietnam vets that I would talk with generally are unaware of the help that they could get, and they don’t necessarily—like I was, they don’t necessarily want to take that step. The help is there. Talk. Get it out, and it makes you feel better.
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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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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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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