Two weeks after Jonathan returned from Afghanistan, he had an outburst and had thoughts of ending his life. He knew he was in trouble, so he reached out to a friend who took him to the hospital. Fellow Marines and his commanders were there for him and available to talk. With support, Jonathan began to appreciate life again.
View Video TranscriptJonathan:
My name is Jonathan. I served in the Marine Corps from 2007 to 2012. I was deployed to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake and to Afghanistan in 2011. I have noticed that after getting back it seems like nothing matters. When you're used to dealing with life and death scenarios, nothing else will ever be as significant as that. The worst part was I was unemployed right when I got out of the Marine Corps and going from having a purpose and something to do every day and a job to go to, to having nothing at all was a very difficult transition to make.
The first time that I saw people for mental health purposes was two weeks after I got back. I had a violent incident and then I was hospitalized for three days for suicidal ideations. My incident was a result of traumatizing personal issues mixed with alcohol.
I was able to fall back on my training, and I realized that I wasn’t in a place that I normally was personally. And I called a friend. When I got to the hospital, I spoke with a doctor at first and he asked me what was going on. And I explained things. I had a resting heart rate of about 190 beats per minute. He gave me some Ativan so I could calm down.
I was seen by the psychiatric ward there and was restrained from leaving for three days until I was cleared. I would often go three days without sleeping, and that was something that the hospital was able to help with. Just trying to get back onto a normal sleep schedule. Because without that, you can’t really deal with any of your other problems.
After I was released from the hospital, my entire command was very understanding of what had happened, and they made it really easy for me to seek help from them. There were a couple of real influential staff and COs that had been through similar experiences and were able to kind of relate their own personal story of how they were able to cope to me and give me kind of really sound advice about things that I was having trouble with as well as just being somebody that I could relate with.
After that my wife and I had several issues that we wanted to work on, and so we sought help from Military OneSource, which is available to all service members. And they were able to set us up with a marriage counselor. That experience really benefited the both of us. There’s no magic pill. But what the marriage counselor and other health professionals can provide is someplace to start.
Trying to apply the lessons that I learned in the military to my own personal life really required a different approach, and I was able to get that through the marriage counseling. I would bet that no situation that any service member might be having is original to them. There’s probably tens, hundreds, or thousands of other service members that have all seen the same thing.
Things are never going to be as they were before I left. And that’s something that is important for everybody to realize. There’s no way to undo anything that’s happened. It’s all about moving forward and finding new solutions to old problems.
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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Allowing social withdrawal or social isolation to continue unchecked will only make your situation more challenging. Consider reaching out to your family members, friends, or health care provider, even though it may be the last thing you feel like doing. Connect with Veterans' groups or participate in clubs or hobbies focused on something you like. Research shows that spending time talking with others improves your mood and has a positive effect on health. Learn more steps you can take on our Social Withdrawal and Isolation page.
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If you are experiencing headaches, try to rest with your eyes closed and head supported. Getting enough sleep, eating regularly without skipping meals, staying hydrated, and maintaining good posture are simple lifestyle changes that can help you avoid or reduce headaches. Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent or recurring headaches, which can be a sign of a medical issue. Learn more steps you can take on our Headaches 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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If I'm experiencing noise or light irritation, what can I do about it right away?
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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Video Title: “We’re stronger together.” Army Veteran Urges Women Veterans To Get Support
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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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Video Title: Veteran strength to reach recovery
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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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