Joe spent six years in the Army. When he and his unit deployed to Afghanistan, they soon experienced mortar attacks. After returning home, he felt everything was fine. But a trip to his old base triggered an anxiety attack. He sought support at VA and began counseling. Joe found ways to manage his symptoms, and his life is improving.
View Video TranscriptJoe:
My name is Joe. I enlisted in 2004 in the Army and I spent, of my six years, I spent a majority of it stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina as a Psychological Operations Specialist. And then in 2008, I was in Afghanistan. This was my first major combat deployment and I'd say probably like the second day we had several mortars come down and there was just that moment like it kind of clicked like, “Oh, geez, what have I gotten myself into.”
I was fine when I got out of the Army. I moved back to my parents, was going to school, felt really fine at home, nice to see my family and friends. And then my wife was coming back from Afghanistan and we were staying at a hotel just right across the street from where I lived for four years, and I got down there and I just had bad anxiety like the whole weekend I was down there. And I said, “You know what, I’m gonna drive home, get back to my parents’ house, I’ll feel fine.” But driving home, really uncomfortable the whole way home. My hands started going numb, my lips, my tongue, my whole body just went numb, and I pulled over and called 911 and they sent out an ambulance to come get me. I spent a couple hours in the hospital and then for like two weeks after that I just had not severe, but mild anxiety all day. I missed two weeks of school. I missed finals, but after that I said, “You know what, I really need to get help for this,” because something that goes on in your head that can just cause your body to just shut down and go completely numb and you can’t function was really scary. And I said, “I don’t want to deal with that again.”
I went to the VA Hospital. They assigned me to a clinic near my parents’ house. I met with a counselor and they had prescribed me to take Valium and that worked out really well. I started out bi-weekly meeting with a counselor just, I mean, it almost felt like we just had a casual conversation and we’d talk about like my thought process during when I start to feel anxious and some kind of exercises I can do to calm myself down. But I felt really comfortable speaking to the counselor that I was with and it really helped out a lot. Things got better over the course of five or six months, and instead of bi-weekly, went to monthly, and then bi-monthly.
I’m doing mechanical engineering, which is well, it’s a lot of work if you want to do well. So, having that housing allowance is just like the best thing in the world so I don’t have to work a job and I can come, and I do, I study for six to eight hours a night and get straight As. I’m excited about finishing school and going out and getting a job.
For me, it was an easy decision. I had those anxiety attacks and it was terrifying and I did not want to deal with that the rest of my life. I can’t imagine not getting help for that, but I had the support my wife. I talked to my family who I’m really close with about it. It’s just, you have to find it in yourself to get help.
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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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