Veterans who have experienced depression tell their stories. They describe their symptoms and the steps they took to get support. Listen as they talk about treatment options that helped them overcome depression and get back on track.
View Video TranscriptInterviewee:
I would say the first time really with depressive symptoms, I was deployed on a ship and my roommate basically said, “You need to see someone.”
Interviewee1:
This problem of depression and the anxiety that went with it and the other issues that evolved from military life and transitioning into civilian life, it showed up in very strange ways.
Interviewee2:
I just wished I could just stay in bed for the entire day and just block out the rest of the world. You can't do anything right, nothing in your life is working right. Everybody keeps saying, “Oh, just snap out of it.” But it's not just snap out of it because you don't see that light at the end of the tunnel.
Interviewee3:
I wasn't sleeping well or I was sleeping too much. You know, sometimes, so much was on my mind, I wouldn't be able to sleep or I was just, you know, totally drained and I would just want to sleep all day. I didn't really want to be around people. I'd try to isolate myself and stay away from others just because I wasn't really comfortable speaking with them and talking about what was going on in my life.
Interviewee4:
And I just, it felt empty. I would wake up. It's hard for me to want to go to work. I realized that I have some anger. I have some depression issues. You know, I feel badly about myself. I'm having trouble getting myself out of the house. I'm having trouble doing things.
Interviewee5:
Most of the issues that I was feeling at that time were related to depression. I had to refocus my direction. Civilian life just didn't seem as structured as I would like it to be.
Interviewee6:
I didn't want to feel anything. I was incapable of feeling anything. I just wanted to be numb.
Interviewee7:
I got out in '93. I didn't seek help until 1997 and that was through a friend of mine who was going to the VA and she said, “You know, you really, you're not getting out of bed. You're not doing anything. You're not taking a shower and you really need to get some help besides medication and besides just laying around.”
Interviewee8:
All of a sudden, I wasn't surrounded by people who got it. My wife, my kids didn't understand why I was different and I didn't understand them anymore. So, I pulled away. When I first got out, I thought it was, you know, everyone's fault that they didn't get me. My wife said very plainly and I completely get why she said it. I don't blame her for it. She said, “Look, either you get help or I get out.”
Interiewee1:
I finally went to the VA in 2003 and it was because I had been working with Veterans and saw the other Veterans that were having problems were getting help and it was working. VA was working. These Veterans that would get into the system and get their health benefits and move on with their lives.
Interviewee9:
I went to the Cognitive Thinking Therapy; I think it's called CBT and that was very beneficial to me. It was a one on one where I sat down with the counselor and, you know, told him about some of the situations that I was in.
Interviewee6:
Once I got there, it was like an immediate effect, you know, talking about all these things that I never had the opportunity to discuss with anybody or the wives of how what happened to me and how I feel now.
Interviewee5:
When I released that self-defense and I allowed those walls to come down, I began to interact with my counselor and it seemed like on a personal level where you have somebody you can trust. They can give you advice, suggestions and I can either take them or leave them, but it's coming from a third party, a neutral observer.
Interviewee10:
So, I talked to some more doctors and tried a couple of things like antidepressants. At first, they didn't work really well. I went back and when we talked about it more. We kind of changed some things and then it started to help a lot surprisingly because I kind of never really believed in. I always thought that it was all in your head kind of thing like, “Oh, you're not really depressed. You just need to smile more or something like that.” But it's, I mean, it's a real thing.
Interviewee6:
It was the Trauma counselor that really, really helped me. She did a Cognitive Behavior Therapy with me. She began to show me ways that those, you know, thinking more positively and even just changing words a little bit. It's not, the rest of my life is going to be bad, it was just in the past, this part of my life didn't go exactly the way I wanted it to, but I have the whole future ahead.
Interviewee2:
It made it a lot easier because then once I could recognize what was making me feel that way, then I could like talk myself down off that ledge to where when I start having those feelings, I can reach back into reality and say, “Okay, no. This is what's really going on.” So, it's made life easier.
Interviewee5:
It wasn't for the VA, I don't know if I'd be sitting here talking to you, you know, probably not. But I went and I got the treatment and the help I needed and now my life is completely different. I am able to face tomorrow.
Interviewee8:
Now that I understand why I was feeling the way I felt, I was able to deal with it better. So, life is getting better and just choosing one thing each day to improve on and, you know, just one step at a time, getting better.
Interviewee1:
It's important that people do understand that you can be an average everyday citizen and have a problem that needs outreach, that needs correction, that needs therapy. And you can continue on with your life. You can improve your life. Life will get better.
Interviewee2:
You could still live. You get past it. You're not by yourself. You're not, like I say, “I always feel like that man out on the island.” And that's just not so. There are so many different people who are going through the exact same thing.
Interviewee7:
You know, you need to take that first step and get on the right path, but the first thing you need to do is talk to someone so you can get on that path.
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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Negative Moods or Emotions
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Anger & Irritability
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If I'm experiencing anger & irritability, what can I do about it right away?
Some anger management strategies include walking away from the situation, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, taking slow, deep breaths, and exercising regularly. You can also talk to your family, friends, or health care provider about your anger and irritability. They may be able to provide support and help you find resources that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Anger and Irritability page.
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Feeling on Edge
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If you are feeling on edge, breathe deeply. Try grounding yourself by focusing on your surroundings or neutral physical sensations, like the feeling of your feet on the floor. Your family, friends, or health care provider may be able to provide support and help you find treatment that is right for you, so turn to them whenever you are ready. Learn more steps you can take on our Feeling on Edge page.
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Feelings of Hopelessness
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Video Title: Dealing with feelings of hopelessness in therapy
Video Title: Healing after feeling hopeless
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If I’m feeling hopeless or having thoughts of hurting myself, what can I do about it right away?
If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is feeling hopeless or having thoughts of suicide, talk to someone right away. Consider sharing what you're feeling and thinking with your family, friends, or health care provider. In addition, you can call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or send a text to 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support, 24/7. Learn more steps you can take on our Feelings of Hopelessness page.
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Guilt
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Video Title: Finding Your Purpose
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If I'm experiencing guilt, what can I do about it right away?
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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Loss of Interest or Pleasure
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If I'm experiencing loss of interest or pleasure, what can I do about it right away?
If you are experiencing loss of interest or pleasure, try to plan a pleasurable activity daily, even if it's something small. Physical activity can improve your mood and help you sleep better. Talking to your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're feeling can also be helpful. They may be able to provide support and help you discover what is causing you to lose interest in things you once enjoyed. Learn more steps you can take on our Loss of Interest or Pleasure page.
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Social Withdrawal & Isolation
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Video Title: Connecting with others to find a fulfilling life
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Video Title: Getting back on track in civilian life
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If I’m withdrawing from others or isolating myself, what can I do about it right away?
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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Stress & Anxiety
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What can I do if I’m experiencing stress and anxiety?
If you're experiencing stress and anxiety, try practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to help you cope when things upset you or don't go according to plan. In addition, 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 Stress and Anxiety page.
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Social or Relationship Challenges
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Relationship Problems
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If I'm experiencing relationship problems, what can I do about it right away?
Many Veterans have overcome relationship problems that arose after time away from family or after stressful situations. Try making a "communication plan" to express your thoughts and feelings with loved ones by considering what to say and how. Writing down these thoughts can help your family and friends better understand your circumstances and assist you in finding support. Learn more steps you can take on our Relationship Problems page.
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Physical Symptoms
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Chronic Pain
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If you are experiencing chronic pain, there are a few things you can do to improve your well-being: (1) Tell your doctor about it. They can help develop a treatment plan. (2) Find ways to stay physically active, according to your doctor's recommendations. (3) Keep a "pain diary," where you can record your progress with pain and how it affects your life. Learn more steps you can take on our Chronic Pain page.
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Eating Problems
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If I'm experiencing eating problems, what can I do about it right away?
If you are experiencing eating problems, find healthy ways to manage stress, such as taking a walk, going for a run, practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation, or doing something nice for yourself like watching a movie or reading. 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 Eating Problems page.
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Headaches
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If I'm experiencing headaches, what can I do about it right away?
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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Trouble Sleeping
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If I’m having trouble sleeping, what can I do about it right away?
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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Cognitive Symptoms
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Confusion
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Video Title: Everything seems like a potential threat
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If I'm experiencing confusion, what can I do about it right away?
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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Difficulty Concentrating
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If I'm experiencing difficulty concentrating, what can I do about it right away?
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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Dizziness
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If I'm experiencing dizziness, what can I do about it right away?
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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Video Title: Triggers | Signs of a Mental Health Challenge
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If I’m experiencing a flashback, what can I do about it right away?
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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If I’m having nightmares, what can I do about it right away?
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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High-Risk Activities
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Alcohol or Drug Misuse
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Video Title: After Challenges With Gambling and Substance Use, Veteran Finds Tools To Recover
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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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Video Title: After Challenges With Gambling and Substance Use, Veteran Finds Tools To Recover
Video Title: Brenda found the support she needed to live well
Video Title: Gambling for the adrenaline rush
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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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