Marine Corps Veterans discuss transitioning back to civilian life and some of the challenges they faced. They describe their paths to getting support. Whether it was soon after their time in the military or years later, they took advantage of resources that made a difference in their lives.
View Video TranscriptInterviewee1:
My friend was actually joining the Marine Corps and his car didn't start that day so I took him down there. And I went, I met the recruiter, and from there he got his hooks in me and that was pretty much it.
Being the best of the military seemed like an awesome challenge for me. So that was one of the big things that got me to go.
Interviewee2:
My dad had been a Marine, was a retired Marine. And my twin brother was a Marine, a couple of brothers-in-law were Marines. So, there was no other service I could go into.
Interviewee3:
They were great examples and great leaders and from my earliest days, I knew that's what I wanted to do.
Interviewee4:
Especially in the Marine Corps, you're taught to be have discipline. Things are rigid. Things are in order. So, you see yourself just overall changed. You're not going to be the same person you are with your fellow sergeants with your wife.
Interviewee5:
Over the years, I've probably felt guilty about surviving more than anything else as far as being there. Constantly I heard bombs going off and rifle fire, especially at night. Stood the guard duty every other night.
Interviewee6:
I was just rage. And for the first 10 years after I got out of the Marine Corps, no one would have known that I was in the service. I never talked about it. I never showed anything about it.
Interviewee7:
I always just wanted to hang out in my room by myself. When I got a roommate, it annoyed me because I couldn't just be there by myself. I still tried to be away from everyone else.
Interviewee3:
I had to work with civilians for the first time, and that was challenging. And just little things would set me off that people in my office would do. And I would get so frustrated.
Interviewee8:
Like so many others, I'm sure, because we don't like to consider ourselves alone, I sought ways to obliterate or mask this angst, the sweats, the screaming. To the point that my wife had to sleep in another room. I tried to mask it with drink. And in retrospect, I'll say that I was a functioning alcoholic.
Interviewee9:
There were a couple of real influential staff NCOs 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 really sound advice about things that I was having trouble with as well as just being somebody that I could relate with.
Interviewee1:
I went and talked to quite a few people from the VA. There were a couple of people from the VA that would ask me, “how do you feel about this?” “How do you feel about when one of your friends passed away?” And when you get into the therapy room, there's are other Veterans in there from various branches and they all got different injuries. And there's all such positive people.
Interviewee8:
The counseling gave me a better strength of character for myself. It made me feel better about myself. And in many respects, it engaged me to reach out to others through the resources that I have within me.
Interviewee7:
I got more joy out of going to my parents' house, hanging out with my family.
Interviewee10:
They should go into treatment, take whatever is given, work with whatever they have. It's not going to go away. It can only get better.
Interviewee2:
I'm still Semper Fi. I'm still Semper Fi, all the way.
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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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 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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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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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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