Keith was medically discharged from the Navy after he injured his leg. Later, he started to notice a change in himself. He sometimes couldn’t understand others and he began to hear voices. At VA, he found out he has schizophrenia. He began treatment to handle his illness. Keith is living life to the fullest after reaching out.
View Video TranscriptKeith:
My name is Keith. I graduated from high school in '87 and I went into the military not knowing what was going to happen, how things were going to go. Before the Navy, I had a little scholarship to go somewhere and I decided to go in the Navy, but I hurt myself. When I hurt myself, we were in the barracks and somehow my leg hit the bunk and this leg right here, swelled up to about that big, so I did get a medical afterwards. They sent me home. I had a little bit of money, so, you know, it wasn't a bad transitional thing to go through and I guess life just went from there.
I see myself losing ground by the way I used to work-out and what I used to do. Things wasn’t the same. It was different. It was like, you know, just going through things, you know, and having people to talk to you about certain things, sometimes it just sends click I mean like that so. I had a deeper ambition to try to make it through this thing because the voices came.
My ex took me to the hospital because she thought that something was wrong with me and I couldn’t figure out why. When I went to the VA, they talked to me about certain things, “What should I do? How should do I it?” They diagnosed me to be a schizophrenic. They helped me a lot. They tried to see through the picture of what’s going on instead of saying, “Well, I’ve just got to put them on that type of medicine, you know, leave it there.” What they did is actually talk to me, get to know me a little bit. We can sit down and chit chat about anything and if you talk to your doctor and let them know exactly what’s going on, I think it would be better for you. Now once you first get in to the system, you should tell them exactly what’s going on and how you feel and don’t be ashamed, you know, because from PTSD to depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, I mean all these things, if you have them, go to the hospital; talk to them and sometimes, you know, they have places where you can come to for groups. You have to understand, you know, your illness I think a little bit because schizophrenia is, I mean, once you’re schizophrenic, I think, you know, it’s hard enough to recover but you can. I mean, start listening to the right things. Like the voices come, you’ve got to understand which one is real, which one is not. Sometimes your thought pattern has been going, make your mind just keep going and going and going over things that you did and you know, if you’re hearing voices at that time, I mean, that’s another pressure point on you. I believe in recovery for that is that you need to do the right thing for yourself. Right now, the medicine that I’m on, you know, I can work-out. I can do things. I can maneuver like how I want to. Even if I want to go hunting or fishing or even being with a girl, things like that. For me, they tell you anything that I think is best, get help. Go to your nearest Veterans Affair person or Veterans Hospital or, you know, get some help from your family; let them try to give you some advice to move in a right direction.
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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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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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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