After Don left the Marines, he had nightmares and felt on edge. Following his divorce, he felt hopeless. Don decided to reach out to VA and connected with a psychologist. He also met with a psychiatrist through VA Telehealth Services. By taking advantage of programs offered to Veterans, Don was able to move forward with his life.
View Video TranscriptDon:
My names Don. I served 8 years with the Marine Corp active duty from 1991 to 1999 and I was stationed mainly on the East Coast. I did 2 years in Okinawa and I also went on ship and so, I got to see Europe and then I had about a 9-year gap, and I went into the National Guard from 2009 to 2012 with Military Police units.
When I got out in 99, I went through a marriage, but I was having nightmares of my troops even though I'd never been in a combat situation. We'd be sitting there having a drink and the next thing you know heads are exploding near me and panic sets in and I never realized it, that it was part of depression, PTSD.
Sitting in rooms, I like to see doors, windows, know everything that's coming on, movement, I automatically look, driving I'm always in my mirrors looking around. I think it's a combination of the training I had and the stress and the environment and not really having the adaptation, the transition coming out. There was no help when you got out. It was just, here to you go, here's your DD214, your gone, get out, bye, see ya.
Years later, I ended up living in New Hampshire and I got my first divorce and I felt like I wasn't going to amount to anything, I wasn't going to see my kids, my life was ending. So, I put a gun to my chest and before I pulled the trigger I thought about my boys and I went and checked myself into a civilian hospital, counseling for about 8 months with them.
I moved back down to Massachusetts in 2008 and started using the VA and met up with a Psychiatrist that was an Army Veteran and a Psychologist that's an Army Veteran. So, there was a rapport. They could see my side of it where I was coming from. So, I got a bond going. It's been a great time using the TeleMed, teleconference TeleMed where I sit in front of a video screen, it's like Skyping and the Psychiatrist is in another VA and we just sit there and go back and forth for an hour. And then, I get to see face-to-face with the Psychologist whenever I need it. It's like we're at about every 2 months at this point now.
Some of the things that I've gotten that work out for me during these conferences with the TeleMed or the face-to-face is you self-reflect. You can explain what's going on, how you feel and they explain ways of coping with it. My psychologist Toby actually took me out in the hallway during one of the sessions and was like, why don’t we do this, I'm going to walk down the hallway and I'm going to be those voices in your head telling you the stress voices. What you're worrying about and I'm just going to rattle stuff off and I want you to just to act like your on a bus and you're driving the bus and they keep coming up and talking to you and you just tell them to sit back and go sit down and it was just like, wow something so simple to handle something so big. It was just weird how it just worked.
My whole situation started with going through a divorce and we were behind on rent and we couldn't keep up with rent. I went to my Veterans Service Officer in my town and he directed me to a program in the VA and I worked with the homeless program there and they ended up putting me in a shelter. My son was 2 years old at the time when I went into the shelter. So, through the homeless shelter and the VAST program I actually got into the vocational rehab (now known as Veteran Readiness and Employment) program at the VA. So, now I'm in college to pick up my social working degree. You have a counselor right at the VA that helps you out. They help pay for your school, if not pay for all of it. Anything you need for school, depending on your situation, and how much you qualify for it. I can go through school and pick up my master's degree and go all the way through a master's degree through one of the approved programs.
Your first step to anything is realizing there's something wrong and not trying to conquer it yourself. You're going to be the one pushing forward and making the results, but you need somebody there to guide you and help you, somebody that's dealt with it before and I've been through homelessness. I've been through suicide attempts and you can turnaround. You can change. It's just you got to just keep trying. You can't let it get you down.
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 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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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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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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