Don was 18 when his unit was ambushed in Vietnam. When he came home, he felt paranoid and anxious, and he didn’t like to go out by himself. His church leaders suggested he seek treatment. Counseling and group therapy at VA helped Don realize that he wasn’t alone. He has gained confidence and successfully manages his anxiety.
View Video TranscriptDon:
I'm Don. I was in the United States Marine Corp. I joined in 1968 and got out in April of 1970. I was a machine gunner in the infantry. My first firefight I was 18 years old and we got ambushed and it was my first experience with death of a human being. I had to shut down. We were trained not to feel, not to process emotion. Emotion got in the way of reason and training. Once I came home, boy, started drinking. I was paranoid, very paranoid. I was afraid people were trying to kill me. I didn't like to be out alone. When the moon wasn't out, I was, anxiety ran rampant. I had a sister living in Central Oregon, in Bend, Oregon.
I went up there, tried to start a new life and the first year was okay, then it started creeping back in and I felt myself having the same old feelings, despair, fear, anxiety, and I became a Christian, and it seemed to resolve a lot of the conflict. And I went on, and I got educated, got a BA degree and then I got a master's degree and I was in ministry serving a local church. The leaders in the church knew something was up. They suggested I take some time off and get a Counselor and I did and he tried his best to help me address what the issues were and then said, "Don, you really need to go and connect, reconnect with the VA."
So, I did a 30-day inpatient program and it was frightening at first. The most liberating thing that I heard was all of these symptoms that you're experiencing, Don, are normal given what you went through and the word normal just jumped out at me and I thought, finally, finally somebody has got a handle on this stuff that I have been trying my best to deal with all of my life unsuccessfully.
For the first time I felt like I found a home. I found a home to deal with war and the impact and the trauma that war has placed in my life. It's been 15 years now, I've been involved. I still go to counseling every two weeks and I attend a group once a week.
How do I manage the symptoms? Bravely, that's probably the most important thing. I face them now. I don’t run from them, I don’t hide from them, and I don’t pretend they don’t exist. My faith has had a profound impact on my healing process because I had resources available to me in the spiritual realm because the experiences that I had in war are emotional and mental and physical but they're also spiritual. Now I know, that it takes both mental/emotional health, healthy spirituality and a healthy physical body. I feel alive again, you know I feel animated. I feel light. I have happiness. The VA is filled with caring people who are very well equipped to help. They can't do it for you. It's a battle. If you've been in combat before you know there's no way out except through it.
There is life after combat. There is life after war. There is integration in society and then we can use what valuable experiences we've learned about life and the value of life to help society, to help our community, whatever, our families, our children, grandchildren. We have much to give because we survived.
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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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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