Sandy was on edge while serving in the Navy, and her anxiety persisted after her transition to civilian life. She finally called the Veterans Crisis Line and went to a hospital for inpatient care. Now, therapy continues helping Sandy cope with anxiety and PTSD — and repair her relationship with her husband.
View Video TranscriptSandy:
Hi, I'm Sandy. I was in the Navy from 2008 to 2012. My first duty session was Guam for about a year and a half and then I spent the rest of my career here in San Diego. I was an undesignated seaman in the deck department and after a year I became a Quartermaster.
The last two years I had a very demanding department divisional officer that was very demanding and sexist at times. We thought he favored the guys more than the girls because we were always the ones that got yelled out and the guys could do no wrong.
When I got out I thought I was fine. Things were going good and then all suddenly I just, I was just down all the time and I was like, I need help. I went to my Primary Care Doctor and I mentioned something about having problems adjusting back and she put a referral to mental health and they called me soon and as soon as I got into mental health they set up the appointments for me.
I was diagnosed with depression and general anxiety disorder. Then it took a few years after that to finally get diagnosed with PTSD because I was having nightmares, flashbacks and when I'm on edge and if something like comes up and sneaks up behind me I get scared.
I was hanging out with the wrong people which brought the worst out of me, and I was fighting a lot with my husband. We were arguing more than usual. I was in the kitchen with a knife to my wrist and about to cut my wrist but I couldn't get myself to do it, and I called the crisis line and I told the crisis line that I was thinking about hurting myself and they referred me to the local VA.
So, I went to the VA and checked myself into the Psych Ward. They were a few of the nurses that were taking care of us for the day and one of them just sat and talked to me for a long time and just talking to the nurse about what's on my mind and what I should do helped a lot.
My husband is a Veteran himself and he's been through the VA. He's been out for ten years now. So, he knew what to do, where to turn to for help. I think we did couples therapy for a good four to five months, and it really helped us reconnect to what we were before because we did a lot of damage in the beginning, and the couples therapy helped out a lot.
I would say, talk to somebody, talk to anybody. It doesn't have to be a therapist, just somebody. Somebody that's willing to listen and if it's beyond their reach help that person reach out through the VA for help.
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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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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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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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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