After joining the U.S. Navy at age 18, Michael felt changed by his deployment and realized he wanted to do more with his life. After he reached out to VA for help, attending group therapy and writing poetry helped him work through his challenges and find balance in his life.
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Michael: The transition coming home, I didn't want to be where I was, ran into those people who looked down on us. I didn't talk to anybody about anything. Ruined all of my relationships, sent me into a depression. It got me thinking, "Well, I better go to the VA and see what this is all about."
My name is Michael. I was in the Navy with assignments to the Marines from 1969 to 1979. At the time, Vietnam was going on and the draft was still there, so I joined the Navy. When you're 18 and you go into that situation, you're lifted out of what's high school and college where you should be, and you're put over here. You miss all of this growing up that you used to do in between. My mother, when I came back, she said, "You're not the same person we knew." I thought, "I got a lot more living to do. Maybe I should be more careful with what I've got so I don't throw it away."
To work with a VA, that calms me down a great deal. I called up and I made the trip in here. They said, "We actually need to see you every day for a few weeks." It was therapy with my provider. There was a group that you would attend. The group one was interesting. I don't like groups of people. I never had. Fortunately, I managed to be able to understand that process.
Everybody's story is different. The therapy worked best for me, one on one, and just talking it out with my therapist. I wrote poetry as part of my therapy. I like poetry. The way I approach it is from my own experience. It puts something on paper that was more than just a thought. It was a real thing that I had to write.
I've gone back to school. I've got a double major and a double minor. I'm taking everything that I want to be. We've got a wildlife habitat. I got my chickens, I got my bees. I got the animals feeding in the yard. I'm Pueblo Indian. It's a whole different way of learning cultural beliefs, myths, and viewing the world.
We forget the connection we're supposed to have with each other and with the earth. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I think there's a balance that should be held. It opens up something deeper inside a person that you don't realize is there. Now I can see what I'm living with. That enables me to balance it out because it's not a scary, unknown anymore. Through the VA, I've learned to know myself better than I had ever in the past. I've also learned how to look out for this in other people too. For me, that's therapeutic.
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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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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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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