6
6
0
As a Chaplain recognizes that many of our Soldiers are dealing with guilt and shame. I am asking for your input in helping our fellow brother's and sisters to conceptualize their pain.
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
2
2
0
Ma'am, the most tragic cases that I have personally witnessed involved wide 'swings' ranging from denial, 'self medication' (alcohol and other drugs) and avoidance of those with whom they (were) close, to include spouses and other family members.
I realize this may be the extreme end of the spectrum (at least I hope so) and I hope you and others like you will be able to intervene effectively prior to this.
I realize this may be the extreme end of the spectrum (at least I hope so) and I hope you and others like you will be able to intervene effectively prior to this.
(2)
(0)
MSG Floyd Williams
I saw different military personnel overseas drinking while on medication to numb the mental pain, unfortunately it was ignored by many who knew.
(1)
(0)
CH (CPT) Heather Davis
MSG Huffman and MSG Williams thank you for your transparency. I want to extend to all that need a battle to talk to in-box me. You are not alone, and many should tell their story. When you tell your story, your healing begins, and you are able to let others know that they are not alone.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
It will take faith and prayers along with a circle of family and friends to be a strong support group to help the person to cope and overcome the grief in addition to professional counseling.
(2)
(0)
CH (CPT) Heather Davis
MSG Williams:
I would highly recommend or all of those that are dealing with survivor guilt to join the VFW and this will provide an additional support system. While I was a Hospital Chaplain Resident if was the Veterans at the hospital that reached out to the Soldiers coming back from Iraq.
I would highly recommend or all of those that are dealing with survivor guilt to join the VFW and this will provide an additional support system. While I was a Hospital Chaplain Resident if was the Veterans at the hospital that reached out to the Soldiers coming back from Iraq.
(1)
(0)
MSG Floyd Williams
CPT Davis.....I agree the different Veterans Organizations make their presence known everywhere.
(1)
(0)
CH (CPT) Heather Davis
MSG Williams:
I am intentionally putting this on blast, so fellow Soldiers know they have a support system. I have always identified the Military as my family since the entry date of 1984.
I am intentionally putting this on blast, so fellow Soldiers know they have a support system. I have always identified the Military as my family since the entry date of 1984.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
That's a tough one Chaplain Davis. Me personally I fully believe that when it is your time, it is your time. I have lost many brothers in arms while deployed. Our BN alone lost 35 Soldiers during my second deployment.
(2)
(0)
MSG Floyd Williams
SFC Gilley....my heart and prayers goes out to you, your company at the time, and all those who died. The Veterans Administration Hospital have different programs for veterans that deployed anywhere overseas that needs help even family counseling because family members is affected too. My wife and I been in counseling a year now, my wife is learning a lot of hidden things through this counseling and I'm learning about the stress she had to deal with added after the hurricanes destroyed New Orleans in 2005, she had a lot on her plate during my deployment and my mother had died two (2) days after I got deployed.
(1)
(0)
CH (CPT) Heather Davis
MSG Williams:
Thank you for your transparency, it is the voices of those that served that can provide guidance for those that are currently in the fight. I highly recommend counseling and a bereavement support group for un-resolved pain.
Thank you for your transparency, it is the voices of those that served that can provide guidance for those that are currently in the fight. I highly recommend counseling and a bereavement support group for un-resolved pain.
(1)
(0)
MSG Floyd Williams
CPT Davis....Thank you, my VA Counselor gave me the same recommendation it is called Grieving Counseling.
(0)
(0)
CH (CPT) Heather Davis
MSG Williams:
I had to attend a year of group therapy in order to be a Hospital Chaplain and I will share with you that it changed my life. I did not realize that I was a walking pain stick.
I had to attend a year of group therapy in order to be a Hospital Chaplain and I will share with you that it changed my life. I did not realize that I was a walking pain stick.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google