Posted on Oct 17, 2018
SGT UH-60 Helicopter Repairer
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I use rally point for a lot of questions I have in the military, I find it very Informative. The only reason I made an account on here tho is to get some opinions on my particular situation just like every one else. I have delt with depression and anxiety for a little bit over a year now. Very few people know about this so posting it on here is a big deal for me. I get little to no sleep at night. Sometimes depression hits and it’s smothering, to the point I’ll hit my bed and feel like I can’t move for hours. I’m not talking about watching Netflix or playing on my phone either. I get in a very heavy populated area like Walmart or any other place sometimes I start “freaking out” in my head of course I wouldn’t pop off on any one I know it’s just in my head. There are more symptoms but for the sake of reading this long post I’ll get on with it. I have ignored it for over a year but I’ve finally come to terms I need to be looked at. It’s a very poor time to do though because I just got to my new unit I know I should have solved it before I PCS’d but it’s to late to worry about that. They are putting me in a flight company, that’s where I have spent my entire military career. I’m thinking I need to request a maintenance company because they have more steady hours and start being seen. I just don’t want to be a strain on my unit or disappoint my higher up. Any advice is greatly appreciated
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Responses: 27
MAJ Ken Landgren
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Edited 6 y ago
You are fighting a culture where we are taught to never quit and persevere. In my opinion you have suffered long and hard enough to ask for help. Your mental and physical health are paramount to you. Take that leap and get help. Dispel any thought that you are at fault, shit happens in life.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
MAJ Ken Landgren
>1 y
I see a therapist and get meds. When I am depressed sometimes I numb myself or think of happier memories. When it comes to anxiety, I try to prioritize them. Kind of like going to the range, you shoot the closest first then shoot further targets. That way it does not hit me all at one time.
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SSG Aircraft Mechanic
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I've spent most of my aviation career in a flight company. Flying has been one of the few things that I've been able to use to keep myself out of getting into those depressive or anxious ruts. My head could have me being a complete slug on a given day and then it's time to load up and fly and I get a rocket in my backside. It gives me something to focus on other than the things swirling around in my brain. You've got 2 or 3 other people and a multimillion dollar aircraft that you're responsible for, so there's no time to listen to whatever nonsense your brain is trying to trick you into thinking about.

I got moved to a maintenance company in February because the flight company I was in was deploying but I had a temporary profile so I couldn't go. My first couple months there were horrible because all I could think about was that I had let my other company down and I had lost the one thing that I could say with 100% certainty I enjoyed doing and kept me centered. It took me a couple months to realize that I was an important part of the equation where I had ended up. There were only a couple of us NCOs that the guys had anything remotely resembling trust in. When I saw that, I had to flip a switch. Someone had to lead and take care of those juniors.

You need to do what's best for you in the end. Regardless of which way you decide to go, bear in mind that you're going to have responsibilities. Don't worry about letting the people above you down. Worry about the people below you. If you do that, the people above you will see that and take note.

Also, decide what being a crew chief means to you. A lot of medications will get you grounded, sometimes permanently depending on what they are. DO NOT let that deter you from at least talking to someone if you feel like you need to. Sometimes just talking to a counselor or something can do a world of good.
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SGT Tony Clifford
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I think that you should consider that your mental health is an absolute necessity. I would look into different types of therapy options available for you. You should also consider talking to your supervisor about your situation. Not a single leader worth a damn, would be antagonistic to a soldier needing help. They will generally be glad that you came to them for help, before your issues started effecting your work and health. If you're uncomfortable with this, the chaplain can be of great help in assisting you with getting connected with mental health professionals. Obviously, your aid station can also provide you with information that might help. I don't think that you should be concerned about doing this shortly after PCSing. Your mental health comes first. I hope this helps things.
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