Do you feel like you have an "out" if things get out of control?

SSG Jesse Cheadle — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 23:53:00 -0500

What methods do you have to cope with homecoming and the stressors of daily life? Do you have a network of genuine friends? Do you have reservations to seeing Behavioral Health? Have you heard of the Vet Center? Called the Veterans Crisis Line? Taken someone directly to the ER?
I have just lost 2 more Brothers. Please think about this. Your decisions impact more than yourself. Stay Strong!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2017 11:55 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 23:55:55 -0500

I am so sorry about the loss of two more Brothers or fellow soldiers. Coping mechanism is to stay sober call Military One Source if you are active duty or Reserve component needing immediate help on suicide crisis hotline. People were drinking or substance abuse problems should have frequent meetings with Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous and have someone they could talk to to help them not go back to drinking or 2 drugs.

Response by SFC Joseph James made Jan 9 at 2017 1:19 AM

SFC Joseph James — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 01:19:52 -0500

My hope is that it never gets that bad. If it does, but talk to those I trust and love me. Friends and family. It helps.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2017 9:48 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 09:48:48 -0500

Last week I called the Crisis Line for a patient of mine. The local VA was running holiday hours and the number rang through to the national number. 5 phone calls later and several hours followed but we did transfer the patient to a voluntary psychiatric ward within the VA. Bottom line, it was understaffed and we waited on hold a lot, but it DID work.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Jan 9 at 2017 12:25 PM

PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 12:25:17 -0500

When I came home I went directly into the Fire Service so I went from one "Brotherhood" into another. At the time I had no idea that I had any problems, there were no outward manifestations. As my career in the Fire service went on I experienced a lot of things that added to what the NAVY gave me but the "Black Humor" around the station was always there to help bleed off the stress plus a good home life was also a wonderful stress reliever. unfortunately home eventualy went sour and I found myself out back with a hatchet chopping on downed trees to get rid of stress, Even though I had gone to classes to recognise PTSD in my brothers I never saw it in myself. I eventually messed up my back and had to get out of fighting fires and went into another part of Emergency Services and the "Brotherhood" was not as strong. Then one day our Senator held a Welcome Home Vietnam Vets celebration and I came face to face with something that turned outto me my LAND MINE. and I had my first and only full melt down. In front of my wife and about a hundred people it all came back. I was curled up against the wall on the floor in tears.

i thank GOD that a number of years before, I had realized that HE had been calling me and I became Ordained and became even closer to the Lord than I had ever been before. I went back to that "trigger" and between my Lord and I we faced it. My wife said there were a few women who backed away when they saw what I was doing but a few other Brothers stepped up and put their hands on my shoulder to give support as they knew what I was facing. With GOD's Strength and the support of my Brothers, I conquered that demon. Do I still have PTSD? Yes. Things will make me laugh uncontrollably or cry when I remember things in the past, but I can handle that. The VA does not recognize it because I am not depressed and have not gone up on the roof with the M1 yet but that is their problem. AS long as I have my GOD, and my Brothers and Sisters close by and I do because I am part of the American Legion and the 40 & 8, I can handle anything.

The point of my dissertation is this. There are support groups everywhere. All of you Active Duty people, do not forget that you are eligible for memberships in the Service Organizations. You do Not have to be out to join you Can be active. The American Legion, The 40 & 8, The VFW, The DAV, The AMVETS and the new ones for the Vets for the Sand Box veterans. They are great places to find a Support base!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2017 2:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:47:04 -0500

My wife and family helped out a lot along with some really good friends that were in the unit I was in (still good friends with them to this day). As far as Behavioral Health (BH) is concerned, it should never been seen as a weakness going and seeking help. I've been in the BH system for almost 12 years now and they have helped me through some tough times. What I think is the issue is getting people to understand is if you are hurting and need help, ask. Something I always tell my Soldiers is that I am my brothers keeper.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Jan 9 at 2017 2:50 PM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:50:07 -0500

There is always an out...it might not be what we want but it is there...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2017 7:27 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 07:27:17 -0500

I lost a Soldier in 2015 to this. He fought valiantly 'till finally the black dog won. My heart grieves to this day.