How Have You Struggled?

the question is how do you stop the destruction of our veterans, answer stop violating the reason we served, died and suffered for the Freedom of the US Constitution, stop dumping your failures on us ans accept the fact that the VA has no interest in the veteran aside from getting funding, you do nothing you care nothing the VA is a insult to all veterans

I went to the VAMC originally for mental health services. I went for nearly a year. In that entire time I never saw the same shrink twice. Even tried group therapy. There was no professional in the group during group therapy. I've lived with depression most of my life I was in a really bad place for several years, went to the VA for help and got none. I had been going to the VAMC for over 20 years now minus the three years the VAMC wouldn't even let me in the building. All heard from everyone during those three years was "Studies show,.." Unlike the VA I actually looked up and read every study I could find going back to 2002. I can tell you "Studies don't show,.." Now that I am allowed back in the VAMC I don't hear from them. All I have is a VA issued MedTronic device and a Nurse that calls me once a week.

Fix the broken system. They made me have 2 major surgeries and closed my case even when they had all the information and I didn’t get paid for 10 months. Eviction, truck repossession, electric and water turned off. And they wonder why the suicide rate is so high.

I was just telling my friend today I need to look up and see what is new to take for people feeling like I do as my psych doctor is calling me tomorrow. I hate life right now I I really don't have a reason too. I don't want to anything. I can buy what I want. I just can't do what I want because of my pain all the time. I am just stuck in a bad place right now and don't know what the hell to do. I wish there was a magic pill but there is not. I am 61 years old and boy did I get old fast. After I went though 4 hard surgery's last year I feel like I have aged 20 years since. I didn't feel old until after last year. I have went though over 25 surgery's over the last 17 years and it has taken a toll on me now. I really don't know what the hell to do.....

I am lucky did not serve in action that bothered me. But would love to help my fellow veterans in anyway possible.

Good afternoon. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this on RP.

Here is an Idea. Why doesn't the VA actually fulfill their mandate of actually taking care of veterans. The VA treats us like thieves trying to steal something from them. We have to prove with out a doubt that the military messed us up. This country throws money at people that cross the border, but you have to fight tooth and nail to get 10% rating, because some lazy ass medic 20 years ago didn't write a 100 page novel detailing your injury. Someone sitting at a keyboard making decisions on someone else's life like they get a bonus for every penny they save. You could give every vet 50k a year just as start for less than we throw at Ukraine. I can't believe you actually asked this question. News flash this country treats it's veterans like trash to be thrown away.

I have battled with the drugs and booze during service and post service. AA/NA both worked. I became clean and sober in 1982. Still sober. I suffer from PTSD 100% disabled. To this day I take one day at a time. I can plan things for the future, but still have to look at one day at a time. Sometimes one moment at a time.

It depends because men and women face different challenges that lead to suicide.
For men it matters that we feel strong and have purpose. So we need a situation that provides us income that works with that. Supportive and skills based therapies can help. Men approach therapies through logic and thinking.
For women they need help to understand what they are feeling is completely normal, that their common humanity connects them to others. And they approach therapies through feelings.

For me personally, it was understanding that even though I have disabilities, I can still do things that improve my quality of life, and had to adapt to the changes. Therapy and mindfulness meditations are helpful, and I find I need to go back into that every few years to prevent myself from slipping.

Have a list of contacts to go down when you are having a bad time.
Have a hobby, I can't stress this enough, it is one of the 4 pillars that make for strong men. The others being family, religion or spirituality, and a job.
For women, it isn't about having a hobby, although that can help. Women need purpose just like men, although they approach it differently. Women have their pillars as Family, family, spirituality, and hobby. I'll say it again, family is central to womanhood. If you believe otherwise, you do you, but that's what is going to give most women purpose, and that fights off suicide, it also connects women to other women, which wards off loneliness.
Be able to distract yourself if you are having a bad time. Watching a show you have already seen, or listening to a song you already know can help.
Learn to recognize your quirks, and adapt. Leaving a situation and going for a walk can be handling things responsibly. Going and splashing water on your face can ground you.

On that note: Temperature can ground you. If it is cold outside, go stand outside. Or take a shower. Hold an ice cube.

Find what works for you.

I am in full time ministry and there is a spiritual battle that is going on and your only hope of finding healing is through Jesus Christ. The enemy wants you to take your life, because he’d win. If anyone wants to talk about this, call/text me [login to see] or email me [login to see] .