Support Along Your Mental Health Journey
Tonya:
When I first got out, I felt like mental health treatments were for older people, Vietnam era. And so, I didn't think that it would apply to me.
Lucinda:
I hadn't been in the jungle. I hadn't been in the desert. I mean, I knew something was wrong with me, but I have adamantly denied that I had PTSD.
Mike:
It'll go away or it won't be a difficult thing for me, but that really doesn't work. It's kind of a lie you tell yourself to make it seem like you're still in control of stuff, but you're really not.
Don:
Your first step is realizing there's something wrong.
Daniel:
I was very concerned that if I started just talking to somebody about my experiences, that they would tell other people or tell my command.
Mike:
You're very selective about who you talk to. That's why a lot of Veterans only talk to other Veterans who have experienced the same thing.
Lucinda:
If I was going to move forward, I needed to consult other people.
Jennifer:
I needed to stop pushing away and then go find the help that I needed.
Priscilla:
Just after I transitioned, was when I decided that I would use all the medical services available through the VA.
Jodie:
You harbor certain things inside you. You realize when you talk about them, that they're not as bad as you think they are.
Don:
You're going to be the one pushing forward and making the results, but you need somebody there to guide you and help you.
Leon:
You fought in the war. You were tough. All right, now you're out of it. You get tougher.
Veteran 1:
You have to make that step.
Daniel:
This is something I should have done much sooner.
Dave:
They're going to make your life better.
Tony:
People do care about you.
Susan:
Find out what's there for you.
Lucinda:
Do it right away.
