While I was serving in Iraq I lost both my parents in a car accident. A few weeks later I was injured in a IED explosion which almost crippled me. I spent the next 6 months in a hospital bed in Germany learning how to walk again. After I was medically discharged I returned home to empty house with no parents. I spent the following months trying to find a job, organize my parents finances, and deal with my physical disability. I still have nightmares from Iraq and sleep only 3 or 4 hours a night. Since I have no relatives or siblings I have been forced to deal with my situation alone. I've become distant from my friends and find myself suffering from depression. However, I take one day at a time, that's all I can ask. I want to get help with my depression, but the counseling offices at V.A. are overwhelmed and it will be months before my next appointment. I can't afford see someone on my own...what can I do? I don't usually like asking for help, but right now I'm at a loss.
2006-12-30 18:22:27 · 5 answers · asked by Sarge 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
i'm sorry to hear that. i would say that you should journal. journalling helps me when i'm depressed. ideally you should see someone professional, but financially if you cannot afford that, wait for the counselling office to free up. i get depressed sometimes too. i have a family and everything but i have been through other things. i have dealt mostly things on my own. its hard. if you have trouble sleeping, take benadryl or get a prescription for vallium. i've been on vallium for 6 months. i became dependent on it, so try not to use for more than 2 months. i hope i helped you. try enrolling in a local community college for 2 units or something in a creative writing class. writing helps me free my emotions. then you can use the counselors in the community college...i don't know what else to say other than that i wish you well. happy new years...try to think of 1 thing that makes you happy? i've lost alot of friends...i thought were my friends recently. try to meet other people...a coffee shop, maybe taking that class at the community college, a local bookstore. you can meet people, but its hard to talk to complete strangers unless you have a common purpose ie class or happen to find a connection. good luck.
2006-12-30 18:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by kowalley 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This may sound a little off the wall but I would pay a visit to your local VFW. I say that because many of those people are contected and care about servicemen/women and will help you.
I commute over an hour to work everyday. Most days I see a VFW van making that same commute to haul guys down to the VA hospital in the area. If they didn't care they wouldn't be on the road at 0'dark thirty to get those guys down to the hospital. Also, many of those guys can relate to what you are going through, maybe not the full extent because you have lost so much, but the combat part.
To be honest I used to think the VFW was just a bar for veterans but after having been overeseas myself and seeing that same VFW van most everyday I have changed my opinion.
2006-12-31 02:31:12 · answer #2 · answered by k3s793 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sarge, we've had a lot of vets come home to no home. But there is always one group of people who you never have to worry about criticism or ridicule, who will never talk down to you and who completely understands the meaning of hardship. I don't know what branch you were in, but that's irrelevant. A vet is a vet no matter what color his uniform is. And it's been my experience that other vets are the only people who have the slightest understanding when it comes time to really "talk". I dont know you, but you're not alone. The VA is a great organization, but they are often overwhelmed. Another option is (this might sound minor) just having one GOOD friend who will listen. The only thing I can say is dont turn to the bottle or some other substitute. You'll get through it. All Warriors do. Keep drivin' on.
2006-12-31 02:45:17 · answer #3 · answered by JmpMstr 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Count your blessings. Concentrating on how crappy life has been treating you will just continue that depressive state. Focus and rework your worldview around the positive things in your life. Try breathing-based meditation, it really truly works wonders. If you're willing, I also suggest moderate occasional cannabis consumption. I used to be depressed, and many times I had the revolver loaded and sitting next to me, and I was just waiting for that last straw to break. Focusing on the good in my life, meditating, and getting a little stoned every now and then really helped me, and I hope one day you can find the same peace I have. Good luck and peace be upon your soul :)
2006-12-31 02:32:19 · answer #4 · answered by eatmorec11h17no3 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one can understand your grief or hardship, some time will have to go by before you can finish with the grieving process. I hope you resolve your problems, find a friend in the same platoon who ets that you can talk to
2007-01-01 16:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by usamedic420 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋