I did 4 years and was discharged for schizophrenia and depressive disorder after 2 tours of duty overseas. Just wondering if anyone else has gotten out since the war and how they are coping with life now. Mine is not that great.
2007-02-11 04:53:04 · 7 answers · asked by lvillejj 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder after serving for 9 years. I spent a lot of time in the Middle East and in Korea. I wanted to do what my country asked of me, and went wherever they wanted me to go. For me, the price was high, but worth it. When I look at everything this country has done for my family, not just for me, but for the overall family for what I took the past 100 years, it was worth it. My family fought in WW I, WW II, Korea, Viet Nam, and the first Gulf War. We lost no one. The total losses in the family was a single messed up person. My thought on the whole thing is that it was worth it.
I know it isn't much in ways of advice, however, look at your family. Look at how they live. Look at how they live compared to places you have been. Look at what opportunites they have versus the opportunities the people who live where you have served have. If you expand your thoughts beyond your situation and look towards the larger part of your family, those who you know and love, and who love you, it may make it a bit easier. It has for me.
I agree with the poster below me. Use the VA. We all have earned it.
2007-02-11 05:01:00 · answer #1 · answered by Jam_Til_Impact 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say you served four years in the military. How can you call yourself a "wash out" ? You served your country as best you, could which is a lot more than many others have done. I have been out of the Marines for thirty some years (Viet Nam) and still have trouble coping. In fact, it gets harder everyday. The VA has been a great help. Go to a local Vet Center! They may send you to a regular VA clinic or hospital for medication, but the people at the Centers are trained to help people like us in a different environment. Work with them, they can help. Their treatment has changed for the better over the years. Twenty years ago I worked for the VA and I couldn't believe how some of us were treated. Their solution was to drug you until you didn't complain any more. Today it's a lot different. I can't forget where I've been or what I did, but now I understand why I am the way and why I feel the way I feel today. Thanks to them I am able to keep the job I've had for twenty years and maintain my home. A year or so ago I was about to "lose it". I hit the wall as they say. I went to a civillian shrink and I was told to go to the Vet Center because they specialize in cases like me. I wasn't even aware or wouldn't admit something that long ago could cause me problems today. I found out I was wrong. Everyday is still a battle, but at least I am learning how to keep things togather. I still have no social life and every relationship is sure to be self destructive. (I can't let anyone get close to me.) But I'm working on it every minute. It's not easy,but it can be done. I can do it and you can too. Seek help. Listen to others. And work like hell !
2007-02-11 18:06:03 · answer #2 · answered by blindogben 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to the VA for help. By serving, you earned the right to have medical care provided for you. I served almost 15 years and it is our right. We earned it and we can use it. There are plenty of resources out there if the VA is not an option. Look at local universities and check with their psychology/psychiatry department. See if they have programs to benefit you, free of charge, while the students get practical experience towards working for their degree.
2007-02-11 13:30:44 · answer #3 · answered by EB 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't call myself a wash out. But I served 6 and I have a TBI and PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder.
2007-02-12 04:57:52 · answer #4 · answered by amoritaspice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I commend you and the rest of the fine Men and Women who have served and helped protect our country. I served during peace time, but am now here as a Civilian Contractor. As the other people have mention, please contact your local VA clinic for help. We don't need to lose any more great people as yourself. God Bless.
2007-02-11 19:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by John W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I respect you. I cannot begin to imagine going into the military and NOT coming out affected mentally. I hope life gets better for you, and I wish you the very best.
2007-02-11 12:57:19 · answer #6 · answered by Daaang! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope.....I got a commendation medal.....but no washout.
2007-02-11 12:57:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋