Posted on Mar 17, 2014
Could we use RallyPoint as a conduit for an anti stigma campaign?
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A lot of our Troops and Veterans are suffering needlessly because of the stigma associated with mental health, substance abuse and homeless issues. With education and the right attitude we can stamp out this stigma and help bring a lot of these men and women home to a higher quality of life. Suicide is a permanent fix to a temporary situation. A wise Veteran once told me that and it's still true today. We don't have to be alone with all the resources we have today and no Veteran should ever go hungry or homeless. Thanks for your service and welcome home.
Stigma
Homeless
Substance Use
Suicide
Mental Health
Posted >1 y ago
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It sure can't hurt. There is a vast cadre of veterans and retired military folks in our country who can be motivated to take this on, especially retirees as they have access to where members are on base/post.
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*campaign
It is a good thought, however, not many concern themselves with issues they aren't facing. Though it can end up being any one of us, it is easier to turn a blind eye and pretend it doesn't exist. I agree with you. I apologize if I sound bitter, but I have reached out to several organizations to help combat some of these, and they all seem resistant. Many of these organizations are frauds (and disappointingly so, as one I was a regular contributor to is involved in major shenanigans and doesn't really help veterans). It is a business and if it doesn't make money, no one cares, even if the result is human loss and suffering.
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SPC Michael Hunt
Isolation, withdrawl and being alone are some of the symptoms I had with depression and PTSD, until I went to the VA. It's a process and many Veterans never take the first step of asking for help, because they are afraid of what others may think of them. It's good that you were there for them.
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A1C Joe Metcalf
Well I went to the VAHUD and after 3 months of just trying to get the Civilian side to work with me .. i had enough.. The VA has helped me, & been very kind , when I was hit with PTSD, or should i say it hit me after 18 years .. But my biggest issue is follow up, we are finally getting a VA Clinic here in my area, I could not afford to drive to get help. And my town is not very VA friendly .. i get use to a Doctor and they change, I have one that has no Idea what PTSD is .. How are we to get help when the some of the Doctors have no Idea what is wrong .. One even asked me " how in the hell im to know" (all i could think of , test maybe?) .. bad day maybe, but bad taste. i'm not saying one way or the other, but that was my experience..
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
AIC Metcalf,
Keep trying. In the meanwhile, please get a good support network. If you need me, feel free to message. From what I hear, dealing with the VA is enough to give you PTS if you don't already have it. Best of luck to you and I hope things turn around. Unfortunately, your case sounds way too familiar. The only difference is that many I know haven't even been able to make it in that far, yet. Please tell me it didn't take those 18 years to get in the system.
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A1C Joe Metcalf
No it didn't I started in the system early after i discharged.. The VA blew me off , I never went back.. April 2008, it hit me, and I never knew Until October 13, 2012. I had been building up according to one of my Doctors.. But I was a constructive breakdown, .. I did the opposite , i started to reeducate myself , instead of totally melting down between 08 and 12.. But in 12, i had to go, i blacked out , and total meltdown.
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