Do you struggle with depression or anxiety?

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 13:30:55 -0400

Does it affect your every-day life? Your relationships? Your career? Have you found strategies that help you cope?

Response by MSgt Jason McClish made Jul 10 at 2017 1:38 PM

MSgt Jason McClish — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 13:38:25 -0400

Yes, but I routinely seek help by talking to the First Sergeant or supervisor. Sometimes, I'll get off post counseling for awhile when I need it. I struggled with PTS for years until I reached a breaking point. I finally realized how I was tearing my family apart. I needed to be a better father for my kids and husband for my wife; they deserve it. So, I sought mental health on base and didn't give a crap about any potential stigma. Turns out there really wasn't any. That was years ago and I haven't looked back since. If you need help, please go get it; your life could be at stake!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 4:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 16:42:14 -0400

Does needing a live in nanny count... lol.. cause I could sure use one! I think that would eliminate a lot of issues I'm currently suffering from :/

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made Jul 10 at 2017 9:26 PM

LTC Peter Hartman — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 21:26:25 -0400

This is something the military simply has to do better at. I understand why they won't. The cost. It is cheaper to recruit more bodies.

Response by SrA Sheri Wooldridge made Jul 10 at 2017 11:04 PM

SrA Sheri Wooldridge — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 23:04:53 -0400

I have ptsd, anxiety, depression and panic disorder. I am a veteran. It all is so overwhelming. I dunno what to do sometimes.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Jul 11 at 2017 10:19 AM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 10:19:44 -0400

I have found that I have good days and bad. I have learned that the bad days will pass. As an officer in the Air Force returning from a high pressure deployment required someone to talk to in confidence. I was actually never given the support I personally needed to resolve events that occurred during deployments and at home while I was focused on my mission. I trusted no one and held it all in until I was medically retired with epilepsy. The higher the rank, the more you are expected to not experience depression or anxiety. Toxic Reserve command issues don't help. Gender differences are also apparent. Hopefully, now anyone can get help navigating mental health challenges without stigma, but I had to be tough and command, and never had the opportunity to understand my internal conflicts. Failed marriages, parenting challenges, career struggles and bridging the civilian/military life impacted my physical and mental health. I wish I had been able to trust someone consistently to coach me through those challenges. Hindsight is so amazing! I do talk now to a counselor at the VA. Returning to school and studying the experiences of other women veterans has helped me navigate my management of health issues. PatientLikeMe offered me a space to understand my epilepsy, depression and PTS symptoms.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 12 at 2017 3:33 PM

SSgt Holden M. — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 15:33:59 -0400

I have been diagnosed and it does to an extent. It's interesting at the point that I'm at now with having gone to weekly appointments for it at the VA since about March. Some days are better than others and some times it's hour by hour but luckily lately it has been pretty much some days are better than others. It has had an impact on my every-day. I get angry a lot quicker and I'm a lot more jumpy which really sucks and those two things have really been the biggest impact on my every day, my relationships, and my career. I have to be a lot more mindful of myself and how I'm doing which is a struggle sometimes.