How does one recover after they have fallen through the cracks?

2021-11-11T18:08:11-05:00

Good friends I thought I had made while in service have mostly gone in their own way some were taken by suicide others by COVID. The loneliness is real, and I don't have anywhere to reach out?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2021 6:25 PM

2021-11-11T18:25:05-05:00

Preacher....Vet Center Behavioral Health Specialists....VA Therapist....they are out there. Just have to look.

Response by PFC David Foster made Nov 11 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-11-11T22:58:53-05:00

[login to see] That is the number for the Veteran Emergency Help Line, you can call them anytime...It doesn't even have to be a big emergency, just being lonely is enough. They can introduce you to different kinds of groups and things... I called it and got my life turned around just over a year ago.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Nov 11 at 2021 11:36 PM

2021-11-11T23:36:06-05:00

Recommend you apply for Veterans Benefits and at minimum enter into counseling, psychotherapy, etc.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Nov 11 at 2021 11:50 PM

2021-11-11T23:50:27-05:00

[login to see]
Call this number now.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2021 9:57 AM

2021-11-12T09:57:11-05:00

The VA phone number has already been mentioned. Here on RP you can use the search line to find(maybe, with a high probability) your old units and duty stations and see who else has also checked in from them, then reconnect, Try really hard to not self medicate, as usually all that does is put a depressive chemical in your system. Your MOS indicates experience in a technical field, there are resources online to get that military training converted to civilian equivalency. Finding a job might entail moving away from Phenix. Had I been asked 30 years ago where I'd be now, the answer back then, would not be the reality now. The number 1 thing is You have to believe in You, the Creator didn't make junk.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Nov 13 at 2021 3:03 PM

2021-11-13T15:03:06-05:00

Turn to God It really helps.

Response by SGT Robert Pruner made Nov 14 at 2021 9:12 AM

2021-11-14T09:12:53-05:00

SGT baker, look up, see the light above them cracks? Scratch your way to the light above the dark, naysayers, believe in what the light above has instore for you. i believe that you have the strength in you to outlast them all. Im the last of a generation, have buried most all my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. You, as I, need to stay awake, to remember them, honor them. pray you are well.

Response by SGT Robert Pruner made Dec 21 at 2021 11:57 PM

2021-12-21T23:57:06-05:00

im so sad that i havent answered you. when i ets, my mind, my soul, was lost. my bad choices put me into 18 months of lock down. yes, jail. thats when i understood i had a disease of the spirit, lack of one at all. by making myself become active in my surroundings, i found peace. i found purpose. i'm only as lonely as i allow myself to be. i pray you are well today. nationalovercomersnetwork.org ,awesome people, its new and growing. check it out.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 19 at 2022 11:38 PM

2022-05-19T23:38:12-04:00

Thank you my friend SGT Princesse Baker for letting us know that many of your military service veteran friends have died by suicide or else as result of COVID.
1. I have dealt with clinical depression for decades and yet I have not committed suicide and don't intend to. Clinical depression is a mental health disease.
2. My wife and I and the two adult sons who live with us as we care for my 99-year-old mother-in-law each had COVID this past January and survived.
3. I know many who committed suicide and some I helped counsel who survived. Many have died from COVID complications and I know many more who survived - including any VAMC nurses at my primary care VAMC, Martinsburg, WV

4. Feel free to reach out anybody who responded to your post.
I hope and pray that you will make friends with some trustworthy individuals who will stick with you through this dark season of your life.

5. I am posting the link to my friend CW4 Clifford Bauman weekly post on coping with PTSD, etc.
The Motivation topic group is one of the groups that may post useful information for you.

6. As expected many friends have shared their experience and helpful phone numbers PFC David Foster or sources to reach out to MSG Private RallyPoint Member SGT Private RallyPoint Member SPC Lyle Montgomery
FYI CW4 Private RallyPoint Member
https://www.rallypoint.com/status-updates/7679966?urlhash=7682374

Since you live in Columbus, GA acroos the river from Pheaniz City, Alabama you may know local sources of help for Princesse Baker: LTC Lawrence Hoffman SGT Tamara Triplett

FYI SPC Nancy Greene PO3 Phyllis Maynard MSgt Stephen Council

This Tuesday @8pm EDT the Mental Health Warrior episode 17 has a true warrior in the house....

This Tuesday @8pm EDT the Mental Health Warrior episode 17 has a true warrior in the house. Anthony Ferro is a 2x Combat vet and Marine Sgt. We talk about his struggles with PTSD after getting out of the marines and then going on to become a successful business owner and a 2nd degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, 7-0 MMA record and Multi IBJJF medalist.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made May 20 at 2022 12:20 AM

2022-05-20T00:20:27-04:00

SGT., You Are Not Alone. This group and many others are here to support each other in anyway possible. I always turn my issues over to God In Prayers First then reach out to Family (Veterans) and close Friends. May God Bless You Always and give the Comfort and Reassurance You are Looking For. Respectfully, Doc

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2022 2:46 AM

2022-05-20T02:46:47-04:00

Realize that religious groups/organizations prey on folks in your position. Don't feel like you need religion or a deity. There are plenty of secular organizations.

https://www.seculartherapy.org/

Secular Therapy Project