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At VA, we care about your health and well-being. We want to hear about times when you’ve struggled with your mental health or experienced thoughts of suicide and how you managed or received support.
What has worked best for you?
What methods/steps have you taken to bring positive change in your life?
Which services provided the best / most desired outcomes for your needs?
We expect to learn from you and will try to help you where we can. We also believe Veterans, families, and caregivers sharing their struggles in forums like RallyPoint can make it easier for others to share and get help.
If you need help now, dial 988, option 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
If you are not yet receiving benefits or care for VA and want to see if you qualify:
Visit https://rly.pt/VAHealthCareEligibility or call [login to see] (TTY: 711).
What has worked best for you?
What methods/steps have you taken to bring positive change in your life?
Which services provided the best / most desired outcomes for your needs?
We expect to learn from you and will try to help you where we can. We also believe Veterans, families, and caregivers sharing their struggles in forums like RallyPoint can make it easier for others to share and get help.
If you need help now, dial 988, option 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
If you are not yet receiving benefits or care for VA and want to see if you qualify:
Visit https://rly.pt/VAHealthCareEligibility or call [login to see] (TTY: 711).
Mental Health
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Suicide
Edited 1 y ago
Posted 1 y ago
Responses: 135
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You mean publicaly put into print the dark thoughts, the reasons, the plans? That is the extent of what I choose to say today,. I have been in darkness and in light. During the darkest times, I didn’t even get the flashlight out. It was pitch black. But I’m still here,
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TSgt (Join to see)
Absolutely get it out! I'm happy you're still here! I think many veterans, self-included, have found ourselves in the dark. We've got to get rid of the stigma behind seeking help.
I know that not everyone will believe as I believe, that's okay. I say that to share my next point. As a Christian, about a year or two ago, I have felt called into Mental Health/Life Coaching and Counseling. I launched a Coaching business (Shepherding Hope, LLC) and I'm 56% done with my master's degree. In all this, Galatians 6:2 has been put on my heart. It has become my life verse, which is to "Bear one another's burden, and so, fulfill the law of Christ."
I'm assuming this is a book you've written. If you wouldn't mind sharing, what is the title of it and where can one get a copy of it?
I know that not everyone will believe as I believe, that's okay. I say that to share my next point. As a Christian, about a year or two ago, I have felt called into Mental Health/Life Coaching and Counseling. I launched a Coaching business (Shepherding Hope, LLC) and I'm 56% done with my master's degree. In all this, Galatians 6:2 has been put on my heart. It has become my life verse, which is to "Bear one another's burden, and so, fulfill the law of Christ."
I'm assuming this is a book you've written. If you wouldn't mind sharing, what is the title of it and where can one get a copy of it?
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CPT Daniel Helix
Great comment, totally agree. And much of PTSD can be the result in a false guilt, with the assumption you could have controlled things. We need to remember that there are only three things in life we CANNOT control: Other people, other places and other things. This leaves only yourself and your responses. To TSgt Billy G.s point Romans 8:1 & 2 speaks to our freedom in Christ, and Micah 6:8 tells us what to do next. Blessings to you all and I so proud to count myself among you.
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The first thing I did to start working on my demons was to stop drinking and drugging. And boy did they really come alive then. But that was over 33 years ago and I'm still clean and sober with my demons in check. The main thing that helped me was AA meetings, getting a Sponsor and working the Steps. Of course, that's not for everybody. And then there's NA also. It takes what it takes.
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SPC Matt McNally
This is a tricky way of getting me involved with this! I thought this was an article about struggles and come to find out there’s a built in support group attached to the end! hooyah! I’ve been sober 6 years going on 7!
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Sgt Sheri Lynn
May we all stay clean and sober… congrats all, and prayers for those still suffering. SPC Matt McNally TSgt (Join to see) PO3 Edward Riddle PO1 Guy Lewis
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PO3 Edward Riddle
Sgt Sheri Lynn - Roger your last transmission Brother (I think. By not seeing a name, I have no idea). One Day At A Time!!! Get a sponsor. Work the steps. Trust GOD.
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PO3 Edward Riddle
Sgt Sheri Lynn - Sister Sheri, I don't know why I thought you were a he when I sent this last post. I have no doubts whatsoever that you are 100% girl (Woman).
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When Northwest Battle Buddies gifted me a service dog it saved my life. My dog Millie, gave me a reason to live where none existed.
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CPT David Gowel
I've also had a very positive experience in getting a dog. Not even a service animal and she's made a big difference.
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Sgt Sheri Lynn
We got two shelter cats… they changed the entire energy of the whole house for the better!
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