My Battle with PTSD: How Community and Service Changed My Life

2023-06-21T07:52:56-04:00

When I left the Marine Corps in 2008, I suddenly lacked the clear purpose I had while on active duty. I didn’t have a task or a mission, and the unwelcoming job market didn’t help. Like many veterans, I didn’t recognize that many of the feelings and symptoms I was experiencing weren’t normal. I drank a lot, but I didn’t attribute my drinking to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At the time it was more a lifestyle and a tool to numb my nightmares, anxiety, and depression.

For years after leaving active duty, my symptoms continued to build. At some points, my brain stopped processing coherent and rational thoughts and I would mentally check out (sometimes for weeks). In those periods, my alcohol use went uncontrolled. When I found myself constantly crying in private, and simultaneously needing two hands to count the holes I had repaired in the drywall after outbursts, I knew I was dealing with a larger issue. I realized my substance abuse was merely a coping mechanism I had put in place instead of facing my PTSD.

As we approach PTSD Awareness Day, I want to share some strategies that have been critical for my recovery and healing. Through professional help and the unfailing support of my wife, I’ve been able to identify my major stressors and create action plans to deal with them preemptively. I’ve developed new skills and methods for coming down from stress before I am triggered. Task lists and schedules help me focus on being low-stress and present with my family, work, and even have a social life.

Networking with veteran groups and establishing peer-to-peer support - finding community - is the resource that has helped me the most. When I first connected with Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) https://rly.pt/TMFptsd , I was still in the beginning of my journey addressing PTSD. I participated in an Expedition in 2021, traveling to Puerto Rico to rebuild homes for families in need alongside other veterans and families of the fallen. It was a game changer for me. I found that giving myself to service again like I did in the Marine Corps was incredibly rewarding; it helped shrink the darkness I felt inside.

Since then, I have participated in numerous service projects and trained to serve as a Mentor to youth with TMF. I’ve pushed myself physically with the TMF community, and have found a group of veterans and families of the fallen that truly understand what I am going through. Finding that connectedness has empowered me in so many ways.

Dealing with PTSD reminds me of getting through boot camp, in a way. Parris island felt so isolating at times, just like my PTSD. It was easy to feel alone and it was so hard to make it through. To succeed there, it took building relationships with your platoon. To my fellow veterans, there are two things you can start doing today to find a way off your own island - find new opportunities to serve and find a way to connect with people who encourage and empower you.

Finding your community and peer-to-peer support will help with not only the symptoms you know are tied to PTSD, but it will also help with other little things that don’t seem quite “right.” With TMF, I found peers that help me recognize when I am avoiding the work, peers who hold me accountable, people that give me a safe space to fail and try again. Healing isn’t linear, but you have to keep changing your environment until you’re off that island.

To learn more about my story, my battle with PTSD and how I found my way out, click here: https://rly.pt/tmfvideo

Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 21 at 2023 7:59 AM

2023-06-21T07:59:42-04:00

Finding community- a tribe to replace the family we lose when we depart the service is key to mental health for us former warriors. Glad you found yours!

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Jun 21 at 2023 11:43 AM

2023-06-21T11:43:52-04:00

A life lived well is one which benefits others!
Rich

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jun 23 at 2023 2:45 PM

2023-06-23T14:45:05-04:00

Cpl Chuck Segel i also found volunteering in my community helpful. Alcoholism runs in my family but the medications I take for my life threading illness don’t make drinking a choice, thank you for sharing your story and how it impacts others by giving back.

Response by Cadet 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2023 7:01 AM

2023-06-26T07:01:01-04:00

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Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2023 1:15 AM

2023-06-29T01:15:47-04:00

Cpl Chuck Segel worked for me...

Response by SP6 Joseph Brown Jr made Jun 29 at 2023 1:05 PM

2023-06-29T13:05:33-04:00

Let me make a statement about the VA & PTSD. The VA In Alabama don't give a crap about you.
I filed twice for PTSD!! both times I was shot down, was told to have a Service member that was in the Army with to back up your case. The second I tried The VA Examiner stated that I was
"nothing but a Drunk"!! and I don't even drink. Went to the VA two weeks ago for my hearing, signed in. I saw this Va rep sitting at his Desk, so I asked him if he could help me with what had happen to me with my past claim. well guess what after the hearing exam he took me up stairs to "Mental Health!! Now what do you think about the Alabama VA?? I have sent a Letter to my Senator to see what He can Do.
Thank You
Joseph Brown Jr
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Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jun 29 at 2023 5:28 PM

2023-06-29T17:28:29-04:00

Good afternoon Cpl Chuck Segel. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this Brother Chuck.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 30 at 2023 11:46 PM

2023-06-30T23:46:00-04:00

I want to put out there. I have helped many people with PTSD on my time and dime. I use a commonsense approach.

Response by 1stSgt Michael Shafer made Jul 1 at 2023 12:58 AM

2023-07-01T00:58:31-04:00

I am very excited to see you have found a purpose Devil Dog, you must never forget you are such a valuable asset to our society and a model to younger recently discharged military members. I retired after 22 years active duty and battle daily with PTSD, I am fortunate to have never had a substance abuse issue but I did have anger issues. Thanks to a strong friend, lover and wife I addressed this beast with a VA psychologist. While I have a daily battle with our friend that just won't let go, I don't have the major anger issues. Seeking help from a counselor or psychiatrist is not a bad thing. Happy and safe 4th of July! I can't watch live fireworks, you probably can't either, to me seeing them on TV is better as we can turn the channel any time. Peace and thank you for your service, God bless you and your loved ones!

Response by SrA Shannon H. made Jul 3 at 2023 12:13 PM

2023-07-03T12:13:26-04:00

May I print your story and use on our bulletin board at Wright State University's Veteran and Military Center?
Thanks
-Shannon Hansen
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Response by SSgt Xavier Smith made Jul 8 at 2023 7:30 PM

2023-07-08T19:30:00-04:00

This is good stuff. and thank you for sharing! I recall Zig Ziglar saying "You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

Looks like you are a perfect example of that!
You go!

Response by SP5 John Cox made Jul 11 at 2023 12:35 PM

2023-07-11T12:35:38-04:00

Chuck, thanks for your service in the USMC and your self disclosures here. Rememberthe 12 Step slogan, "You're as sick as your secrets?" Well, letting others know about your vulnerabilities (your secrets) is an indicator of your mental health and your strenght. For these attributes, we commend you, we support you, and we stand with you.

Response by SPC Zoe Jane Halo made Aug 11 at 2023 9:51 AM

2023-08-11T09:51:39-04:00

I cannot stress this enough. You haven’t find a tribe to serve or a cause to serve. Otherwise things can get out of hand really fast. This is why it’s so easy for white nationalist groups to pick up newly separated vets. They promise camaraderie, and a purpose. Never mind that they have a goal that is counter to our oaths. Volunteer work, hobby groups, support groups. They’re all good things though.