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Command Post What is this?
Posted on Aug 13, 2019
Nichole Ayres
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SGT Ben Keen
57
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For me, I didn't get help right away because I was fearful of being labeled. But one I started getting help things started to get better. It's still a struggle, some good days, some bad days but I'm still pushing.
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SGT James Perander
SGT James Perander
5 y
And you wonder why vet commit suicide and become homeless because they don’t give a shit.
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PO2 David Allender
PO2 David Allender
5 y
SGT James Perander - They never got the help they deserved to get from a good Psychologist. Like me, they are ashamed to get help, after all they are a grown man who is suppose to be able t o help himself. BULL! Go get help. Do not be shamed to seek help before it destroys you.
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SGT James Perander
SGT James Perander
5 y
Two faced doctors in Lakewood tell me something I don’t know, I’ve been going there for for 20 damn yrs and I’m worse today when I got out Lakewood sucks there only in it for the paycheck
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SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D
SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D
>1 y
Outstanding points!!!!!!
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SPC Nancy Greene
51
51
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Excellent post. I think that’s part of the reason I became a therapist instead of a lawyer. I wanted to help as many people as I could and I am still trying to be there for anyone in need. Asking for help does NOT mean you are weak! I think it actually means you’re strong and have the courage to admit you can’t do this alone!
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CPL Linda B.
CPL Linda B.
>1 y
Thank you for all the support that you give and may God bless you and give you strength and wisdom for the year to come
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SPC Nancy Greene
SPC Nancy Greene
>1 y
CPL Linda B. Is hank You My Sister. I provided excellent n-home therapy to Marine Corps families at Cameron LeJeune, NRAS, & Cherry Point. Loved my job and the Pride of the USMC! Let bed leaving Bas at sundown... when “Taps” played, Everyone stopped, got out of their cars and Saluted or hand over heart until flag was down and folded! Awesome traditions!
Not to mention, 2nd Force Recon Marines are Buff’! You definitely knew when spring arrived... great bodies are n green shorts without shirts running All Over Base!
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SPC Nancy Greene
SPC Nancy Greene
>1 y
PFC Donnie Harold Harris I definitely enjoyed provided my students n-home services to Marine Corps families.
Play Mornings msg with parents and children were lots of Fun when Marines joined in(think they had more fun than the children!
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SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D
SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D
>1 y
Absolutely great post! I applaud you and your insightful way of thinking.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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Edited >1 y ago
Reasons why I didn't seek help (until much, much later) -
- Security clearance
- Anyone who says that there isn't a stigma for seeking help - or even needing it - is a damn liar. Yes there is. That decision has real consequences, and that is why many suffer in silence. Sometimes until it is too late.
- I immersed myself in my work. Keeping busy was a better form of medication than some other options. The family paid for it, though.
- Is it a crisis, or a really shitty day? Lots of shitty days. But you push through it, knowing that those emotions pass.
At the end of the day, I was alive, and some good men were not. And I felt like I could have done this or that differently and had a better outcome. It was fool's gold. If only this or that...
Well it didn't go that way. I did what I could, got shot for my trouble, and burned terribly enough I see it every time I look in the mirror. There is nothing quite like burning, except thinking if you could have burned a little more, maybe Rob or Mike would have gone home to their families not in a box. Instead, I got medals for being, frankly, more on the ball than the rest on that day.
Eventually, you figure out that you can't change what happened, especially not retroactively. You can't relive the past forever, because other people need you today,
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Max Ross
Max Ross
>1 y
Great, Frank and realistic feedback, much appreciated! If I may ask about the last paragraph, I'd be curious as to what contributed to your "eventually" figuring it out. This experience would contribute greatly in allowing us to practice in ways which may work for many others.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
Max Ross - It was a couple of things. I went fishing. Something about man vs fish - even if the fish don't decide to bite - is peaceful. It helped put things in perspective.
My youngest son, seven years old today, was a toddler then. He is autistic, but mildly so. He would look up at me, and smile. He trusted me to give him everything he needed - to love him and teach him what to do. Even today, he seems to know when daddy needs a little time with him. I feel like if I can make a difference with my little man, and with my Soldiers, that it will make the world a little bit better, and maybe make up a bit for when I wasn't quite good enough, It is a debt that can't be repaid, but I try every day anyway.
It gives back some of what I lost back in 2004. Task, purpose, and direction.
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SFC Michael D.
SFC Michael D.
>1 y
Hooah 1SG.
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Nichole Ayres
Nichole Ayres
>1 y
I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences. And it is absolutely true there is stigma around mental health. So much it is a real barrier to care which had lead to real consequences both when people do and do not reach out for help. I have found guilt can also be a barrier. My best friend and others I have worked with say very similar things... they should be here not me. Or often people talk about their experience being less worthy of getting help than others because the wounds are less visible. I really liked what you said about not being able to relieve the past forever because people need you today. That is so true for many people. Also 'healing' cannot be one size fits all so my profession also needs to take consideration of the value in having purpose, getting outdoors, using your hands or something like fishing as you mentioned. Thank you so much for your insights.
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