Posted on Jun 18, 2019
PVT Infantryman
11.3K
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I’m in the National Guard. I’ve been in for 2 years now. I know it’s only a few days a month and 2-4 weeks each summer. It’s nothing, I know. I was dealing with heavy depression before I enlisted but decided to enlist because I thought it would give me better direction in life and set me on a new path. It did the complete opposite. I am much worse now, and the depression has increased and now has reached suicidal thoughts. At this point, I would rather kill myself than be at this Annual training right now. I’ve had these suicide thoughts for about 6 months now and it’s getting worse.

I just found out I tore my meniscus, again. So now I will be needing my 3rd knee surgery when I get home. I had two knee surgeries prior to the Army. Now I will be needing my 3rd when I get home. All 3 on the same knee as well. I’m an 11b so knees are kind of important. I am just going to keep tearing shit in this knee and keep having to get surgeries as an 11b. I thought about trying to change my MOS to something easier on my knee, but people in my unit have told me it is impossible to change MOS’ till after your contract.

I feel trapped. I’m just stuck and I feel like my only way out of my shitty situation is suicide. I’m tired of feeling like this.
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Responses: 21
MSG Gary Eckert
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Edited 5 y ago
Immediately, go to the person located closest to you and tell them you are having thoughts about suicide. If they don't take action to get you to mental health go to the next closest person. Do not stop until someone has gotten you to the hospital or some other counseling facility. Your knees will be taken care of, at this point, they are not your top priority, getting to a mental health professional is.
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SSG Carlos Madden
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Hi Austin, please check out some of the resources out there to help. They're all free. http://support.rallypoint.com/customer/en/portal/articles/2826234-emergency-resources-and-support?b_id=4766
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SGT Matija Gubic
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You need to take time off from all training and comunicate with outreach program in your area.
Go get some bloods done and check your testosterone levels no joke.That was my issue for a while but I pushed through.
Remember when you only think of your self these thought come.Think of all the people who love you and would be hurt if you decided to juts waist your life.
Stay strong.Start looking into your family tree and find your true herritage which will make you mentally stronger.Connect with something that gives you hope.
Remove your self from all negativity and sin.
Get away from alchocol.
If you need to talk about it [login to see]
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