You never know who's words will lift you out of the desperation you are feeling.
In 2007, I had lost a job of 23 years. At the age of 57, they told me they didn't need me anymore and I had hit bottom. After 9 months, I found a service technician position for 1/3 of what I'd been making and my family was barely surviving. My anxiety level was constantly off the roof. I felt worthless and ashamed. To top of all of those feelings, I had just learned that my hours at the new job were being cut back.
One day, I was having an extra bad day when a customer came in (a man I'd worked with several times) and we got to talking while I was working on his unit. It didn't take long and I was telling him my feelings. We had quite a long discussion, talking about my Vietnam experience and everything else you could think of. When he was ready to leave the shop he asked me if I'd ever been evaluated for PTSD or been to the VA for a medical evaluation. When I told him I'd avoided the VA ever since leaving the Army he suggested I go to the ER at a VA medical center in our area if I continued feeling the way I was. He said he thought they would be most helpful in my situation. I felt so much better after speaking to him and I told him I would consider his recommendations. The thing is, he had all the right words when I needed to hear them. Other people had told me I needed to get help over the years but this man's kindness and caring had made the difference. A few days later, I woke up in the same state of mind and his words came back to me so I headed to the VA medical center's emergency room. I've heard all sorts of horror stories where the VA was concerned and didn't have much trust left in me - but I have to say that I was treated with respect and caring. That day made a huge difference in my life.
Please - Where ever you are - Who ever you are - If you are having feelings of worthlessness, or suicidal thoughts, please don't be afraid or ashamed to head to your nearest VA facility or hospital for help or pick up that phone and call the suicide hot line! It could make the difference in your life as it did in mine.
Called The Suicide Hotline Yesterday...
in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims
Posted
You never know who's words will lift you out of the desperation you are feeling.
In 2007, I had lost a job of 23 years. At the age of 57, they told me they didn't need me anymore and I had hit bottom. After 9 months, I found a service technician position for 1/3 of what I'd been making and my family was barely surviving. My anxiety level was constantly off the roof. I felt worthless and ashamed. To top of all of those feelings, I had just learned that my hours at the new job were being cut back.
One day, I was having an extra bad day when a customer came in (a man I'd worked with several times) and we got to talking while I was working on his unit. It didn't take long and I was telling him my feelings. We had quite a long discussion, talking about my Vietnam experience and everything else you could think of. When he was ready to leave the shop he asked me if I'd ever been evaluated for PTSD or been to the VA for a medical evaluation. When I told him I'd avoided the VA ever since leaving the Army he suggested I go to the ER at a VA medical center in our area if I continued feeling the way I was. He said he thought they would be most helpful in my situation. I felt so much better after speaking to him and I told him I would consider his recommendations. The thing is, he had all the right words when I needed to hear them. Other people had told me I needed to get help over the years but this man's kindness and caring had made the difference. A few days later, I woke up in the same state of mind and his words came back to me so I headed to the VA medical center's emergency room. I've heard all sorts of horror stories where the VA was concerned and didn't have much trust left in me - but I have to say that I was treated with respect and caring. That day made a huge difference in my life.
Please - Where ever you are - Who ever you are - If you are having feelings of worthlessness, or suicidal thoughts, please don't be afraid or ashamed to head to your nearest VA facility or hospital for help or pick up that phone and call the suicide hot line! It could make the difference in your life as it did in mine.