Page 395 - Total War on PTSD

tough one. I think it's safe to say that no Veteran is looking for a handout. We're not out there searching for handouts or thinking we're entitled to anything. It's just really tough because in the military, you're doing something that's so outside of most people's comprehension. I went from the closest bonds that I'd ever had in my life to civilian society where I didn't know where to turn. Brothers and sisters in and out of the community make the volunteer's choice to commit themselves to defense of our nation. It can also be a bad thing where you're constantly defined by the term "hero." Heroes don't typically get help and that can be detrimental to Veterans as a community. It's okay to ask for help.
When you get out of the military society kind of makes you feel bad or like you're different if you have a PTSD diagnosis. When you get out you're surrounded by people who don't know that kind of loyalty. The question then becomes, "Will I ever have bonds like I did while I was serving?" Having the assets that we have now is massive and it really helps with the trauma. As a Veteran, you just need to take that step to get off the couch and find those options. There are so many non-profits out there looking to help us know. It's okay to admit that you're not happy with where you're at. Our organization is really about helping bring Veterans out of their shell and teaching them a lifelong skill that will change their outlook forever. If it's not ours, then it could be another organization, but there are people out there trying to help you. Troublesome times will come no matter what in life, but being able to fully dive into something is what having an outlet is all about.
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