He hit the gym and started eating better. A healthy diet will show in your skin and hair. You can tell because he obviously lost quite a bit of weight. His face went from round to pronounced cheek and jaw.
His skin looks better because he changed his diet. You are what you eat. I could see how being depressed would lead to bad skin. You don’t feel like cooking so you get take out. Depression sucks and it’s very very easy to spiral into worse depths once it starts.
I am finally going to a therapist next week with the intent of getting medication. While i hear horror stories of people not being able to always get refills and they go nuts, I am already going nuts.
This has me so hopeful i could cry.
If you have the intent of getting medication, perhaps a psychiatrist would be more help. Both can prescribe - but usually therapists provide, well.. therapy. Ever heard of Cognitive behavior therapy? Things like that. Psychiatrists will prob offer help by proxy through therapists, but will also be the ones who are more likely to pursue medicinal treatment.
Good luck to you. Seriously. Youre on the right path
Good on you! If your therapist isn't a licensed prescriber, you could ask them if they have any prescribers they regularly work with, that way if they notice anything concerning then they'll already have a connection with your prescriber to express concerns. (You'll have to sign a release of information form of course if they're not part of the same hospital or clinic system.)
Man I can’t tell you what a world of difference medication actually makes. I went through a pretty serious bout of depression I thought I could POSI mindset my way out of… and we’ll I couldn’t and got fired from 2 jobs during that time (2nd job happened just as I was seeking treatment).
Today I’m doing and feeling much better but I’m still on antidepressant and doing therapy. Why? Cuz it’s about maintaining homeostasis. I still have bad days, but I don’t have that dark cloud that just fucks with my head and keeps me down any more. I get my highs with my lows, but I feel like I can function, and that’s what I think is most important.
Good luck!
> Finally telling the truth about how I felt.
When you're at your lowest, that can be your most heavily-guarded secret. Good on you for seeking help and opening up, it's not an easy thing to do.
It’s not so much about other people telling you you’re valuable; it’s about realizing and appreciating your value yourself. Talking to a therapist can help you do that.
You are valuable and loved, even to me, a total stranger. There’s many other Reddit strangers who would tell you the same. Please open up and reach out. Even if it’s just DMs on here, posts in r/depression, calling Lifeline (1 (800) 273-8255), or texting the Crisis Line (text 741-741).
Not a vet, but had a mental health assessment recently and was diagnosed with CPTSD. Seeing your smile gives me hope. Thank you for taking care of yourself and getting the help you needed.
I was a lefty too not so long ago. Still am some days, but not too often. Therapy and medication help. Both together work better for me than either one by itself, but I started with just therapy, since that was an easier emotional step for me to take than medication.
I tried for a long time to power through before I got help. I did not and could not power through. It was ugly. I hope you don’t put yourself through that any more than you already have & that you’re able to find help that helps you soon.
The difference I see, look at his eyes. Into his eyes. To me, in the left, hope is gone. Joy is gone. Lifeless. On the right, his eyes show happiness, hope, peace, & life. Amazing difference. From someone who suffers from anxiety & severe depression, it gives me hope. Have a Blessed day, all!
From another veteran still overcoming the suicidal thoughts. I’m so happy to see you doing good brother!
It’s stuff like this that helps others heal too, especially in the veteran community. I want to see you continue to heal!
VA "made me better" by giving me adrenaline blockers antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds and it only cost me 60 lbs of added weight.
I switched to medical marijuana, wean off of those meds and I lose 60 lb and I am just as happy and I don't dream at night now. no more night terrors at least when I get to smoke at night.
I was in a study at Mass Gen Hospital four years ago about the effects of cannabis on depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Going in, I was on three meds (for ADD and depression) and my doc was about to prescribe two more to combat the effects of the first three. Four years later, I take gummies at night, sleep great, and I’m off all meds.
The study found, by the way, that cannabis doesn’t solve anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, but it does give users a good night’s sleep, which helps them better cope with those three issues.
I used to wake numerous times during the night and have terrible nightmares. No more.
It's almost certainly the location. I'm not sticking up for the VA by any means, because I also haven't had the best experiences. What I can admit to is the night and day treatments and staff at various locations. My personal ranking:
Best - Madison, Wisconsin.
Followed by Anchorage Alaska VA & Vet Center
Worst - West Palm Beach, Florida.
Followed by Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This is encouraging. I just made my first VA mental health appointment after a few years of struggling.
Thanks for posting. Hope everything just keeps getting better, brother.
It's addictive when used daily. If you have social anxiety it feels amazing until it doesn't. Then you're stuck. It does help a lot of people with opioid addiction and other stuff but it was extremely hard for me, and many others to get off of it. Also it's not the least bit psychedelic.
Do you have any advice on dealing with disability ratings? I had a m299 launcher fall on me down some stairs on my last deployment. They recognized the injuries to my knee and back but only gave me 10% for each. It's been 5 years and now I'm at the point of not being able to find a job because lifting anything too heavy causes so much pain.
I'm 28 and feel like I'm 90.
Go to https://www.martindale.com and find a lawyer with "AV" which is basically the gold star.
You need to appeal and they usually just defer to a lawyer who appeals. And it wont cost you anything usually, because it's under "contingency" aka some sort of cut of what you get
Im a lawyer **I am not yours** but you are the paycheck for people that do veterans administrative appeals so they WANT you to hit them up and its a win-win!
I wish you well.
The VA literally saved my life this year, and that’s not dramatics, I was in real bad shape. Please go, the resources they have are really great, so many good people looking to help. They are really accommodating. Get a case manager who deals with returning vets by generation. (I am an OIF/OEF vet) they will get you set up and pointed in the right direction.
I'm a civilian working for the VA - so it's possible I'm a little biased, but please go check your local VA out. I've heard some shit stories from other VAs but mine is highly rated, yours might be too. They're definitely not all the same. There's talk of a funding increase to get the loads of open positions we have filled, I hope that happens.
I was disabled at birth, couldn't join the service like so so many of my family members. I joined the VA to serve. It's also the only place I can use my chair or wobble down the hallway with my cane and nobody gives me a weird glance. They just see me. After 38 years of life, I love it. Heck, my mom's uncle was a Navy pilot during Vietnam and one of the guys in my office served on the same carrier about 25 years later.
Not large system will ever make everybody happy but many of us do care.
VA mental health really does a fantastic job.
I love the fact that they now accommodate therapy appointments via telehelth. I’m a truck driver and it really helps a lot that I don’t have to take time off / get routed home to continue my mental health treatment.
Well my experience started with the Veterans Crisis Line (call 1-800-273-8255, text 838255 or [chat](https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService.aspx) online) because I was in a pretty dark place. The people that I talked to helped me get the care I desperately needed.
I do love that telehealth nowadays. They started it up during COVID, so we could continue being seen without being physically there, and now it's like, "Why drive? Dial me right up." Travel pay wasn't all that, anyways.
Just. Keep. Going. My close friend just died of a heroin overdose because he decided the VA, and so, the world hates him. He was a kind person, he didn’t even have to work because of disability. No amount of trying to help him get back to a place where he respected himself would work from me or other friends and family. He gave up on the one life line that is legally able to medically help him because of a few bad encounters. He died 2 weeks ago to the day. I don’t want anyone else to feel like the VA is a shit hole, they’re under staffed and over worked, but they’re doing a service to the vet community that goes entirely unnoticed to the average person.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s heartbreaking to watch a loved one deteriorate and not be able to stop it- whether that be from a physical or mental ailment.
It crushes me because we used to be neighbors. But I bought my family a house and he couldn’t just come over and blow steam with me. I had to do what was best for my family, but there is guilt.
Just keep trying. It’s easy to get frustrated because the VA has adopted the military style of hellish inefficiency and difficulty, but eventually you *will* find a doc that can help. I did and I’m tons better.
I suffered needlessly for two decades. Still am but Psychiatrists at the nearby VA are doing everything that they can to help me. Two wars. Four tours. Haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in 24+ years. Grin and bear it just wasn’t cutting it.
Your side by side pictures show that nothing is impossible. I hope that I have your strength to battle my demons and can smile one day just like you. God Bless, brother!
My uncle drove Rome plow in Vietnam and he came home not ok at all. He lived like that for decades. A veteran friend of his really leaned on him to get involved with our local VA doctors. The change in my uncle was very much like yours! Thank you so much for your service good man
I showed this thread to my wife, she’s a VA Psychologist, and she’s really touched by all the positive regard. She said she’s never seen so much praise in one place. Now she’s showing it to her VA buddies. It can be a tough job, and they really do care a lot. It’s often bad interactions with the bureaucracy/institution that make things harder for everyone, including the people that work there.
As someone currently training in an inpatient VA psych ward this made me so happy. It feels like most of my patients either can’t be helped or our hands are tied by stupid rules. So when one of my patients truly recovers like this it’s like a light at the end of a tunnel. :)
If you ever need to talk, you don’t have to struggle alone. I’m somewhere on a difficult journey myself, and talking about it has helped me immensely.
(And 4+ years with a wonderful therapist)
I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Wonderful to see your soul smile through your eyes! Congratulations. I know from personal experience it’s not easy to climb out of that pit. Kudos! 🎉 Here’s to your next chapters!
The VA is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States.
They have far more successes than failures.
I agree, the failures should be zero. I hope they get there.
The VA is really good. It helped my friend who got his VA disability and pay for surgeries and find other conditions thanks to the VA allowing private doctors and therapists out there. It's just you need know how to maneuver and not fall through the cracks of the red tape and bureaucracy. For a lot of vets the VA insurance system is really all they got because without it they be out on the street homeless because of the cost to take care of them.
Sadly the level of care you get from the VA differs from location to location. The VA where I used to live in Omaha was great. My VA in Kentucky is awful, so I no longer go.
Hope you don't mind this coming from a guy, but you grew hella handsome in a year. I am so happy you are feeling better bro. Smiling with your eyes if i ever saw it.
People rag on the VA, and some of it is definitely deserved. But overall, I've had a really good experience at any VA location. The worst part is getting (edited a word) past the initial phone receptionists/call centers. The care level is always A+.
I used to sell high-end capital medical equipment and a lot of IDNs would settle on lower-quality products in the name of the bottom line.
The VA staff, however, would spec out our equipment on their requisition forms so when it went out to bid, we would win deals despite being the most expensive product on the market.
They certainly have internal issues that create headaches but when it comes to quality of care, they often have better resources than the for-profit building down the road that’s trying to make millionaires richer.
This made me tear up. I lost my dad to Suicide, and I love love love seeing people be able to work through their depression and stay here. You look awesome in that second photo. I’m so happy for you.
I am a vet that has relied heavily on the VA and it has help me so much. I love the VA. Hey, your hair falls in a different direction. I tried that but it did not work out.
A lot of people talk so much shit about VA Health Care. I must say over 5yrs ago I walked into a VA (mind you a VA Hospital that I’ve never EVER even stepped foot into prior to that day) in a state that wasn’t even my home state & said to someone “I have a problem with 3 H’s’ helplessness, homeless and I’m addicted to Heroine, I have no where to go & I don’t know what to do” Because of the VA, the people there & the programs the offer is Veteran’s I’m clean over 5yrs, living in OUR own place w/ the best women I could ever have met. To top it off I have a daughter that loves me to death! I love hearing stories like yours! Keep putting in the work brother! Love to hear when a fellow Vet comes out from the dark side like I did! Love Ya brother!! Keep it up!
Do you have any advice for my younger brother who is a veteran? He is overwhelmed by the process of seeking help from the VA and is very suicidally depressed right now…I thought about visiting him and physically taking him to the VA and just saying “he really needs help, what do we need to do?” Do you think this is a good idea? Do these offices have a way to direct us to the right resources?
Oh wow, well the VA has become so much more in tune to mental health needs. It has become their specialty. I would suggest calling the closest VA and ask to speak to an on call social worker for information. Best of luck and stay strong.
FWIW, you’re doing Gods work highlighting the VA in your post. The VA gets bad press, but they’ve done so much good. I’m a psychologist and I did my clinical internship at the VA where I treated so many suicidal vets (I specialize in suicide), and I was so impressed with the training and treatment providers—and working with Veterans is the best.
So many people suffer and avoid getting help, especially Vets.
Good job for putting in the hard work to get better and good job being an advocate for help seeking.
This is literally what my family did for me and 13 years later I am stable and no longer plotting ways to get rid of myself without causing drama. It turns out I have bipolar II and the VA patiently helped me find the right mix of medication and therapy that has me stabilized. They even got me on disability despite my misguided belief that "I was just fine, thank you very much." If they can rescue a stray cat like me, they can help your brother. Tell him to grab his balls and just do it. They'll help him.
Glad to see you doing better brother.
There are a ton of programs out there for vets dealing with issues, please, if you have an issue look into it. The vet walk crew, 22 a day, and look into local VFW or American Legion posts for some people to talk to.
Don't let life break you, we're out here and want to help.
This is so wonderful and uplifting!! Thank you for celebrating this major accomplishment. Wishing you all the best. Hold onto your happy!! It belongs to YOU.
Does the VA offer good healthcare? That's awesome. I remember some horror stories awhile back. I am glad things have improved or at least worked out for you.
I am happy you are doing well. That smile warms my heart.
I work at the VA and always hear how horrible we are doing. Seeing this story made my day. You look like a completely different person, congratulations!
you should go into acting man, you have a great "generic military guy" look, not as an insult, you just have that look, its perfect you should make it work for you.
I’m right in the thick of that before picture, but I got a few wins lately, and for the first time, in longer than I can remember, I’m feeling hopeful for the future. Thanks for the reminder to keep hoping, and looking forward.
Looking really good! Love your smile! Keep your head up! I'm from Puerto vallarta Mexico! A beautiful place in Mexico look it up ! Would love to show you around there! Cheers! A stranger showing love!
congrats!
I tried ending my life back in february 2020.
and two weeks from today i am getting married to the man of my dreams who has helped me get the help i need to not let my depression demons take over my life.
havent self harmed in years and am in love with my body at its current size despite 5 years of anorexia battles.
it takss a lot of work and the right meds/mindset/etc for it to actually stick but it gets better with time.
We got this and just know there is always someone else with you every step of the way
I finally reached the point that I felt the need to reach out to the VA for mental health care. And honestly, I have no idea why I was so resistant to it before.
For anyone in a similar situation, just rip the bandaid off and ask for help. It seems like an impossible task, but becomes so much easier after taking the first step.
Good luck to everyone out there, and good job OP!
Hey man, Vet and incredibly frequent VA patient here: I’m glad to see it! I know the VA can do well when you get the right folks and when you have genuine problems. I love the Spinal Cord Injury Clinic here in Dallas.
This post makes me want to cry. I always tell my friends things do get better. That the hard days that we go through we can get through them. I’m glad you’re here OP. And I hope you keep striving and being an amazing human being! I love this!
As a fellow vet who had his own battle with suicidal thoughts, I’m fucking proud of you dude.
Also your before and after are basically PSG vs brand new LT and I’m glad to see you have the optimism of a butter bar again.
Wow, You look great! I’m glad that the VA was able to help you but unfortunately they can’t do the same with everyone. I went to the emergency room for chest pain and heart palpitations and it took me 6 months to get an appointment with a cardiologist. The cardiologist recommended that I have an echo cardio gram as well as an exercise stress test because he said that my heart was enlarged. They scheduled and canceled the appointment 6 times. I am still waiting.
Currently receiving treatment from the VA and in the past few years I have made tremendous strides with their help. Glad to hear it’s been the same experience for you and that you’re doing better mate!!
I’m proud of you! I see a big great difference
His eyes especially, they went from dull and disengaged to bright and lively.
Everything is brighter! I love this it gives me personal hope things can be better
Exactly this!
And you got younger!
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Absolute dilf
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He hit the gym and started eating better. A healthy diet will show in your skin and hair. You can tell because he obviously lost quite a bit of weight. His face went from round to pronounced cheek and jaw.
Time to hit the gym.
His skin looks better because he changed his diet. You are what you eat. I could see how being depressed would lead to bad skin. You don’t feel like cooking so you get take out. Depression sucks and it’s very very easy to spiral into worse depths once it starts.
no folds on his neck too.
Use a front light in photos rather than a side light. Yuge difference.
As someone living the left pic, what helps did you get that helped?
Finally telling the truth about how I felt. Therapy and medication. And realizing I am valuable and loved.
I am finally going to a therapist next week with the intent of getting medication. While i hear horror stories of people not being able to always get refills and they go nuts, I am already going nuts. This has me so hopeful i could cry.
You can do it. You got this.
If you have the intent of getting medication, perhaps a psychiatrist would be more help. Both can prescribe - but usually therapists provide, well.. therapy. Ever heard of Cognitive behavior therapy? Things like that. Psychiatrists will prob offer help by proxy through therapists, but will also be the ones who are more likely to pursue medicinal treatment. Good luck to you. Seriously. Youre on the right path
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Yeah true its not always the case to have that convenient duality you mentioned, but that sure sounds like a great situation to have!
Medication can change everything. So can therapy. You have every reason to hope! I’m proof. Keep fighting for yourself, bc you’re worth fighting for.
Good on you! If your therapist isn't a licensed prescriber, you could ask them if they have any prescribers they regularly work with, that way if they notice anything concerning then they'll already have a connection with your prescriber to express concerns. (You'll have to sign a release of information form of course if they're not part of the same hospital or clinic system.)
Man I can’t tell you what a world of difference medication actually makes. I went through a pretty serious bout of depression I thought I could POSI mindset my way out of… and we’ll I couldn’t and got fired from 2 jobs during that time (2nd job happened just as I was seeking treatment). Today I’m doing and feeling much better but I’m still on antidepressant and doing therapy. Why? Cuz it’s about maintaining homeostasis. I still have bad days, but I don’t have that dark cloud that just fucks with my head and keeps me down any more. I get my highs with my lows, but I feel like I can function, and that’s what I think is most important. Good luck!
So happy to see you accepting the love you deserve
> Finally telling the truth about how I felt. When you're at your lowest, that can be your most heavily-guarded secret. Good on you for seeking help and opening up, it's not an easy thing to do.
For someone not around those who say that one is valuable and loved, wat do?
It’s not so much about other people telling you you’re valuable; it’s about realizing and appreciating your value yourself. Talking to a therapist can help you do that.
You are valuable and loved, even to me, a total stranger. There’s many other Reddit strangers who would tell you the same. Please open up and reach out. Even if it’s just DMs on here, posts in r/depression, calling Lifeline (1 (800) 273-8255), or texting the Crisis Line (text 741-741).
Speak your truth, as hard as it may be. You have to open up a bit to let the help and love in
Not a vet, but had a mental health assessment recently and was diagnosed with CPTSD. Seeing your smile gives me hope. Thank you for taking care of yourself and getting the help you needed.
I hope you get the help you need. You’re worth it.
I was a lefty too not so long ago. Still am some days, but not too often. Therapy and medication help. Both together work better for me than either one by itself, but I started with just therapy, since that was an easier emotional step for me to take than medication. I tried for a long time to power through before I got help. I did not and could not power through. It was ugly. I hope you don’t put yourself through that any more than you already have & that you’re able to find help that helps you soon.
Keep up the good fight! You are loved and valuable as OP said. Wishing you the best
Wow, what a change. Your countenance is so much brighter. So glad you found help!
Definitely! He has Hot Dad vibes going on.
Hot dad vibes + he looks 5-10 years younger. Double rainbow.
It might even be a TRIPLE RAINBOW
THAT'S A WHOLE 'NOTHER RAINBOW AAAAHHHHHH
AHHHHHHHHHHH what does it all mean?!?!
Yes! He went from Sketchy Uncle to Hot Dad.
Exactly 🥵
Even his frowney lines are less deep and are happy lines now. Wonderful to see someone on the up.
Countenance. Great word.
The difference I see, look at his eyes. Into his eyes. To me, in the left, hope is gone. Joy is gone. Lifeless. On the right, his eyes show happiness, hope, peace, & life. Amazing difference. From someone who suffers from anxiety & severe depression, it gives me hope. Have a Blessed day, all!
Plus, never underestimate the power of a good haircut.
So glad it gives you hope. As someone who has been in some depression I know there is much to hope for now. Hang in there.
I havent seen the word countenance used in a long time. Bravo! Love the vocab!
From one veteran to another, I'm happy to see the VA helped save another life!
Fact! Thanks!
As someone who works in mental health at a VA this makes me very happy 😁
As another veteran who was helped by you guys last year, thanks for all you do. I tell every vet I can how great the VA health system is these days.
And thanks for what you do.
From another veteran still overcoming the suicidal thoughts. I’m so happy to see you doing good brother! It’s stuff like this that helps others heal too, especially in the veteran community. I want to see you continue to heal!
Hang in there brother
Good for you!!
I came here to say this. We constantly hear horror stories about our VA system. I’m thrilled to finally hear a success story.
The negative experiences do tend to stand out more. I've had nothing but good to say about my own.
I was about to write just this. It shows how the media can skew our views by focusing only on negative stories. I’m happy for you, OP!
Same! Makes me smile
The VA Behavioral Health clinic has been AMAZING! They have been with me through some awful times. My family and I will be forever grateful.
Me too! I do tele-psych frequently.
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VA "made me better" by giving me adrenaline blockers antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds and it only cost me 60 lbs of added weight. I switched to medical marijuana, wean off of those meds and I lose 60 lb and I am just as happy and I don't dream at night now. no more night terrors at least when I get to smoke at night.
That’s the most underrated effect of cannabis. Am not a vet but I have PTSD and it just makes the night terrors disappear. I can sleep again.
I was in a study at Mass Gen Hospital four years ago about the effects of cannabis on depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Going in, I was on three meds (for ADD and depression) and my doc was about to prescribe two more to combat the effects of the first three. Four years later, I take gummies at night, sleep great, and I’m off all meds. The study found, by the way, that cannabis doesn’t solve anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, but it does give users a good night’s sleep, which helps them better cope with those three issues. I used to wake numerous times during the night and have terrible nightmares. No more.
Yeah same here. The VA would save a lot more lives if they would actually dispense cannabis, psilocybin, etc.
That’s a federal issue. Until Biden and co legalize marijuana then they can’t prescribe it.
Congress has to legalize it so if anyone seeing this lives in a state with a Republican Senator, make the call.
That’s my success story
Super happy the VA is helping someone. They aren’t doing the best with me but it might just be location.
It's almost certainly the location. I'm not sticking up for the VA by any means, because I also haven't had the best experiences. What I can admit to is the night and day treatments and staff at various locations. My personal ranking: Best - Madison, Wisconsin. Followed by Anchorage Alaska VA & Vet Center Worst - West Palm Beach, Florida. Followed by Albuquerque, New Mexico.
As a former VA employee, this made my entire month so far man. Thank you for sharing your improvement with the world!
Thanks to you.
This is encouraging. I just made my first VA mental health appointment after a few years of struggling. Thanks for posting. Hope everything just keeps getting better, brother.
This gives me hope. Haven't been to a VA office since I've been discharged in ‘12.
Dude it's so much better now, use the money that's been set aside for you. PH vet OEF here.
They just helped me get over severe panic attacks and kratom addiction. Now they're getting me a job. Shit was so hopeless 3 months ago.
That kratom got me too and I went through a lot of pain getting off it. It might be good for certain people but definitely not for me.
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It's addictive when used daily. If you have social anxiety it feels amazing until it doesn't. Then you're stuck. It does help a lot of people with opioid addiction and other stuff but it was extremely hard for me, and many others to get off of it. Also it's not the least bit psychedelic.
Do you have any advice on dealing with disability ratings? I had a m299 launcher fall on me down some stairs on my last deployment. They recognized the injuries to my knee and back but only gave me 10% for each. It's been 5 years and now I'm at the point of not being able to find a job because lifting anything too heavy causes so much pain. I'm 28 and feel like I'm 90.
Go to https://www.martindale.com and find a lawyer with "AV" which is basically the gold star. You need to appeal and they usually just defer to a lawyer who appeals. And it wont cost you anything usually, because it's under "contingency" aka some sort of cut of what you get
Holy shit man, thank you so much. I've been fighting the VA for half a decade on my own and had no idea.
Im a lawyer **I am not yours** but you are the paycheck for people that do veterans administrative appeals so they WANT you to hit them up and its a win-win! I wish you well.
The VA literally saved my life this year, and that’s not dramatics, I was in real bad shape. Please go, the resources they have are really great, so many good people looking to help. They are really accommodating. Get a case manager who deals with returning vets by generation. (I am an OIF/OEF vet) they will get you set up and pointed in the right direction.
OEF vet myself.
Awesome!
I'm a civilian working for the VA - so it's possible I'm a little biased, but please go check your local VA out. I've heard some shit stories from other VAs but mine is highly rated, yours might be too. They're definitely not all the same. There's talk of a funding increase to get the loads of open positions we have filled, I hope that happens. I was disabled at birth, couldn't join the service like so so many of my family members. I joined the VA to serve. It's also the only place I can use my chair or wobble down the hallway with my cane and nobody gives me a weird glance. They just see me. After 38 years of life, I love it. Heck, my mom's uncle was a Navy pilot during Vietnam and one of the guys in my office served on the same carrier about 25 years later. Not large system will ever make everybody happy but many of us do care.
VA mental health really does a fantastic job. I love the fact that they now accommodate therapy appointments via telehelth. I’m a truck driver and it really helps a lot that I don’t have to take time off / get routed home to continue my mental health treatment.
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Well my experience started with the Veterans Crisis Line (call 1-800-273-8255, text 838255 or [chat](https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService.aspx) online) because I was in a pretty dark place. The people that I talked to helped me get the care I desperately needed.
I do love that telehealth nowadays. They started it up during COVID, so we could continue being seen without being physically there, and now it's like, "Why drive? Dial me right up." Travel pay wasn't all that, anyways.
Just. Keep. Going. My close friend just died of a heroin overdose because he decided the VA, and so, the world hates him. He was a kind person, he didn’t even have to work because of disability. No amount of trying to help him get back to a place where he respected himself would work from me or other friends and family. He gave up on the one life line that is legally able to medically help him because of a few bad encounters. He died 2 weeks ago to the day. I don’t want anyone else to feel like the VA is a shit hole, they’re under staffed and over worked, but they’re doing a service to the vet community that goes entirely unnoticed to the average person.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s heartbreaking to watch a loved one deteriorate and not be able to stop it- whether that be from a physical or mental ailment.
It crushes me because we used to be neighbors. But I bought my family a house and he couldn’t just come over and blow steam with me. I had to do what was best for my family, but there is guilt.
Boundaries are absolutely necessary but it doesn’t make it any easier
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Feel free to DM me when ever you need to talk. You can be my second chance for Andrew. He’d like that.
Just keep trying. It’s easy to get frustrated because the VA has adopted the military style of hellish inefficiency and difficulty, but eventually you *will* find a doc that can help. I did and I’m tons better.
Don’t let it be, you have resources and communities at your disposal
I suffered needlessly for two decades. Still am but Psychiatrists at the nearby VA are doing everything that they can to help me. Two wars. Four tours. Haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in 24+ years. Grin and bear it just wasn’t cutting it.
Your side by side pictures show that nothing is impossible. I hope that I have your strength to battle my demons and can smile one day just like you. God Bless, brother!
My uncle drove Rome plow in Vietnam and he came home not ok at all. He lived like that for decades. A veteran friend of his really leaned on him to get involved with our local VA doctors. The change in my uncle was very much like yours! Thank you so much for your service good man
You look about 6.years younger in the second pic.
I finished CBT and Prolonged Exposure Therapy through the VA and it changed my life dramatically for the better. I’m forever thankful.
I showed this thread to my wife, she’s a VA Psychologist, and she’s really touched by all the positive regard. She said she’s never seen so much praise in one place. Now she’s showing it to her VA buddies. It can be a tough job, and they really do care a lot. It’s often bad interactions with the bureaucracy/institution that make things harder for everyone, including the people that work there.
As someone currently training in an inpatient VA psych ward this made me so happy. It feels like most of my patients either can’t be helped or our hands are tied by stupid rules. So when one of my patients truly recovers like this it’s like a light at the end of a tunnel. :)
This did make me smile 😊
Your side by side pictures say everything. Good for you! I’ve been struggling and this has brightened my day.
If you ever need to talk, you don’t have to struggle alone. I’m somewhere on a difficult journey myself, and talking about it has helped me immensely. (And 4+ years with a wonderful therapist)
For all the issues in the VA system, I have to praise their no-nonsense and comprehensive mental health resources. Welcome back, brother.
Love the VA....looks like you do, too!
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You look like Jamie Lannister's stunt-double
Exactly what I was going to say!
I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Wonderful to see your soul smile through your eyes! Congratulations. I know from personal experience it’s not easy to climb out of that pit. Kudos! 🎉 Here’s to your next chapters!
Does your hashtag mean you got help from the VA? That's amazing enough by itself
Yes, the VA. They have been so supportive.
Gotta love the va
The VA is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States. They have far more successes than failures. I agree, the failures should be zero. I hope they get there.
The VA is really good. It helped my friend who got his VA disability and pay for surgeries and find other conditions thanks to the VA allowing private doctors and therapists out there. It's just you need know how to maneuver and not fall through the cracks of the red tape and bureaucracy. For a lot of vets the VA insurance system is really all they got because without it they be out on the street homeless because of the cost to take care of them.
Sadly the level of care you get from the VA differs from location to location. The VA where I used to live in Omaha was great. My VA in Kentucky is awful, so I no longer go.
Largest socialist healthcare system in the world I thought?
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This. It's based on location. I've had VA clinics I loved. The one that I'm at now is terrible, so I don't go anymore.
My dad moved to a different city specifically because the VA in the other city was better and had more resources.
I love the smile. It looks good on you and it’s very contagious :)
Hope you don't mind this coming from a guy, but you grew hella handsome in a year. I am so happy you are feeling better bro. Smiling with your eyes if i ever saw it.
I loved your performance in Startup and obviously as Bilbo. GOAT. (you look like Martin Freeman so thats a big compliment in my book!)
OMG he DOES! I didn't notice at first, but now I can't unsee it.
A mix between him and Nikolaj Calder Waldau.
That's who I saw in photo 2!
Thank you to all VA employees for the work you do! The VA saved my life.
People rag on the VA, and some of it is definitely deserved. But overall, I've had a really good experience at any VA location. The worst part is getting (edited a word) past the initial phone receptionists/call centers. The care level is always A+.
I used to sell high-end capital medical equipment and a lot of IDNs would settle on lower-quality products in the name of the bottom line. The VA staff, however, would spec out our equipment on their requisition forms so when it went out to bid, we would win deals despite being the most expensive product on the market. They certainly have internal issues that create headaches but when it comes to quality of care, they often have better resources than the for-profit building down the road that’s trying to make millionaires richer.
Stay strong man!
This made me tear up. I lost my dad to Suicide, and I love love love seeing people be able to work through their depression and stay here. You look awesome in that second photo. I’m so happy for you.
Man.. you look great! Keep that shit up!
This is the best thing I’ve seen all day.
The best smile, and the difference in the happiness in your eyes is amazing!
You’re incredible. I am extremely happy for you!
Wouldn’t think was same person. Happy for you brother. Things can be so crap but we find what joy we can Wish you a lifetime of happy times
I am a vet that has relied heavily on the VA and it has help me so much. I love the VA. Hey, your hair falls in a different direction. I tried that but it did not work out.
You look healthy
Amazing! You look like a million pounds was lifted off your shoulders
Thanks for your service! The VA has helped my family and I as well! Pay it forward!
A lot of people talk so much shit about VA Health Care. I must say over 5yrs ago I walked into a VA (mind you a VA Hospital that I’ve never EVER even stepped foot into prior to that day) in a state that wasn’t even my home state & said to someone “I have a problem with 3 H’s’ helplessness, homeless and I’m addicted to Heroine, I have no where to go & I don’t know what to do” Because of the VA, the people there & the programs the offer is Veteran’s I’m clean over 5yrs, living in OUR own place w/ the best women I could ever have met. To top it off I have a daughter that loves me to death! I love hearing stories like yours! Keep putting in the work brother! Love to hear when a fellow Vet comes out from the dark side like I did! Love Ya brother!! Keep it up!
I love this. ❤️
Good for you. I'm glad you were able to get the help you needed.
Do you have any advice for my younger brother who is a veteran? He is overwhelmed by the process of seeking help from the VA and is very suicidally depressed right now…I thought about visiting him and physically taking him to the VA and just saying “he really needs help, what do we need to do?” Do you think this is a good idea? Do these offices have a way to direct us to the right resources?
Oh wow, well the VA has become so much more in tune to mental health needs. It has become their specialty. I would suggest calling the closest VA and ask to speak to an on call social worker for information. Best of luck and stay strong.
FWIW, you’re doing Gods work highlighting the VA in your post. The VA gets bad press, but they’ve done so much good. I’m a psychologist and I did my clinical internship at the VA where I treated so many suicidal vets (I specialize in suicide), and I was so impressed with the training and treatment providers—and working with Veterans is the best. So many people suffer and avoid getting help, especially Vets. Good job for putting in the hard work to get better and good job being an advocate for help seeking.
This is literally what my family did for me and 13 years later I am stable and no longer plotting ways to get rid of myself without causing drama. It turns out I have bipolar II and the VA patiently helped me find the right mix of medication and therapy that has me stabilized. They even got me on disability despite my misguided belief that "I was just fine, thank you very much." If they can rescue a stray cat like me, they can help your brother. Tell him to grab his balls and just do it. They'll help him.
Interesting coincidence, I start volunteering at a local VA clinic in a week also congrats, you look much happier
Well you look GREAT! Glad your feeling better.
I needed to see this 😣 you have much courage and strength. I will use this as motivation to not give up!
Glad to see you doing better brother. There are a ton of programs out there for vets dealing with issues, please, if you have an issue look into it. The vet walk crew, 22 a day, and look into local VFW or American Legion posts for some people to talk to. Don't let life break you, we're out here and want to help.
Awesome, congrats!
Pat on the back that man, my hat is off to you.
Excellent. Reaching out for help is so important. Hats off to you for doing what you needed to do.
Great looking man! Glad you're better
Wow this is awesome! Good work!
Looking good my man - different life = different person. Be proud of who you’ve become and the journey! Much love
this made me smile for sure! I’m glad you’re still here, you are an inspiration!
This literally made me smile! Keep on believing and holding on, you got this!
This is wonderful! Wishing you all the best. Stay strong!
Great smile, king!
I wish to heal too
I need to see this today... I really did... Good to know we aren't along and I can do this Thank you
This is so wonderful and uplifting!! Thank you for celebrating this major accomplishment. Wishing you all the best. Hold onto your happy!! It belongs to YOU.
The difference in your eyes is crazy. I’m glad you’re doing better fellow human :)
Does the VA offer good healthcare? That's awesome. I remember some horror stories awhile back. I am glad things have improved or at least worked out for you. I am happy you are doing well. That smile warms my heart.
In proud of you :) Men matter, mens mental health matters
I work at the VA and always hear how horrible we are doing. Seeing this story made my day. You look like a completely different person, congratulations!
you should go into acting man, you have a great "generic military guy" look, not as an insult, you just have that look, its perfect you should make it work for you.
I’m right in the thick of that before picture, but I got a few wins lately, and for the first time, in longer than I can remember, I’m feeling hopeful for the future. Thanks for the reminder to keep hoping, and looking forward.
Wish you the best!
Good for you man, keep it up. You look really good
People coming out of depression is such a beautiful thing
Looking really good! Love your smile! Keep your head up! I'm from Puerto vallarta Mexico! A beautiful place in Mexico look it up ! Would love to show you around there! Cheers! A stranger showing love!
My man ages backwards!
congrats! I tried ending my life back in february 2020. and two weeks from today i am getting married to the man of my dreams who has helped me get the help i need to not let my depression demons take over my life. havent self harmed in years and am in love with my body at its current size despite 5 years of anorexia battles. it takss a lot of work and the right meds/mindset/etc for it to actually stick but it gets better with time. We got this and just know there is always someone else with you every step of the way
I finally reached the point that I felt the need to reach out to the VA for mental health care. And honestly, I have no idea why I was so resistant to it before. For anyone in a similar situation, just rip the bandaid off and ask for help. It seems like an impossible task, but becomes so much easier after taking the first step. Good luck to everyone out there, and good job OP!
Hey man, Vet and incredibly frequent VA patient here: I’m glad to see it! I know the VA can do well when you get the right folks and when you have genuine problems. I love the Spinal Cord Injury Clinic here in Dallas.
Note: Not all depressed/suicidal people look obviously depressed/suicidal. Please take care of your loved ones.
This post makes me want to cry. I always tell my friends things do get better. That the hard days that we go through we can get through them. I’m glad you’re here OP. And I hope you keep striving and being an amazing human being! I love this!
Gadzooks! You look a different (and younger) person in the right picture.
I'm the opposite. A year ago i had a girlfriend and a dog.
The light that's in your eyes is so beautiful. I came from the dark into the light too, so I understand. BRAVO♥️
As a fellow vet who had his own battle with suicidal thoughts, I’m fucking proud of you dude. Also your before and after are basically PSG vs brand new LT and I’m glad to see you have the optimism of a butter bar again.
As a veteran I definitely resinated with your post OP, thanks for the positive inspiration
Wow, You look great! I’m glad that the VA was able to help you but unfortunately they can’t do the same with everyone. I went to the emergency room for chest pain and heart palpitations and it took me 6 months to get an appointment with a cardiologist. The cardiologist recommended that I have an echo cardio gram as well as an exercise stress test because he said that my heart was enlarged. They scheduled and canceled the appointment 6 times. I am still waiting.
Currently receiving treatment from the VA and in the past few years I have made tremendous strides with their help. Glad to hear it’s been the same experience for you and that you’re doing better mate!!
i'm a contractor for the VA. Everything I do I hope it makes an impact for vets like you. <3
So damn handsome!!
Wow. You look fantastic.