Veterans and active military personnel may be experiencing a range of emotions due to the recent events involving the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the takeover by the Taliban.
Some of the most common reactions include:
- Feeling frustrated, sad, helpless, grief or distressed
- Feeling angry or betrayed
- Experiencing an increase in mental health symptoms like symptoms of PTSD or depression
- Sleeping poorly, drinking more, or using more drugs
- Trying to avoid all reminders or media or shy away from social situations
- Have more military and homecoming memories
It is normal to feel this way. Talk to your veteran/military brothers, talk with your family and friends, and sign up for mental health services.
Suggestions for managing ongoing distress:
- Focus on the present and seek activities and relationships that are meaningful to you. Turn to meaningful work or towards your spirituality.
- Work on stopping thoughts of your service or sacrifice were for nothing; rather, focus on the difference your service meant to others’ lives, your family’s, and your own life. Focus on how your service helped keep Afghanistan safe.
Helpful Resources:
- Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
- Vet Centers – Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387or find one near you.
- MakeTheConnection.net – information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
- VA Women Veterans Call Center – Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 6:30PM ET)
- Download VA’s self-help apps – Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
If you suffer from PTSD and have been self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, give us a call at 205-287-5951. You are not alone.
VA benefit Application Assistance
Veterans may be eligible for service-connected benefits. CCC’s partner network and our staff therapists assist veterans with completing their applications.
Assistance with Legal Issues
Legal issues may weigh heavy while trying to focus on recovery. CCC will ensure you arrive forscheduled court dates, and provide supportive documentation of progress made during treatment.
Transportation
During long term treatment, clients may need to see doctors at the VA, or need a ride to the facility for treatment admission or upon dischage to return home. CCC Works to meet the needs and lessen their worry.
