I’ll tell you the messy stuff that the article doesn’t really talk about- how the psychiatrists at the VA hand out addictive drugs like candy, instead of offering alternative treatments that aren’t, like Propranolol for PTSD. I got put on SSRIs while active duty and all the pain, Xanax and Ambien I could ever want. The Ambien knocks you on your ass, let me tell you and they fail to warn about the dangers of mixing any of these meds with alcohol. That is a crucial point. At least in the Marine Corps- heavy drinking becomes a way of life for most. It’s started before you even leave.

I went to the dark side one night after being out for about a year. I’ll be candid about two things- my VA therapist didn’t call me back and the local sheriff deputies saved my life. I’ll leave that there since I know many members here hate LE but I will always thank them for that. My family does as well.

But the VA creates the problem and then refuses to help you wean off SSRIs or anything else. They don’t want you off of it! Got pain? How much pain med do you want is kind of their MO. Need refills for Xanax? They have you covered and don’t monitor what you’re taking and if it is in combination with other equally dangerous drugs. Not.. “let’s try alternative treatments like dietary changes, massage, chiropractic medicine and the like.” It’s faster to prescribe something and that way the psychiatrist whose primary language is NOT English can move on. Also- the week I spent in the VA acute psych unit was the worst in my entire life. They don’t let you sleep. You can’t lie down and just be quiet, you have to sit with all the other acutely ill people in common areas. Want to watch the Game Show network while people talk incessantly around you all day? Yeah, that’s the ticket. That alone.. after weeks of not sleeping was enough to make me want to die but the noise was unbearable and all I wanted was for the racket in my head to stop. They make it as uncomfortable as possible so you just say whatever it takes to get the hell out of there as quick as possible. That’s the truth. So then you get discharged and are back to square one. They don’t check on you. You may or may not show up for your follow up appts.

I do a lot of volunteer stuff with vets who’ve been there, done that. It’s a typical story. Never have I heard “oh no man, I had a really good experience.” No. And it’s just a cycle of crappy care and more drugs, discharge with no resolution to anything in real life. It wasn’t until I got a real job after college recently that I went private insurance and am weaning off SSRIs. They make you suicidal, btw. But being able to see someone who has compassion and willingness to try different things made all the difference. Unfortunate, it isn’t available for many vets.

Anyway, much of the problem occurs even before leaving active duty and then they let you out to fend for yourself. Leaving active duty is like leaving a family, no matter what branch. Transitioning to civilian life is extremely difficult for those who don’t really have a great support system in place (like family) and are used to being told what to do at all times. One basic problem is not having affordable housing. If you don’t have support, you’re not going to be able to afford anything. Disability benefits will not cover all basic necessities like food, shelter, a vehicle payment or anything else like clothing. That is a big stressor. So you either totally have your shiz together, use that post 9/11 GI Bill and go to college, room with someone and make it work or get a well paying job and figure it out or you FALL harder and harder and harder. It’s just too much for many and the VA may say it cares but they don’t and they don’t have adequate resources to help.

And then top it all off with Afghanistan. This is what they really should be addressing- the complete and abject failure that it was and how it has DEVASTATED all those who served, even indirectly. It’s way more than 22 a day which was the figure before we pulled out but that wave hasn't hit yet.

To the good people here who care- do anything you can for a vet if you know anyone. Your time, a conversation, a hot meal, donated clothing or even the smallest thing makes a difference. Realize that many who on the surface seem ok, are not. Dig deeper. Ask questions, check on them often.