When is it Time to Ask for Help?
After an extended period of time away from home that is often physically, emotionally, and mentally stressful, service members along with their family and friends go through an adjustment period. This can often be uncomfortable and difficult for everyone involved, but it is a normal phase that everyone progresses through.
Feelings of sadness, confusion, frustration, isolation are common when you first home. Most of the time these feelings pass or are managed successfully, however, sometimes these feelings persist and begin to negatively affect your relationships, work and ability to relax and enjoy life. This is especially true if you and your family have endured multiple deployments, no matter what your role or mission was during your military service.
Allowing these feelings to continue without seeking help can only make things more difficult for you and the one’s you love. It is important that you recognize these signs and take steps to address them.
Common Warning Signs that it May be Time to Ask for Help
•Trouble sleeping (including persistent insomnia, nightmares, and restless sleep or over sleep and constant fatigue)
•Increased or sustained use of alcohol, over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs as a way to manage your feelings or unwanted thoughts
•Feeling the need to “get away” from home or escape your life
•Feeling numb or empty toward your life and loved ones
•Frequent feelings of anxiety
•Persistent and prolonged irritability and/or difficulty concentrating
•Difficulty or loss of control over anger
•Withdrawing or isolating yourself from family and friends because they simply would not understand what you’ve been through
•Lack of intimacy with your partner beyond a readjustment period
•Loss of appetite
•Increased frequency of illness
•Persistent feelings of guilt, shame or depressed mood
•Thoughts of wanting to hurt or kill yourself
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t needlessly suffer alone. Things can be better tomorrow and there are so many people who appreciate you and your service to our country who truly want to help you, no matter what the issue or circumstance. Everyone needs help sometimes – please ask.
National Suicide Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Line: 1-866-4CRISIS
Mental Health Providers
Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647
Carolina Carelink
The Governor's Focus on Returning Combat Veterans and their Families
Deployment Help Support Line: 1-800-497-6261
Developed by Kristen Russell, MSW, American Red Cross - Central NC Chapter