“You
can’t internalize this forever. You gotta find that link with somebody or some
group or something that’ll make you let it go, that’ll help you let it go.” –
Don, Vietnam War veteran
When Don
returned home from Vietnam he brought horrific memories from the war back with
him. To make matters more difficult, some of his peers looked down on his
service. Don busied himself at home to avoid situations that might evoke
feelings that he wanted to bury. After 9/11, many bad memories came flooding
back, and his behavior and quality of life started to change. Don decided to
seek assistance, but had never talked to a mental health professional before
and wasn’t sure what to expect. His U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
doctor provided him with concrete steps to manage his symptoms and start the
healing process. Each visit to his psychiatrist helped Don feel better, and his
wife noticed improvement right away. Now Don tells his story hoping it will
encourage other veterans to reach out for support.
The Make
the Connection campaign features stories of resilience and recovery
like Don’s — from veterans of every age, experience, and service era. The Make
the Connection website (MakeTheConnection.net), is a one-stop resource where veterans
and their families and friends can privately explore topics including health,
wellness, and common challenges.
MakeTheConnection.net features hundreds of videos of veterans
talking openly about their personal experiences with mental health treatment,
recovery, and paths to leading healthier, happier lives. These real stories
encourage other veterans to seek help and take the first step toward recovery.
In
addition to finding support at MakeTheConnection.net, you can also connect with care
through a mental health professional or staff members in your community and at
your local VA Medical Center or Vet Center by using the resource locator on the site. Don made the connection, and so can
you.
The
success of this effort relies on the support of those dedicated to serving our
nation’s veterans. Visit MakeTheConnection.net today to discover more about how
this resource can positively impact the lives of those in the Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) community.
Make the Connection is an initiative run by U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Don’s
story: www.MakeTheConnection.net/Stories/story.aspx?story_id=82
Don’s
story: www.MakeTheConnection.net/Stories/story.aspx?story_id=87
Make the Connection home page: www.MakeTheConnection.net
Make the Connection Facebook page: www.facebook.com/VeteransMTC
Make the Connection YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/VeteransMTC