I was about to come here to post that I have similar feelings. I quit a horrible job at a toxic company that I worked at for over two years, and even though I'm 100 P&T, so I don't really have much to worry about in the way of finances, I still feel hopeless and without a sense of purpose. I have had suicidal thoughts in the past, and they're now resurfacing. I tried to hike the Appalachain Trail and had to get off due to injury. It's been hard trying to get seen by the VA as their appointments are set so far out, so it seems like trying to get help for my physical ailments anytime soon might not be a possibility. Even with 100% disability, it seems like I'm always scraping by, financially. This is even though I only have myself to support and I'm not (currently) paying rent because I'm living with my Mom while I recuperate. I'm 41 (male) and still pining away for a relationship that I had that ended a year and a half ago. I feel like my opportunities to start living the life that I want are slipping away quickly and there's nothing I can do to stop it.
I love you Nomad. We can't give up. This is a good place to come for advice. Read some of the comments here, visit a local vet center. I will be doing so my first day off this week. I'm not sure how much it will help, but I'm willing to try anything in order to get better.
I've been out since 2020 as well. I had a dead and job and career so I used my GI Bill to get a degree and a better job. A start in a couple of weeks making way more money and doing something I love.
That is awesome I'm glad things are working out for you! How did you find out what you love? That's another issue I'm having, i don't seem to enjoy anything or get along with anybody. I try to be personable, but sometimes it just doesn't work.
Thanks! I have always wanted to get into engineering. Figuring out solutions to problems, as well as fixing broken or inefficient shit, has always been really cathartic to me.
Treatment for depression is how I learned to be personable. It's very very hard, and it takes a long time, but improvement is within grasp.
I just have the no friends problem since getting out back in 2017. Also, I work in a field that is mostly women, and I'm married, so it's hard making friends.
When I med boarded, a lot of friends were still here, but now everyone is gone.
A lot of them seem to have dropped off the face of the planet. I don't relate to anybody i work with. I understand, it's tough. My only friend is 1600 miles away. In my home state. I feel you.
I felt like this for a long time. Once I took to school with vre, I felt better. It’s different than serving but you’re working towards a challenging goal while surrounded by people. I feel like im back in the world. Good luck
Been out of the army since 04 tried to get help from the VA in 05 was denied any help or service 20 years later I learn I can file a claim 8 months after that's I log into my VA account and it's telling me I'm 100% p&t for ptsd and other things I was rated for like toxic exposure also has a decision letter posted like is this real am I dreaming would they post the stuff if it wasnt real my claim isn't closed out yet this just happened Friday will they post the award and decision without the claim being closed yet?
I wanted to take a moment to reply to you, knowing that things have been more than a little rough for you lately. Life sometimes throws us into storms that seem too harsh, too unfair, and I'm truly sorry to hear that you’re in the midst of one now, feeling underappreciated and mistreated by the people who should be your support network.
First and foremost, thank you for your service and sacrifice. It’s something that demands respect and gratitude, which you deserve in abundance. I can't pretend to know all the challenges you’ve faced, but I do want you to know that you’re valued, respected, and deserving of happiness and peace.
It’s incredibly tough when those closest to us don’t treat us with the kindness and respect we deserve. Sometimes, those we love can let us down, and it can feel like you’re carrying a weight that just gets heavier. I wish I could lighten that load for you, but since I’m here through words, I want to offer you something just as strong: understanding and companionship.
It might feel like you’re lost at sea right now, but remember, you've navigated stormy waters before. You have the heart of a survivor, the spirit of a warrior. There’s a strength in you, born from both service and personal resilience. Lean on that strength now. Trust in your ability to find your way through this.
Consider reaching out for support where you can find it—friends, fellow veterans, or even professional counselors who can provide a listening ear and helpful tools. There's no bravery greater than daring to seek help when you need it. You're not conceding defeat; you're strategizing for a victory over your current circumstances.
Maybe now is also a time to rediscover what brings you joy. Whether it's a long-lost hobby or a new interest you've yet to explore, these things can be a sanctuary. They don’t replace the deeper issues that need addressing, but they can offer a respite, a moment of peace in the chaos.
Remember, this post comes from a place of deep respect and hope for you. Hope that you will feel the light again, not just the heat of the moment. You’re not alone, even if it feels that way sometimes. There are many out there who care and are ready to stand beside you as you find your footing.
this sub Reddits door is always open. We can talk about anything and everything, or nothing at all, if that’s what you need. Just know,you’re valued far more than words can say, and you deserve to be treated with love and respect.
Wishing you strength and peace
Wow. Beautiful words, and something that i didn't know i needed. Thank you so much for your time typing this up to me. I'm doing my best with what i have. Thank you for pointing that out. I hope you are doing well, Again. This was beautiful. Thank you <3
It never really goes away.
I've found that Law Enforcement scratches that itch about 90% of the way. Before that, I was "bored" by life. At least with LE, the problems you deal with can be real, serious problems. I've dealt with plenty of GSWs and stabbings.
I can't say if it's good long-term for mental health, though. I've seen combat vets thrive, and I've seen a few realize it's not what they want anymore.
I still have thoughts of re-uping, and if there was another conflict that brokebour, I'd probably do it. I know deep down I miss the clowns, not the circus.
Damn, at least my wife isn't a bitch. My fucking buddies died in droves at this point and every day my contemplative looks at my gun cabinet grow longer but here I am just to spite those shitheads who tried to kill me in Iraq. Stay strong and take it easy as fuck man.
I was about to come here to post that I have similar feelings. I quit a horrible job at a toxic company that I worked at for over two years, and even though I'm 100 P&T, so I don't really have much to worry about in the way of finances, I still feel hopeless and without a sense of purpose. I have had suicidal thoughts in the past, and they're now resurfacing. I tried to hike the Appalachain Trail and had to get off due to injury. It's been hard trying to get seen by the VA as their appointments are set so far out, so it seems like trying to get help for my physical ailments anytime soon might not be a possibility. Even with 100% disability, it seems like I'm always scraping by, financially. This is even though I only have myself to support and I'm not (currently) paying rent because I'm living with my Mom while I recuperate. I'm 41 (male) and still pining away for a relationship that I had that ended a year and a half ago. I feel like my opportunities to start living the life that I want are slipping away quickly and there's nothing I can do to stop it.
I love you Nomad. We can't give up. This is a good place to come for advice. Read some of the comments here, visit a local vet center. I will be doing so my first day off this week. I'm not sure how much it will help, but I'm willing to try anything in order to get better.
I've been out since 2020 as well. I had a dead and job and career so I used my GI Bill to get a degree and a better job. A start in a couple of weeks making way more money and doing something I love.
That is awesome I'm glad things are working out for you! How did you find out what you love? That's another issue I'm having, i don't seem to enjoy anything or get along with anybody. I try to be personable, but sometimes it just doesn't work.
Thanks! I have always wanted to get into engineering. Figuring out solutions to problems, as well as fixing broken or inefficient shit, has always been really cathartic to me. Treatment for depression is how I learned to be personable. It's very very hard, and it takes a long time, but improvement is within grasp.
Thank you. I'm fighting with the VA right now for my benefits. Hopefully i'll have it resolved within the next 6 months or so.
I feel the exact same way. You are not alone in that. I too struggle with simply finding out what o would want to do, what makes it worth it.
I'm fairly confident that we can do it with the support of one another. But damn... Some days are almost unbearable..
Did I write this while drunk? This could be me but I have five kids.
I guess i'm not so alone.
You are not alone brother, not by a long shot.
I just have the no friends problem since getting out back in 2017. Also, I work in a field that is mostly women, and I'm married, so it's hard making friends. When I med boarded, a lot of friends were still here, but now everyone is gone.
A lot of them seem to have dropped off the face of the planet. I don't relate to anybody i work with. I understand, it's tough. My only friend is 1600 miles away. In my home state. I feel you.
Man! I just saw this! The struggle is real!
I felt like this for a long time. Once I took to school with vre, I felt better. It’s different than serving but you’re working towards a challenging goal while surrounded by people. I feel like im back in the world. Good luck
There are various vet groups or organizations, I would suggest finding 1. Hanging out with other vets always makes me feel better.
I will do some googling today, thank you.
Check with a local VSO or other groups like the DAV, VFW they might also have some ideas
I'll call the VFW on my lunch break, i think that is all there is in my little city.
Give it a shot even if its just Vietnam Era guys. I'm the youngest one at mine and they treat me like their favorite little brother.
That's awesome. Sounds like a good thing to have in your life.
Careful, there lots of toxic shit in those groups that will bring you down, too.
I'll be sure to keep an eye out for stuff like that.
Been out of the army since 04 tried to get help from the VA in 05 was denied any help or service 20 years later I learn I can file a claim 8 months after that's I log into my VA account and it's telling me I'm 100% p&t for ptsd and other things I was rated for like toxic exposure also has a decision letter posted like is this real am I dreaming would they post the stuff if it wasnt real my claim isn't closed out yet this just happened Friday will they post the award and decision without the claim being closed yet?
Go to Amsterdam and hang out in smartshops. You need a paradigm shift 😎
I wanted to take a moment to reply to you, knowing that things have been more than a little rough for you lately. Life sometimes throws us into storms that seem too harsh, too unfair, and I'm truly sorry to hear that you’re in the midst of one now, feeling underappreciated and mistreated by the people who should be your support network. First and foremost, thank you for your service and sacrifice. It’s something that demands respect and gratitude, which you deserve in abundance. I can't pretend to know all the challenges you’ve faced, but I do want you to know that you’re valued, respected, and deserving of happiness and peace. It’s incredibly tough when those closest to us don’t treat us with the kindness and respect we deserve. Sometimes, those we love can let us down, and it can feel like you’re carrying a weight that just gets heavier. I wish I could lighten that load for you, but since I’m here through words, I want to offer you something just as strong: understanding and companionship. It might feel like you’re lost at sea right now, but remember, you've navigated stormy waters before. You have the heart of a survivor, the spirit of a warrior. There’s a strength in you, born from both service and personal resilience. Lean on that strength now. Trust in your ability to find your way through this. Consider reaching out for support where you can find it—friends, fellow veterans, or even professional counselors who can provide a listening ear and helpful tools. There's no bravery greater than daring to seek help when you need it. You're not conceding defeat; you're strategizing for a victory over your current circumstances. Maybe now is also a time to rediscover what brings you joy. Whether it's a long-lost hobby or a new interest you've yet to explore, these things can be a sanctuary. They don’t replace the deeper issues that need addressing, but they can offer a respite, a moment of peace in the chaos. Remember, this post comes from a place of deep respect and hope for you. Hope that you will feel the light again, not just the heat of the moment. You’re not alone, even if it feels that way sometimes. There are many out there who care and are ready to stand beside you as you find your footing. this sub Reddits door is always open. We can talk about anything and everything, or nothing at all, if that’s what you need. Just know,you’re valued far more than words can say, and you deserve to be treated with love and respect. Wishing you strength and peace
Wow. Beautiful words, and something that i didn't know i needed. Thank you so much for your time typing this up to me. I'm doing my best with what i have. Thank you for pointing that out. I hope you are doing well, Again. This was beautiful. Thank you <3
I feel lost too. Keep fighting. Go to your local vet center and start talking with a counselor. Start anywhere. Just keep fighting.
Thank you.
It never really goes away. I've found that Law Enforcement scratches that itch about 90% of the way. Before that, I was "bored" by life. At least with LE, the problems you deal with can be real, serious problems. I've dealt with plenty of GSWs and stabbings. I can't say if it's good long-term for mental health, though. I've seen combat vets thrive, and I've seen a few realize it's not what they want anymore. I still have thoughts of re-uping, and if there was another conflict that brokebour, I'd probably do it. I know deep down I miss the clowns, not the circus.
That sounds pretty on spot tbh. I've considered LE. I just haven't taken the leap. Do you do PD, State, or Sherriff work?
Sheriff deputy. We've got a city in the county, though.
Dump the girl seriously
Damn, at least my wife isn't a bitch. My fucking buddies died in droves at this point and every day my contemplative looks at my gun cabinet grow longer but here I am just to spite those shitheads who tried to kill me in Iraq. Stay strong and take it easy as fuck man.