Most people who seek help dealing with emotional problems find relief, recovery, and healing. They don’t forget what they’ve been through, but they learn ways to make sense of their experience so that it doesn’t control their lives. More is known now than ever before about how to help people deal with the complicated feelings that may have come home with them from a war zone. These lessons can also help the rest of us that are suffering from stress from whatever source is troubling us too. Take heart and prepare to take the needed action.
Being tough:
Our society values toughness, but also good judgment. It’s hard trying to help people see that there are times when even the toughest person may have a reaction to stress that doesn’t go away on its own.
Symptoms that this problem is not just going away:
- When weeks or months go by, and you continue to feel angry, sad, isolated, or numb;
- You keep having nightmares or flashbacks
- Your feelings begin to interfere with your work or your relationships
These are indications that you are at risk from stress.
No one suffers alone.
Getting help may also help family, friends, and co-workers who may see the difficulties you are experiencing but feel unable to help. All of our loved ones are affected by this condition and we owe it to them as well as ourselves to deal with the stress induced situation.
An example of just how hard it is to seek help:
Several groups of recent returnees from Southwest Asia took part in a study three to four months after their return. Most of these brave soldiers acknowledged that they were having problems, but only two out of five asked for professional help. This was even after receiving briefings and training on the importance of getting professional help. Can you imagine how much harder it is for your neighbors and friends to seek help?
There are some things we can do to make a difference though. These include:
- Addressing the problem early in order to prevent longer-term problems.
- Learning skills like communication, anger management, ,and conflict resolution. These can protect families and jobs while you work through your stress.
- Addressing individual stressors one at a tome may help you deal more effectively rather than trying to manage the whole load at once.
- Medicating yourself with alcohol or drugs is never a good idea (this does not include prescribed medications however).
Take the first step:
Making the decision to ask for help is difficult, but not impossible. And once you make that decision, each and every next step becomes easier and easier as you move back to wellness. Take that first step and let someone help you.