11/30/2022
A Veteran with PTSD fell into a hole and couldn’t get out. When a civilian walked by, the Veteran called out for help, but the civilian yelled back, "Suck it up son, dig deep, and drive on," then threw him a shovel. The Veteran did as he was told and dug that hole deeper.
Another stranger went by and the Veteran called out for help again. The stranger told him, "use the tools and online training that has been given to you", then threw him a bucket. The Veteran used the tools and he dug the hole deeper still and filled the bucket.
A psychiatrist walked by. The Veteran called, “Help! I can’t get out!”, so the psychiatrist gave him some drugs and said, "Take this. It will relieve the pain and you will forget about the hole.” The Veteran said, "thanks", and followed his advice, but when the pills ran out he was still in the hole.
A well-known psychologist rode by and heard the Veteran's cries for help. He stopped and asked, “How did you get there? Were you born there? Did your parents put you there? Tell me about yourself, it will alleviate your sense of loneliness.” So the Veteran talked with him for an hour, then the psychologist had to leave, but he said he’d be back next week. The Veteran thanked him, but he was still in the hole.
Another Veteran, just like him, happened to be passing by. The Veteran with PTSD cried out, “Hey, help me. I’m stuck in this hole!” and right away the other Veteran jumped down in there with him. The Veteran with PTSD started to panic and said, “What are you doing? Now we’re both stuck down here!” But the other Veteran just smiled and replied, “It’s okay, calm down, brother. I’ve been here before..... I know how to get out.”
This is very important as we get closer to the Christmas Season. You are not alone and many of us care about you.
If you made it to the end of this post and feel like you're in a hole with no way out, reach out to me. Or call the number below:
VAC Assistance line 1-800-268-7708