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Steve Porcaro

Nov 29, 2021 by Steve Porcaro

Afghanistan: Let’s Talk About It

Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan, such as the U.S withdrawal and the takeover by the Taliban.

You are not alone.

Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service. It’s normal to feel this way. Talk with your friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services. Scroll down for a list common reactions and coping advice.

Resources available right now

  • Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
    • For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
  • Eastern CT Veterans Community Center-peer to peer support programs, discussion groups.  1320 Main Street, Suite 27, Willimantic, CT 06226.
  • Vet Centers – Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
  • VA Mental Health Services Guide – This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
  • MakeTheConnection.net – information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
  • Download VA’s self-help apps – Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) –  Request a Peer Mentor
  • VA Women Veterans Call Center – Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 6:30PM ET)
  • VA Caregiver Support Line – Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 5PM ET)
  • Together We Served –Find your battle buddies through unit pages
  • George W. Bush Institute – Need help or want to talk? Check In or call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org
  • Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes – Join the Community
  • American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network – Peer Support and Mentoring
  • Team Red, White & Blue – Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area.
  • Student Veterans of America – Find a campus chapter to connect with.
  • Team Rubicon – Find a local support squad.

Common Reactions

In reaction to current events in Afghanistan, Veterans may:

  • Feel frustrated, sad, helpless, grief or distressed
  • Feel angry or betrayed
  • Experience an increase in mental health symptoms like symptoms of PTSD or depression
  • Sleep poorly, drink more or use more drugs
  • Try to avoid all reminders or media or shy away from social situations
  • Have more military and homecoming memories

Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service.

Veterans may feel like they need to expect and/or prepare for the worst. For example, they may:

  • Become overly protective, vigilant, and guarded
  • Become preoccupied by danger
  • Feel a need to avoid being shocked by, or unprepared for, what may happen in the future

Feeling distress is a normal reaction to negative events, especially ones that feel personal. It can be helpful to let yourself feel those feelings rather than try to avoid them. Often, these feelings will naturally run their course. If they continue without easing up or if you feel overwhelmed by them, the suggestions below can be helpful.

Strategies for Managing Ongoing Distress

At this moment, it may seem like all is lost, like your service or your sacrifices were for nothing. Consider the ways that your service made a difference, the impact it had on others’ lives or on your own life. Remember that now is just one moment in time and that things will continue to change.

It can be helpful to focus on the present and to engage in the activities that are most meaningful and valuable to you. Is there something you can do today that is important to you?  This can be as an individual, a family member, a parent, or a community member. Something that is meaningful to you in regard to your work or your spirituality? Such activities won’t change the past or the things you can’t control, but they can help life feel meaningful and reduce distress, despite the things you cannot change.

It can also help to consider your thinking. Ask yourself if your thoughts are helpful to you right now. Are there ways you can change your thinking to be more accurate and less distressing? For example, are you using extreme thinking where you see the situation as all bad or all good?  If so, try and think in less extreme terms. For example, rather than thinking “my service in Afghanistan was useless” consider instead “I helped keep Afghanistan safe.”

Finally, consider more general coping strategies that you may want to try including:

  • Engage in Positive Activities. Try to engage in positive, healthy, or meaningful activities, even if they are small, simple actions. Doing things that are rewarding, meaningful, or enjoyable, even if you don’t feel like it, can make you feel better.
  • Stay Connected. Spend time with people who give you a sense of security, calm, or happiness, or those who best understand what you are going through.
  • Practice Good Self Care. Look for positive coping strategies that help you manage your emotions. Listening to music, exercising, practicing breathing routines, spending time in nature or with animals, journaling, or reading inspirational text are some simple ways to help manage overwhelming or distressing emotions.
  • Stick to Your Routines. It can be helpful to stick to a schedule for when you sleep, eat, work, and do other day-to-day activities.
  • Limit Media Exposure. Limit how much news you take in if media coverage is increasing your distress.
  • Use a mobile app. Consider one of VA’s self-help apps (see https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/) such as PTSD Coach which has tools that can help you deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
  • PTSD Coach Online. A series of online video coaches will guide you through 17 tools to help you manage stress. PTSD Coach Online is used on a computer, rather than a mobile device, and therefore can offer tools that involve writing.

If you develop your own ways of adapting to ongoing events and situations, you may gain a stronger sense of being able to deal with challenges, a greater sense of meaning or purpose, and an ability to mentor and support others in similar situations.

Filed Under: Veterans Tagged With: Afghanistan

Sep 29, 2021 by Steve Porcaro

RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS

Have you lost someone special to suicide?  There is nothing worst than the feelings of loss and helplessness.  The Eastern CT Veterans Community Center wants you to know we are here for you.  There are many support groups in the region that have been helpful to veterans and civilians.  Please stop by for a cup of coffee and a chat, maybe even a hug.  We can help you find the right resources to help you get through these very difficult times.  We are located at 1320 Main Street, Suite 27, Wilimantic, CT 06226.

Here are some places for you to consider…..

Brian’s Healing Hearts

Ann Dagle

860.625.5280

ann@brianshealingharts.org

Meet 1st &3rd Thursday at 6pm in Niantic-Please register before attending group

 

The Anchor

Nancy Caward

860.654.0045

theanchor@snet.net

Meet 4th Monday of the month 7-8:30pm & Monthly breakfast social 2nd Saturday

 

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

1.888.333.2377

www.AFSP.org

Information and resources

 

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)

www.Save.org

 

Grief After Suicide – download informational PDF 

Learn More at www.save.org/find-help/coping-with-loss/

https://soicalworklicensemap.com/blog/suicide-attempt-resources

 

Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL)

www.soslsd.org

can connect to others who are survivors of suicide loss

 

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S)

1.800.959.8277

www.taps.org

for those who suffered the loss of a military loved one, regardless of relationship

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Veterans

Sep 29, 2021 by Steve Porcaro

UNIQUE WEEKEND GETAWAYS FOR HISTORY BUFFS

Diane Nadeau, President and CEO of the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce shares ideas for weekend getaways for history buffs.

Read more here, https://www.wtnh.com/ct-style/windham-chamber-of-commerce-unique-weekend-getaways 

Filed Under: Chamber News, Tourism Tagged With: ct history, historical, museums, Staycation, vacations, weekend getaway

Sep 29, 2021 by Steve Porcaro

WEEKEND STAYCATIONS IN NORTHEAST CT

Diane Nadeau, President & CEO of the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce shares staycation ideas with WTNH.

Read more, https://www.wtnh.com/ct-style/weekend-staycations-in-northeast-ct/

Filed Under: Chamber News, Tourism

Dec 24, 2020 by Steve Porcaro

Wreaths Across America 2020

 

“Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.”

This year the Chamber of Commerce along with the Military Service Council had a goal of 301 wreaths; thanks to local businesses, private clubs & organizations and individuals like yourself, we were able to honor each of our fallen veterans at the New Willimantic Cemetery. It takes a village, we have already begun fundraising for next Wreaths Across America Day. Through January 15th, for each wreath purchased WAA will match sponsorship.

To sponsor a wreath, today or any day before November 30, 2021, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CT0090

Filed Under: Veterans

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We’re conveniently located in the heart of downtown Willimantic’s business district. Call us to schedule a meeting to discuss your business needs or to meet with our Business Resource Center.

Windham Region Chamber of Commerce
1320 Main St., Suite 27
Willimantic CT 06226
Phone: (860) 428-7739

info@windhamchamber.com

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