Is This Me?

Trouble sleeping?
Memory problems?
Trouble concentrating?
Feeling irritable and angry?
Having nightmares or frightening thoughts?
Feeling jumpy, anxious, or easily startled?
Feeling emotionally numb?
Feeling cut off from other people and other relationships?

After you have served in combat, it’s natural that you may want and need some time to transition back to your life. But if the transition is taking longer than you had hoped, it may be time to help yourself.

None of these are signs of weakness

You have seen and experienced things that few others have. Perhaps you or a buddy saw first-hand the damage an IED can inflict, or drove hundreds of hours in convoys, endlessly on alert for an unseen enemy. Perhaps you were in a firefight or mortar attack.

Even if you came home physically uninjured, you may feel wounded or hurt on the inside. Combat inflicts many wounds that are invisible. These wounds are just as real and can be just as damaging as the ones that can be seen. You were expected to be mentally tough and personally disciplined in combat. Now that you are home, you need to have your emotional and mental health cared for just like your physical health.

For loved ones and family members

Often it’s the people who are closest to the service man or woman, like a spouse, loved one, children or parents, who may first notice a change. If you think someone you care about may be suffering from a war-related problem, call this confidential toll-free number, 866-554-IWAP (4927), for more information and help.

Confidential help is available

You’re not alone. We’re here to help. The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program is a free program for returning Veterans. Confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call now – 866-554-IWAP (4927).

Created by Magellan Health Services staff and reviewed by Magellan clinical staff