Expert: Howard Lorenz - 5/11/2008

Question
I enlisted in feb 07, I got to my unit two weeks before they deployed, and have been in Iraq for 9 months. Since I have enlisted I have had really bad depression for a few reasons. Two of the guys I went to basic with have died, my grandmother got cancer again the second month I was here, I have been tormented and harassed by two other members of my platoon, including damage to personal belongings.

I am not one to get mad, and I usually can keep my calm but recently I have injured my self * burning my arm with a cigarette, and not a small one at that, it is fairly large.

Someone saw this, and I have been referred to mental health, they asked me a bunch of questions, and I told them I would like to stay in. The Major told me that he could help, and I am supposed to see him in two days about medicine, and to talk to me.

I don't think that the medicine is going to help, I was on some anti depressant to quit smoking and it only made it worse. If I can not control this even on my meds, I will almost positively be discharged, and I don't want this, I was wondering what happens after, and during this process, and how long it takes.

Also, the reason I joined is because early on I and to choose between college and work, and I chose work. When I was 21 I joined because I didn't see my life going anywhere and I talked to a recruiter about getting college money through the GI bill. I got 72000 for 5 years, and It seems like all the work I have done thus far in the past 15 months will be for nothing. I am really worried about losing it and am not sure of the requirements with a medical discharge.

I am really stressed about it, as it was the only reason I joined, and to go back to nothing would be terrible. I don't  really know what to do, and was looking for some help from someone not in my chain of command as they have done nothing for me except think I was talking through my ass before this happened.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Well this is a classic example of  do not join the military for a bonus... I know that hid sight is 20 /20 but its reality.

The first thing you need to do is knock off the bullshit and quit punishing yourself becasue you are having troubles with a couple of assholes. There are other ways of getting back at these punks who have no concept of ..One Team...One Fight.. You need to step back and see the bigger picure. You are there to do a job you were hired and paid to do, that much I can not help you with, but sitting there and punishing yourself becasue you are in this predicament is just not right...

You need to refocus and think of way that you can better your time there. Try to eliminate yourself from the problem, if they continue, then start talking to others outside your platoon. I would contact the chaplin first...These guys have emmense powers to get things done... Do not sue them to get out, but to correct your issues. They have the confidentiality clasue as well, so you can relax anbd let your hair down and tell the whole story....

The thing of it is it does get better.... There are going to be assholes that you will have to deal with all your life and career.... You just have to learn to redirect your anger and frustration to a more positive light... Hang in there, if you need me to contact your leadership...let me know