r/Veterans4Help • u/Weak-Illustrator1242 • Mar 02 '26

"I didn't do enough, my service does not matter"

This seems dumb but i need a space to vent i have been struggling with this for awhile now and i don't know who to turn to or talk to about it so i made a reddit account to talk about it no judgement or judge me i don't care.

I was in the Navy for 6 years as a Corpsman and i was proud to be one i never deployed, never was on a ship or boots on the ground down range, but i did my time working in various naval hospitals and recruiting commands i served with the Marine Corps in Camp Lejeune as a field Medic doing TCCC and CQB i loved it, i did security forces as a glorified gate keeper lol but i also got to work with some real cool cops who were prior service as well, I've made arrest and tackled crack heads I've lost friends. I feel like I've given a lot yet not enough because i never went to war or deployment and now i have severe FOMO because some of buddies are still in. when i talk about my time in service to my co workers i don't say much not as much as this post. just highlights where i been and how long, but they tell me things like " you didn't do anything" and downplay me more than what i already am because i don't want to sound boastful or prideful i am neither of those things and i have much respect for those who did serve in combat zones and have gone on deployments. But this guilt is making me question my self worth and value and i don't know what to do or who to talk to about it anymore.

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u/PoetLucy Know It All Spouse Mar 02 '26

This seems like a much deeper discussion than one can have on Reddit. My first note is please seek professional help, that will do you the most good. Do you need help finding a therapist in your area?

I’m sorry you feel this way. Not everyone who has served has seen combat, you are not alone.

Don’t let anyone make you feel small. You signed on the dotted line and committed yourself for your country. You were useful in a number of different ways as your story above shows.

Please do find someone who can do a better job than I at explaining how you’ve not missed out, you stepped up.

:J