💖Keep the mental health conversation going by sharing your story here in the comments. No matter where you are in your journey, you have a safe place here to share your struggles and accomplishments without judgment. This is how we shatter the mental health stigma.💖 Follow/say hi on IG (@mentalamanda) and if you need some direction and would like me to be your Happiness teacher, you can sign up for my Happiness Boost course here: amandawebsterhealth.com/happiness-boost/
Thank you for being such a beautiful spirit, for your compassion, your love and for being here for us. You are such guiding light. #findyourwords If they say Who cares if one more light goes out? In a sky of a million stars It flickers, flickers Who cares when someone's time runs out? If a moment is all we are We're quicker, quicker Who cares if one more light goes out? Well I (YOU) do... ruclips.net/video/Tm8LGxTLtQk/видео.html
Amanda I think Veterans should be top priority when they come home and be given free housing and what ever they need and not to have to worry about finances ever again. But you gotta react to Comming Down by Five Finger it talks about depression and teen suicide its very deep but a great message
A buddy I served with used to say : Everybody loves a Warrior when the enemy is at the gates but when the threat is dealt with we are cast aside. Rest in Peace PFC Chris Hinkle, I miss you brother, I will see you on the other side someday.
PFC Chris Hinkle I don’t know you but we are brothers in arms and when I die I will be with you and we can chill to have drink remembering our love ones and other vets.
I am a Desert Shield/Desert Storm Marine Veteran and I have seen every reaction vid to FFDP's Wrong Side of Heaven. Watching them gives me a gage as to the humanity of the people watching. Most react in awe to the message FFDP is sending, others are discusted by the treatment of us Vets. Your genuin, heart felt kindness was comforting. I simply wanted to say, THANK YOU...THANK YOU..THANK YOU. God Bless You.
This is going to sound incredibly corny, but I'm going to use a line from Return of the King, for you, specifically. "No, my friend. You bow to no one".
Thank u for ur service sir. I had a grandfather that was in the Navy who was the radio man that gave the command to fire the first tomahawk cruise missile on my mother side, my grandfather was a navyman on a destroyer in world 2 on my father's side, unfortunately I never got to meet either of them in person. Two of my uncle's were marines, one became a police officer when he returned. I'm very proud of my family, and that family is not limited to just my family members, it includes every currently serving and have once served vets
“You saved my life brother” gets me every time I watch this music video For those who may be asking how does a vet become one of these statistics, watch "Gone Away" by Five Finger Death Punch. It deals with vets having survivor's guilt. five finger death punch song gone away
Brings me to tears every single time.. veteran here and I’ve been to too many funerals for brothers in arms and several were suicides and one was police suicide
Without proper support its easy to turn to the bottle or pills to feel better. You end up throwing away everything just to dull the pain. But it never lasts. It's just a temporary feeling that you need another fix to get that feeling back. With people that are there for you it becomes harder and harder to require that bottle to fill that hole. It's a different version of depression really but both are non verbal and fuck you up mentally. You don't need the bottle or pills to feel better so long as you have proper support but nobody wants to open up about how they feel.
That one really gets me to. I lose it there. A good friend saved me, but he passed recently due to an illness. I never got the chance to really thank him. USN Ret
Thank you. I spent 16 years serving in both the Navy and Army. Since leaving I've worked in law enforcement, fire fighting, a paramedic, and have been an ER and Critical Care nurse now for almost 19 years. This song and video have always strongly resonated with me. Especially now. My son, a Marine with multiple combat tours lost his battle with PTSD on February 21,2021 a week after his 25th birthday. I've spent a lifetime protecting and rescuing strangers. I'm crisis intervention and Gatekeeper Certified. I've successfully conducted 100s of suicide interventions, and I've now got this voice in my head whispering "you couldn't save him". I've done some sketchy things in my life. Even done some things I'm not proud of, even with the best of intentions. But there is no pain like the loss of a child, there is no guilt like when a parent learns of a childs suicide. Theres no recovery, theres no rationalization. This pain and this guilt will be mine to bear until I die. No one should ever have so much pain they feel death is the only answer. You're not alone, you are loved, and there are people who will understand. Please! Reach out, ask for help. There is help and there are those of us who want to help. Our arms are open and we will GLADLY face those demons with you. You are not alone. The world is a much better place with you in it. Check on your friends, check on your family, be kind to a stranger. Veterans commit suicide differently, we don’t make attempts, threats, or gestures. Veterans are more lethal to themselves. Reach out, make a phone call, knock on a door, text an invitation. Be available, be sincere, or if nothing else Be Kind. No matter how hard the heart nobody is made of stone. Don't be a coward, don't be afraid of asking someone if they're ok, don't be afraid of calling professionals for help, most of all don't be afraid of being kind.
I lost a child to miscarriage and also bear immense guilt that I couldn't protect her. No matter what anyone says, it doesn't change how we feel. Thank you for your sacrifice in serving and I hope that you find the healing and peace that I know your son would want for you. You're already spreading his love and wisdom with the world just in this comment. He would be proud!
That is a lot to shoulder but I want to thank you so much for sharing. It's extremely hard when you lose people, doesn't matter if you knew them or not. Survivor's guilt is the hardest to get through. Keep in touch with the group and let us know how you're doing. We are all here for you.
I was a little hesitant to watch this reaction. The song and video are great. The thing is I'm a dual diagnosed veteran who has been homeless and is a suicide survivor. Every time I watch this video it hits me real hard. I'm not a combat veteran so it's hard for me to understand what the combat vets have gone through. I do value the sacrifice they made for the U.S.
@@MentalAmanda, I printed this and have it hanging near my bed "We've all been wounded. And each of these wounds has left a scar. Each of these scars tells a story. It's the same story for each of us. I survived.
The God is always referred to as a she, as in his wife mother sister, girlfriend who is ashamed of him. He sees himself as the Devil who says he isn't to blame because he is only doing what we asked him to do. I was a Viet vet. I was a volunteer but most of us were drafted. Soldiers from most wars were welcomed home as heroes but we were greeted by protesters calling us baby killers, even our government seemed to want to just forget about us. The part at the end the black dude is saying "Bill, Bill, it's me Jacoby. You saved my life brother. It's O.K., it's O.K."
I see what the "hippies" did to you and your brothers just as shameful as the "political leaders" that sent you and your brothers into, what in my opinion, was a nonsense and unnecessary war. I'm aware that part of why we went in there was in the NATO treaty and France was claiming it as a french colony, but when France bailed, we should have left also.
I am also a Viet Nam Vet 1970 - 1973. I was with an Army Evacuation Hospital. I did not see combat but I delt with the aftermath. We were tasked with bringing home the wounded. I also treated very bad win I came home. At college I had to team up with another veteran due to abuse from the other students. I got called a baby killer once and told that person that I was in the medical field, but that didn't matter to them. I have suffered severe PTSD. My wife took my children and left me in 1988 and I haven't seen them since. I haven't had my own home since then. Spent some time in Prison and now live of a friend's couch. I am disabled and can only walk with a walker now. I've got memory issues, throat problems, stomach problems, chronic kidney disease, severe diabetes, can't feel my feet and even with stints in both legs there is only 30% circulation in the left leg and 60% in the right. I do get 100% medical from the VA along with $250. I get $750 from Social Security and $100 in FS. Although I have no family and only a very few friends with the help of my Mental Health counselor I am trrying my absolute best to try and stay positive. So far so good, but I really do not like this time of year. Sorry about rambling on and on, but it helps. I have never told my story to anyone before.
Thank you for your analysis and understanding. The soldier doesn't go to war because he hates what's in front of him, he goes because he loves what's behind him.
Young lady this is my first time seeing you. And I have to say I truly LOVE YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU ARE MENTAL HEALTH CARE IS A HUGE ISSUE I SUFFER FROM I5!! WE NEED MORE OF YOU!! AND I LOVE YOU'RE REACTION TO THIS SONG!!!
I'm a veteran that missed combat back in the early 90s but I had many buddies that saw combat. I promise combat will screw with your mind. Several of them suffer from PTSD but they are getting the help and support from all around.
First of all thank you. PTSD is horrible. My friend was a medic during the Afghanistan was and she's never really been the same again. I've never been in the military and don't really agree with war but I appreciate the sacrifice that service people man.
Same. I served and trained in the guard through college and was just never deployed. Many of my friends that were active saw some pretty hairy shit. I've seen their videos. 👍
Five Finger Death Punch " Coming Down " would be a good one for you to have on your channel. They have so many sounds that face the issues in life. Thank you for what you are doing.
Given her history, it may be too much for her to handle! Very deeply emotional song and video. If Amanda does do it, she better bring a truck load of tissues.
Thank You SO much for showing proper respect here! My condolences for the loss of your Dad. I am a Veteran from the U. S. Navy (but that has nothing to do with my having been homeless) It was a LONG time ago for both but I do not have PTSD or problems associated with combat, because I was never in combat. I get you. This is an AMAZING band and they are just as adamant about taking care of our people in uniform as you are. They are huge supporters of our military personnel. Luv ya!
Thank you to all our veterans and active service men and women! You are the reason we sleep peacefully each and every night. Thank you for all that y'all have done and are doing!
The very second you're response to "They are a lost cause" was "Screw you!" I have military family and after the service served in my backyard til their death in one uniform or another. You got my sub right there. Too few disrespect our troops but would not stand in their shoes either. It's sickening.
“Gone Away” is a really thought provoking song. My Daddy was in the Korean War and he never spoke of it. We knew nothing of his service until he passed away from alcoholism. Keep doing what you are doing. It doesn’t matter their reasons, if you give with a good heart, it will come back good for you!
“You saved my life brother” gets me every time I watch this music video For those who may be asking how does a vet become one of these statistics, watch "Gone Away" by Five Finger Death Punch. It deals with vets having survivor's guilt. five finger death punch song gone away
I always try to give to the homeless when I can. But even sitting and having a chat with them can really make their day. I remember a lovely lady that I met a few years ago that I sat and spoke with, brought her a hot drink and a sandwich and her response was “Thankyou for talking to me and treating me like a human” and that broke my heart to think how people treat the less fortunate
When I lived and worked in the city, I always headed to work at least a half early so I could stop and chat with the homeless folks on the way. Treating them like human beings and just listening makes far more of a difference than you can imagine.
To all the veterans I want to say thank you all my father was a veteran serving 22yrs in the marine corps and serving in Vietnam and myself serving 21yrs in the army and being a combat veteran dealing with PTSD I understand the battles us veterans have daily so keep fighting and always remember you are not alone
Thank you for this Amanda, I love this reaction. I myself served for 15 years, not with the U.S but with the Australian Military and had numerous tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and served side by side with who I see as my brothers and sisters in the American military and love each and everyone of them to this day. These stats while prolific in the states do translate to all of us who served around the world and I appreciate you putting this video up and bringing light to it.
Thank you very much! Both my grandpas were WWII veterans. Almost 5 years in the front line. Facing enemy 10 bigger (Russia). They never really got over it mentally. They never spoke about it and there were no help at all for them other than hard work after the war. We "mentally" lost two generations cause of 3 different kind of wars in WWII. FFDP has many other great songs about this and "Sabaton" has also great true stories in their songs and their history channel.
Viestissäsi Jari on syvällinen viesti. Maamme on kärsinyt sodista yli tuhat vuotta. Se on luonut kansastamme hiljaisen ja sisältä vaarallisen kansan. Tein sukututkimuksen 1600-luvulta tänne ja suvussani oli kuusi sukupolvea sotilaita. Ne kärsimykset seuraavat meitä ja mielestäni asian käsittely Suomessa on olematon. Oman suvun puolella ei koskaan sodasta puhuttu. Vaimoni pappa puhui vielä muutama vuosi sitten suu vaahdossa ryssän kanssa juoksuista juoksuhaudoissa. Hän oli Karjalasta joten asia oli ymmärrettävissä. Kansamme omalaatuisuus tuo myös mausteen tämän päivän politiikkaan. Meillä on kansa, joka on koulutettu tappamaan ja tulee tekemään viimeisen päätöksen. Kumpi vie seuraavan erän? Punainen vai valkoinen. Punainen otti niskalenkin, mutta armeija näyttäisi tekevän ensimmäisen liikkeen. Sodan sykli osui vahtivuorollemme. Kannetaan ylpeydellä velvollisuutemme, JÄLLEEN KERRAN...
This song and video always gets to me. my dad was in the Army, and every time he shipped out, i was always wondering if he was coming back. i sometimes still have nightmares of him not coming home to the point that i wake up and call him just to hear his voice.
Great one for Veterans Day! Should check out "Gone Away" by the same band, Five Finger Death Punch. Another great one that deals with common issues that veterans deal with, bad but not as dark i feel like and the song itself invokes alot of the emotions rather than the video not that video isn't good (it's fantastic and the one you should watch if you react to it). As a vet myself, thanks! Folds of Honor is another great org for helping the families of injured or KIA vets.
@James Petrone It is, and honestly i think it's better than "Wrong Side of Heaven", not that wrong side is a bad song. I just feel to really have the impact that that song is intended to have you HAVE to watch it with the video, without it, it's just another solid metal song from FFDP. Gone Away on the other hand, is just a different caliber of song. Both the original and the cover have merit and neither REQUIRES the video to get the deep emotional meaning behind the song, it only adds to it and gives it context. For example, the original Offspring version is filled with a lot more teen age angst and depression that someone losing a friend as a teenager might go through (perfect example of this is the best man at my wedding, lost a friend in high school and tends to prefer the original), on the other hand the cover by FFDP has a much more mature and somber tone and timber to the sounds and instruments used. This in context with who FFDP are and what they stand for clearly makes this a more military focused song and the video clearly reflects that and put it into context (perfect example of this is myself, as a veteran of OIF II 08-09, I much prefer the FFDP version of the song). I like both songs, Wrong Side of Heavan and Gone Away, but i think so many people react to and watch Wrong Side of Heaven a lot more than Gone Away and I think that if you react to one you aught to react to both because they are just worth checking out. Sorry for the book lol
Amanda, I appreciate you opening up about the mental health struggles. It's something we as a society need to be more open about for sure. Thank you! This song speaks to me. I was a homeless vet back in 2010. After returning from Iraq after an IED blast in November 2008, I was medically discharged due to my injuries I sustained. I was a medic, and frankly I saw stuff over there no human being should EVER have to see. That really screwed with me afterwards and still does to this very day. It affected my family life to the point where my fiance left with my son. I, being a proud man refused to ask anyone for help and I ended up on the streets of LA. I could have gotten some assistance from the VA. But I struggled with the VA to get my issues resolved and I just gave up on a broken system. The VA is fubar'ed. Fast forward to 13 years later (my last day in service was 1/30/2009) I have a good stable job, I own my own company. I have an excellent wife and a loyal german shepherd training to be a PTSD alert dog. A lot has changed, yet a lot has managed to stay the same. The wounds of war never go away. You learn how to deal with things easier over time but when I close my eyes, the images of the people I couldn't save still haunt me. This is why when I got out I didn't want to continue as a civilian EMT. I am no hero. I never was a hero. I put my boots on and I went to work everyday just as you do. Being a long haul truck driver, I am stuck in a plastic box for months at a time. I just came home after 5 solid months on the road. I did it to do my part to make sure people had groceries on their tables during the holidays. As I did in the Army, I sacraficed a good portion of my life to put others before me. That's all fine and I am 100% comfortable with it. Even still, the long periods of nearly complete isolation takes a tremendous toll on a person. And I, once again, am struggling with the whole mental health thing. Even though I struggle with my own personal stuff, I still can't find that 'caring' off switch. You see that gun on my dsiplay picture? That's a Sig P320 .40 caliber. I keep it in my desk drawer just below me keyboard. Literally 4 inches below my hands as I type this. Every damned day for a split second, I think about chewing on the business end of it. The only thing that stops me is knowing that there is someone out there I can help. Helping others has become my sole purpose here. Keep up the great work Amanda. We got this! - Subscribed
I am grateful for your sacrifice as a soldier and for the different sacrifice you make as a truck driver. My parents drove truck before I came along (I was conceived in a rig!) so I have IMMENSE respect for the profession. I'm proud of you for being able to admit that you're struggling, for your heart to help others and for continuing to face your demons. I know it's not easy, but I believe in you.
Iraqi Freedom Vet. Funny I found your video because I found a deputy, today, I had previously worked with for 10 years who was in the same battalion with me when we deployed. Known each other for almost 15 years and just realized it today. I saw my share there. FFDP has brought this to light with this and several other songs. Thank you for your sentiment Amanda.
Five Finger Death Punch does so much for our veterans. They’d go perform overseas and, if they can, have vets in their music videos. If I got this information wrong, I am so sorry. 🎶 This video always ALWAYS has me crying for hours. It’s so heartbreaking to watch, read, and listen. 💕 Thank you Vets for everything you’ve done, doing, or will do for us. I stumbled upon this reaction video, thank you Amanda, for all you’re doing to help others. 🦋
Thank you for what you do and for spreading compassion for the homeless. I'm a recovered addict and was homeless for several years. I've seen first-hand how society is quick to toss the homeless aside. I still struggle with my mental health but I've been in my apartment for 2 years now. I also now work as a Recovery & Life Coach at the same shelter that helped me and see many homeless, both veterans and civilians get the help they need. Recovery is possible and nobody is a lost cause.
My dad is a Vietnam vet retired marine and this video honestly makes me shed a tear every time i watch we need to take more care and pride for our vets
As a former homeless veteran who is now involved with a veteran outreach called operation dry bones with my church. Thank you. It makes my joyful inside to see this today.
My brother is an Iraqi freedom vet, my dad is a navy seal vet Vietnam war ,and my uncle was a green beret Vietnam war vet. So I totally get ptsd. I also deal with suicidal depression. Thank you My sweet Amanda for your channel and everything you do to spread mental health awareness.
I realize I'm 2 years late, but I just watched your reaction and I have watched reactions from people like me and veterans, but of everyone and myself, you broke this video and the message it conveys in the most perfect and The Most empathic way. God Bless you for being the person you are. I'm so moved I'm having a hard time believing it. I've listened to this song since it's release 15 years ago, it's always moved me, but never has anyone's reaction brought me to tears. You are a marvelous person, please stay that way ❤
Thank you for this video. Watching your channel has been helping the past couple of weeks. It’s a strange time with some things i’m not sure how to talk about. And that combined with having a bit more free time a difficult thing for me. Things like working out more often have been helping, and just accepting that thinking isn’t bad. But also your channel. So I just wanted to say thanks.
I just found your video tonight. I am a combat veteran. I want to thank you for your heartfelt reaction to this very important song and video. I lost my family and my home to my PTS and this video is both very crushing and very uplifting to me. I can't quite explain it. Over the last couple of years I have been fortunate enough to begin to pull myself back up and I'm optimistic for the first time in over a decade. I'm healing. Again thank you for your reaction and God bless your dad for his sacrifice. When I came home people lined up to thank me. I can't imagine what it must have been like for all the Vietnam Vets to come home and be cursed at and spat on and made the villains.
Amazing reaction, but what I find even more amazing is how many comments you respond to. That you read the comments and comment on so many makes me feel what you say is genuine and that's hard to find these days. Thank you for the great content and keep doing what you are doing. As a vet the song hits me hard every time someone reacts to it. I have known some of the "22 a day" and it's horrible how a vet will go into a doctor to get a bad back, or an injured knee looked at but won't dare talk to a professional or anyone about the mental side of healing. 😢
When I was younger I tried to join the armed services and was DQ'D due to medical. I instead joined my local volunteer fire department as a fire fighter/emt that was how I felt I could support my buddies who I went to school with while they were over fighting. I helped take care of the home front.
I as well am a volunteer firefighter /paramedic and think that while many look down upon it, it's amazing to see their reaction when they find out that 75% of firefighters in the United States are your neighbors volunteering their time to keep people safe and provide aid when they need it.
Joel, just to let you know, the person who was posting disrespectful and hateful messages to you was blocked from this channel and reported. Thank you for your time and love in helping our community 💗
@@MentalAmanda much love. Thank you for that. I feel sorry for that person and hope whatever is causing that hate, resolves itself for that person. Amanda keep up the great message of mental health and its importance. IGY6;
I was a second lieutenant in the Marine corps and lost both legs in a IED blast in Afghanistan while under sniper fire.. but to me it doesn't matter what you do or where, just as long as you're helping others and saving lives. You're a hero in my book.
10:20 "You are a hero. Anyone who's questioning, it was" Amanda I absolutely lost whatever composure I had at that line. I did my share of grey-area things when I was over there and never thought I was a hero. That single sentence from you means so much. This isn't an easy time of the year for me 'cause of the war, but your video made me feel at least a *little* bit better. Thank you dearie, thank you so much.
By far my favorite reaction of yours so far. I know the struggle of coming home. “He sees himself as his own judge, jury, and hangman.” This. Everyday, this. Thank you, ma’am.
I think for a lot of vets, myself included, the sacrifice involved with being a soldier is a mentality that goes beyond the battlefield. Many would rather save the limited resources that are available for those that could use it. Also, I think for most soldiers, no matter what reason motivated them to enlist in the military, once shit breaks off, they are ultimately fighting for the people next to them. The motivation to get those people home along with you can be a consuming force. If any of those people next to you don't make it, the impact can haunt you for a lifetime. The thoughts that you failed a person that you swore to protect will ebb and flow over time, but I don't know that they ever go away. As a personal aside, I would highly recommend reaction to the Gone Away and Coming Down videos. Five Finger Death Punch does a really good job getting some very important messages across in those videos.
I hope that when I die, I die knowing that someone was fighting for me. I can't imagine a better feeling to go out with. Thank you for your service, and I'm sorry for those you lost. I hope you can find healing and peace one day.
I got out of the army in 2004 with no deployments, I went back in 2007 because I felt I never did my part. 2 iraq deployments, a tour in Korea and a few months in Kuwait and I still feel I didn't do enough. As crazy as it sounds, I would give almost anything to go back to Iraq as a combat zone is the only place I feel normal now
@@quillianvalk This is common. It's hard to adjust to life after things like that. Thank you for your sacrifice and whatever you do, I hope you find the peace you deserve.
Hope your having the best day you can everybody. Amanda keep up the fight. Good on you for continuing to get going everyday and sharing. It means a lot to a lot of us. You matter. :D
Dear Amanda , if you like this one , you should take a look a there other song "Coming Down" ( probably very hard for you to watch but the message in it is very strong !! ) Have a good day ;-)
An absolute stellar reaction to this song. I just came across your channel, saw this reaction, and hit the subscribe button to help you out. I look forward to seeing what you come out with regards to mental health, it's so important.
As a 26 year Special Operations vet, I thank you for voicing your feelings about this. Many have experienced things that the average American cannot imagine, yet they are ignored by society.
Love the reactions and how on point you are with reading the emotions behind the lyrics, and with empathising with the people and situations portrayed. Might I suggest listening to A Christmas truce by sabaton (or indeed any of their music, they focus their music and lyrics to the telling of stories of past conflicts and war time events and the reality of conflict.) its very powerful. Another band that may interest you is within temptation - 2 of their earlier songs in particular - angels and memories. Both move me to tears but I'd love to hear your thoughts on them x
@Mental Amanda. Ive watched alot of reaction video to this song and that bit at the end where 1 guy is homeless & the other guy approaches him and mouths the word hey homie,u saved my life brother. It gets me me every time i watch it.
As a wounded combat veteran, this song hits home on so many different levels. I spent a fair amount of time dealing and fighting my own personal demons as most veterans do. I saw you did a reaction to Fade to black by Metallica. But there are a few songs that really hit home and were instrumental in me explaining to people how i felt after leaving the military. Take a listen in this order. Fade To black, .45 by Shinedown, Hero of War by Rise Against, Gone Away by Five Finger Death punch, and of course Wrong side of heaven. its a small climps into my little world. but getting help is anything but easy especially from the VA
You aren't the first person I've heard this from. Know that there are other organizations (like those listed in the description) that seem to be much more helpful. Also, please know you can come here anytime, you have a safe place. Thank you for your sacrifice and I hope we can help you find healing.
I pretty much knew how you going to react....My late father never talked about being in the Korean Conflict....and I have friends that served in Vietnam, and two siblings that served in the military...and they really don't talk about it! I was brought up to respect members of our Military. I always have and will respect our Veterans.
You are so emotional and dedicated. You are by far my favorite for reaction especially to these videos of mental health. Thank You. Keep it up. Your reaction hit me very hard and i tear up each time. My dad suffers from PTSD from Vietnam. I see the struggle everyday. Amanda thank you
"HEY Look at me!! ...you saved my life brother. It's going to be okay. " Words that were not audible, but spoke volumes. I will cry at the end of this video. Every.single.time I too am a vet. I'm the husband of a vet. I got out right before 9/11 (for reasons I won't get into right now), and an overwhelming guilt hit me that fateful day. I was letting those down that I served with. I was letting my country down. That guilt almost consumed me. To any of my brothers and sisters that wore a uniform - past or present. We love you. We love your families that support you. Be safe. Be strong. Be here tomorrow.
This makes me shed a tear, but angry at the same time. My family has a long list of vets, but it wouldn't matter. I don't fathom at any level why we don't support our veterans. I'd be all for even taking money from the military non-VA budget to properly support the VA. There's zero reason why the VA doesn't have the resources. The US has the money.
The Veterans are supported. The Veterans Admin budget for 2022 is 270 Billion. A lot of Vets on the street do not want help for various reasons. Some do not know where to go for help. Don't just assume the Vets are being ignored because that is not the case.
Many vets have been denied help from the VA and lost their life to suicide in the parking lot. I know vets who have tried to go that route, tried to get help from them, and been turned away. They aren't perfect.
I am a Navy Veteran, 7 years active Duty . I just stumbled onto yer channel cause I really love that song, I watched the whole thing, and what I want to say to you is, I beleive in my heart that you are an Amazing young woman for what yer doing withy yer channel! I subscribed and now I'm gonna check out more! By the way "You too are a hero"!!! Thank you .
I must apologize, Amanda. I know this video is 2 years old, but I just discovered that you had reacted to it. I belong to a veterans organization that helps to try to find all the missing and pows still left in the world. I run this video every Veterans Day and every Memorial Day For all of the reactors that have shared this video, I have encouraged them to do the same, and I hope you will, too. Thank you for your support, you're beautiful smile and your dedication to mental illness.
This is a wonderful gesture. Thank you for doing this! How do you suggest we as reactors partake in this ritual? Re-posting typically throws off the algorithm so the only thing I could think of is a paid promotion of the video on those days.
I'm a disabled veteran and you are an.amazing and beautiful human. Your explanation is on point. Thank you for me and all my other brother and sisters in arms.
I love your compassion in this. As a veteran myself, I've seen some of my friends die by their own hands due to anxiety and depression issues. I have them myself and understand their pain. Mental issues are bad enough, then adding my physical pain makes it so much worse. I just found out yesterday that I've been lied to by the VA for 6 years, but thankfully I'm getting the help now after being in the ER 3 times in 2 years due to pain. I hope no one ever has to go through this.
First of all, thank you for your sacrifice in serving. I can't pretend to understand the depth of the pain, but I certainly understand why it exists. I can only imagine how much worse it is compounded with physical issues. I'm happy that you realized that the VA was being dishonest (nothing new there from what I hear) and that you are getting the help you need. Please keep fighting. I care if your light goes out.
I can't hear this song without shedding a tear. My dad was a veteran of the Canadian Forces and he never confessed about what he had done or seen until he was about to breathe his last breath. I have the utmost respect for the men and women who risk their lives so we don't have to risk ours. It's a great song and this video could not be more efficient. I wish you all the best and I hope you are doing well. Greetings and hugs from Ottawa, Ontario.
I greatly value your father's service for a better and safer world. My dad was the same way. He was a Vietnam vet and never spoke about it until his last few days.
Great reaction Amanda, so pleased to see you didn't hold your punches (or your tears) in your comments. Great one, am sure you've made a difference with this one
I automatically give a like when i open a video (yes bad ones i unlike) but your intro before you hit play earned my subscription. Your reaction, omg, youtube needs a love button like facebook
You are very sweet, and a rarity in recent years, Thank you for still being here, I do not know your story but it is obvious that a higher power has guided you here to be a beacon for hope, help and positive energy, for at least 20.6k people. lovely reaction definitely subbing
I am also a disabled veteran who has been affected by almost all of the info this video put out. This song and video get me every time. Thank you for this reaction.
i think i literally cried from start to end! lets pretend our troops have worth and treat them with the respect we would like to be treated with and more. i loved your take on this and i am sending you a virtual hug and i am so sorry to hear of your loss. much love from the UK xx
Thank you for helping keep this message alive. I watch this video often. Can't thank Five Finger Death Punch enough for what they have done with this video and others. I am a veteran from the Desert Storm era. I never considered stepping into a VA center for over 25 years since my ETS. Finally went in for a medical evaluation for a broken arm from my time in the Army. Was asked if I ever had my exit interview and eval after service. Had no idea it was even a thing. Went through the evaluation and was diagnosed with PTSD among other things. I am finally getting the help I never knew I needed. I urge other veterans to take the leap and speak to your local VSO or even the VFW. There is help out there brothers and sisters. Is the system perfect? Not even close. But it is something and should be used if needed.
I am a disabled veteran and I have been homeless. I still fight my own demons every day. It breaks my heart to see my brothers suffering. Thank you for doing what you do and trying to make a difference. God Bless
Thank you so much for doing this for our vets. My dad was a 20 year vet. They deserve anything we can do for them. All gave some and some gave all. We owe everything to them. Again... thank you Amanda.. ♥️🇺🇸
Thank you for your reaction. I am the son/grandson/nephew of veterans from ww2, korea, vietnam, iraq, and Afghanistan wars. I live with my dad who was in vietnam. He suffers from PTSD. A simple thunderstorm scares him. I hear the good but i see the struggle daily in him.
Back in my twenties, I worked as a security officer in a lot of really bad areas. I was shot one time. Wrong place wrong time situation. To this day, 20 years later, I still suffer from PTSD to loud noises I can't immediately identify, and occasionally nightmares of it happening again. I can't even imagine what someone who has seen multiple warzones must go through. To everyone that has served, you have my utmost love and respect. Thank you for everything you've done. ❤️
I heard this song today for the first time. I’m not a soldier and I give everyone my utmost respect. This song hit me in a way, I didn’t expect. “ on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell”. I’ve failed heaven and I’ve failed hell. I don’t belong there and I don’t belong there. That’s powerful. I’m full of flaws that place me nowhere.
Seeing a man cry like that gets me every time because as a society men are not supposed to show emotions we're not supposed to cry which is BS but for a man to break down that much to cry that's real pain and sadness.
Thank you for your sacrifice and know that there is a LOT of support for you both here in the community and outside of it. Email or IG me (in video description) if you need help getting the support you deserve. 💖
Thank you for your reaction for Vets, its all I can say. No other words come close but your reaction made me smile , I wish more people thought like you do.
I joined the Marines with my friend/classmate. We lost him while serving. You never know the time but no matter it’s too short. Thank you for sharing this reaction.
Very valid and heart felt reaction to such an awesome piece of art. Keep up the fight and Thank you for furthering awareness to the struggle of the veteran community. God Bless.
I appreciate you open the floor to veterans that want to share their story. The truth is a lot of us will not share what we went through. The truth is unfortunately a lot of us battle this every day, we can walk away from more and leave the violence but you would never know if we always kept silent. Until Valhalla my brothers and sisters.
My dad was a Vietnam veteran so I know well that not all veterans want to or are ready to talk about their stories. Many, however, wanted to and just need that safe space. I respect not everyone is ready, but I hope at least those that aren't can read the stories of those that shared and realize that they are not alone and many vets go on to find meaning and healing even though it's not easy.
Thank you Amanda I'm very glad I found you There's not many of you out there Meaning what you do here shoutOut to all my brothers and sistersAnd to 5 finger death punch For the song Raising awareness Keep on keeping on Peace out!✌✌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
My son is a Marine Corps vet who was a turret gunner on a 7-ton truck in Iraq. I first saw the video several years ago and it still makes me cry. Thank God, my son returned home safely, has a successful career and family to love him. God bless and protect all of our troops!
Hello Ms. Amanda, Hope all is well. I'm an Army veteran of 16 years. I lost a lot in war. I joined to make sure my daughters could have a free life. I lost my whole battalion but me & 2 brothers. I was critically wounded. I had to learn how to walk again. It was the longest year of my life. My daughters pulled me through my hell. I've got really bad PTSD. My daughters are my saviors. It's been 9 years since my medical retirement. Keep up the good work. #HOOAH #74D
This song is one of only a handful of songs that evokes a visceral responce. I start shaking. From as far back on both sides of my parents that served. Due to issues from birth i was unable to serve. Dad was in for 20 years. A lot of friends served and lost a lot to war whether in war or war with mental health. My daughter has decided she is going into military and as proud of her as i am i am so scared of her future but i also see and feel the calling to protect and serve and i am proud but sad as well. She is going to college first for cyber security. She feels her destiny is rooted in not only family legacy but also our countries.
I can completely understand being proud and scared. That's completely valid! My heart goes out to your family for their sacrifices to keep me and other Americans safe. I hope that you can see how you will be serving through her.
💖Keep the mental health conversation going by sharing your story here in the comments. No matter where you are in your journey, you have a safe place here to share your struggles and accomplishments without judgment. This is how we shatter the mental health stigma.💖
Follow/say hi on IG (@mentalamanda) and if you need some direction and would like me to be your Happiness teacher, you can sign up for my Happiness Boost course here:
amandawebsterhealth.com/happiness-boost/
You are so spot on about it being criminal!!!
At the very end of the he said: "You saved my life brother." It always brings me to tears...
@@YoJimBo851610 Same. That part ALWAYS makes me tear up.
Thank you for being such a beautiful spirit, for your compassion, your love and for being here for us. You are such guiding light. #findyourwords
If they say
Who cares if one more light goes out?
In a sky of a million stars
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone's time runs out?
If a moment is all we are
We're quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well I (YOU) do...
ruclips.net/video/Tm8LGxTLtQk/видео.html
Amanda I think Veterans should be top priority when they come home and be given free housing and what ever they need and not to have to worry about finances ever again. But you gotta react to Comming Down by Five Finger it talks about depression and teen suicide its very deep but a great message
A buddy I served with used to say : Everybody loves a Warrior when the enemy is at the gates but when the threat is dealt with we are cast aside. Rest in Peace PFC Chris Hinkle, I miss you brother, I will see you on the other side someday.
Rest in Peace Chris. You both have my respect and appreciation.
PFC Chris Hinkle I don’t know you but we are brothers in arms and when I die I will be with you and we can chill to have drink remembering our love ones and other vets.
My dad, Navy Corpsman, used to say something similar. God bless PFC Hinkle, you will not be forgotten.
Thank you
Nobody loves the warrior more then when the enemy is at the gates.
I am a Desert Shield/Desert Storm Marine Veteran and I have seen every reaction vid to FFDP's Wrong Side of Heaven. Watching them gives me a gage as to the humanity of the people watching. Most react in awe to the message FFDP is sending, others are discusted by the treatment of us Vets. Your genuin, heart felt kindness was comforting. I simply wanted to say, THANK YOU...THANK YOU..THANK YOU. God Bless You.
And thank YOU for your sacrifice!
No bro, thank you for serving. You're the reason I have the rights I do. I'm so grateful to you and the others that served beside you.
This is going to sound incredibly corny, but I'm going to use a line from Return of the King, for you, specifically.
"No, my friend. You bow to no one".
Thank u for ur service sir. I had a grandfather that was in the Navy who was the radio man that gave the command to fire the first tomahawk cruise missile on my mother side, my grandfather was a navyman on a destroyer in world 2 on my father's side, unfortunately I never got to meet either of them in person. Two of my uncle's were marines, one became a police officer when he returned. I'm very proud of my family, and that family is not limited to just my family members, it includes every currently serving and have once served vets
thankyou all for your service sir.
“You saved my life brother” gets me every time I watch this music video
For those who may be asking how does a vet become one of these statistics, watch "Gone Away" by Five Finger Death Punch. It deals with vets having survivor's guilt. five finger death punch song gone away
Brings me to tears every single time.. veteran here and I’ve been to too many funerals for brothers in arms and several were suicides and one was police suicide
Without proper support its easy to turn to the bottle or pills to feel better. You end up throwing away everything just to dull the pain. But it never lasts. It's just a temporary feeling that you need another fix to get that feeling back. With people that are there for you it becomes harder and harder to require that bottle to fill that hole. It's a different version of depression really but both are non verbal and fuck you up mentally. You don't need the bottle or pills to feel better so long as you have proper support but nobody wants to open up about how they feel.
Originally done by the Offspring , it takes on a different feeling , and just as powerful
Same I am a OEF/OIF veteran this song gets me everytime at that point
That one really gets me to. I lose it there. A good friend saved me, but he passed recently due to an illness. I never got the chance to really thank him. USN Ret
Thank you.
I spent 16 years serving in both the Navy and Army. Since leaving I've worked in law enforcement, fire fighting, a paramedic, and have been an ER and Critical Care nurse now for almost 19 years. This song and video have always strongly resonated with me. Especially now. My son, a Marine with multiple combat tours lost his battle with PTSD on February 21,2021 a week after his 25th birthday. I've spent a lifetime protecting and rescuing strangers. I'm crisis intervention and Gatekeeper Certified. I've successfully conducted 100s of suicide interventions, and I've now got this voice in my head whispering "you couldn't save him".
I've done some sketchy things in my life. Even done some things I'm not proud of, even with the best of intentions. But there is no pain like the loss of a child, there is no guilt like when a parent learns of a childs suicide. Theres no recovery, theres no rationalization. This pain and this guilt will be mine to bear until I die.
No one should ever have so much pain they feel death is the only answer. You're not alone, you are loved, and there are people who will understand. Please! Reach out, ask for help. There is help and there are those of us who want to help. Our arms are open and we will GLADLY face those demons with you. You are not alone. The world is a much better place with you in it.
Check on your friends, check on your family, be kind to a stranger. Veterans commit suicide differently, we don’t make attempts, threats, or gestures. Veterans are more lethal to themselves. Reach out, make a phone call, knock on a door, text an invitation. Be available, be sincere, or if nothing else Be Kind. No matter how hard the heart nobody is made of stone. Don't be a coward, don't be afraid of asking someone if they're ok, don't be afraid of calling professionals for help, most of all don't be afraid of being kind.
I lost a child to miscarriage and also bear immense guilt that I couldn't protect her. No matter what anyone says, it doesn't change how we feel. Thank you for your sacrifice in serving and I hope that you find the healing and peace that I know your son would want for you. You're already spreading his love and wisdom with the world just in this comment. He would be proud!
thankyou for your service sir.
That is a lot to shoulder but I want to thank you so much for sharing. It's extremely hard when you lose people, doesn't matter if you knew them or not. Survivor's guilt is the hardest to get through. Keep in touch with the group and let us know how you're doing. We are all here for you.
Bless your damned heart! If it weren't for people like you... this place would truly be a sh!tshow!
We veterans are all statistics; time will tell which. RIP brother marine.
FFDP does a lot for veterans and and police and they are such an amazing band!! This song and Gone Away brings me to tears almost every time!!
I was a little hesitant to watch this reaction. The song and video are great. The thing is I'm a dual diagnosed veteran who has been homeless and is a suicide survivor. Every time I watch this video it hits me real hard. I'm not a combat veteran so it's hard for me to understand what the combat vets have gone through. I do value the sacrifice they made for the U.S.
Thank you for your service!
@@galerios1 thank you for your service
@@Almcingrid3663 thank you for supporting the troops
Thank you very much for your service. I know you were still drug through the ringer and have your own struggles. You're never alone!
@@MentalAmanda, I printed this and have it hanging near my bed "We've all been wounded. And each of these wounds has left a scar. Each of these scars tells a story. It's the same story for each of us. I survived.
You know the message is strong when even trolls don’t show ... RIP to all that fell for countries around the world
The God is always referred to as a she, as in his wife mother sister, girlfriend who is ashamed of him. He sees himself as the Devil who says he isn't to blame because he is only doing what we asked him to do. I was a Viet vet. I was a volunteer but most of us were drafted. Soldiers from most wars were welcomed home as heroes but we were greeted by protesters calling us baby killers, even our government seemed to want to just forget about us. The part at the end the black dude is saying "Bill, Bill, it's me Jacoby. You saved my life brother. It's O.K., it's O.K."
I see what the "hippies" did to you and your brothers just as shameful as the "political leaders" that sent you and your brothers into, what in my opinion, was a nonsense and unnecessary war. I'm aware that part of why we went in there was in the NATO treaty and France was claiming it as a french colony, but when France bailed, we should have left also.
I've read an analysis claiming that what he says at the end actually is "You know me, you saved my life brother. My turn now"
On behalf of myself and my dad, thank you for your service. We see and love and appreciate you.
As a thankful American...Welcome Hime
I am also a Viet Nam Vet 1970 - 1973. I was with an Army Evacuation Hospital. I did not see combat but I delt with the aftermath. We were tasked with bringing home the wounded. I also treated very bad win I came home. At college I had to team up with another veteran due to abuse from the other students. I got called a baby killer once and told that person that I was in the medical field, but that didn't matter to them. I have suffered severe PTSD. My wife took my children and left me in 1988 and I haven't seen them since. I haven't had my own home since then. Spent some time in Prison and now live of a friend's couch. I am disabled and can only walk with a walker now. I've got memory issues, throat problems, stomach problems, chronic kidney disease, severe diabetes, can't feel my feet and even with stints in both legs there is only 30% circulation in the left leg and 60% in the right. I do get 100% medical from the VA along with $250. I get $750 from Social Security and $100 in FS. Although I have no family and only a very few friends with the help of my Mental Health counselor I am trrying my absolute best to try and stay positive. So far so good, but I really do not like this time of year. Sorry about rambling on and on, but it helps. I have never told my story to anyone before.
Thank you for your analysis and understanding. The soldier doesn't go to war because he hates what's in front of him, he goes because he loves what's behind him.
Young lady this is my first time seeing you. And I have to say I truly LOVE YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU ARE MENTAL HEALTH CARE IS A HUGE ISSUE I SUFFER FROM I5!! WE NEED MORE OF YOU!! AND I LOVE YOU'RE REACTION TO THIS SONG!!!
I'm a veteran that missed combat back in the early 90s but I had many buddies that saw combat. I promise combat will screw with your mind. Several of them suffer from PTSD but they are getting the help and support from all around.
First of all thank you. PTSD is horrible. My friend was a medic during the Afghanistan was and she's never really been the same again. I've never been in the military and don't really agree with war but I appreciate the sacrifice that service people man.
Hey buddy I like what you said if you ever need to talk or anybody else let me know my ear is always open thank you for sharing
Thank you for your service!
Hooyah!
Same. I served and trained in the guard through college and was just never deployed. Many of my friends that were active saw some pretty hairy shit. I've seen their videos. 👍
Five Finger Death Punch " Coming Down " would be a good one for you to have on your channel. They have so many sounds that face the issues in life.
Thank you for what you are doing.
Agreed
totally , she ahould do this next ,
nothing else
Given her history, it may be too much for her to handle! Very deeply emotional song and video. If Amanda does do it, she better bring a truck load of tissues.
Totally.
@@twnt5861 agreed. Coming Down is a VERY powerful video......
Thank You SO much for showing proper respect here! My condolences for the loss of your Dad.
I am a Veteran from the U. S. Navy (but that has nothing to do with my having been homeless) It was a LONG time ago for both but I do not have PTSD or problems associated with combat, because I was never in combat. I get you.
This is an AMAZING band and they are just as adamant about taking care of our people in uniform as you are. They are huge supporters of our military personnel. Luv ya!
Thank you for your service!
@@MentalAmanda You are very welcome.
Thank you to all our veterans and active service men and women! You are the reason we sleep peacefully each and every night. Thank you for all that y'all have done and are doing!
The very second you're response to "They are a lost cause" was "Screw you!" I have military family and after the service served in my backyard til their death in one uniform or another. You got my sub right there. Too few disrespect our troops but would not stand in their shoes either. It's sickening.
Ty for your service
“Gone Away” is a really thought provoking song. My Daddy was in the Korean War and he never spoke of it. We knew nothing of his service until he passed away from alcoholism. Keep doing what you are doing. It doesn’t matter their reasons, if you give with a good heart, it will come back good for you!
“You saved my life brother” gets me every time I watch this music video
For those who may be asking how does a vet become one of these statistics, watch "Gone Away" by Five Finger Death Punch. It deals with vets having survivor's guilt. five finger death punch song gone away
I always preferred the original offspring song more tbh but there cover isn't bad
@@pineapplesunited2358 offspring have re-released a slower version. Its on their latest album.
I always try to give to the homeless when I can. But even sitting and having a chat with them can really make their day. I remember a lovely lady that I met a few years ago that I sat and spoke with, brought her a hot drink and a sandwich and her response was “Thankyou for talking to me and treating me like a human” and that broke my heart to think how people treat the less fortunate
When I lived and worked in the city, I always headed to work at least a half early so I could stop and chat with the homeless folks on the way. Treating them like human beings and just listening makes far more of a difference than you can imagine.
To all the veterans I want to say thank you all my father was a veteran serving 22yrs in the marine corps and serving in Vietnam and myself serving 21yrs in the army and being a combat veteran dealing with PTSD I understand the battles us veterans have daily so keep fighting and always remember you are not alone
Knowing that there's someone like you really helps us veterans go through the days much easier.
I'm honored to help in any way I can. Thank you so much for your sacrifice.
Thank you for this Amanda, I love this reaction. I myself served for 15 years, not with the U.S but with the Australian Military and had numerous tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and served side by side with who I see as my brothers and sisters in the American military and love each and everyone of them to this day. These stats while prolific in the states do translate to all of us who served around the world and I appreciate you putting this video up and bringing light to it.
Thank you very much! Both my grandpas were WWII veterans. Almost 5 years in the front line. Facing enemy 10 bigger (Russia). They never really got over it mentally. They never spoke about it and there were no help at all for them other than hard work after the war. We "mentally" lost two generations cause of 3 different kind of wars in WWII. FFDP has many other great songs about this and "Sabaton" has also great true stories in their songs and their history channel.
Viestissäsi Jari on syvällinen viesti. Maamme on kärsinyt sodista yli tuhat vuotta. Se on luonut kansastamme hiljaisen ja sisältä vaarallisen kansan. Tein sukututkimuksen 1600-luvulta tänne ja suvussani oli kuusi sukupolvea sotilaita. Ne kärsimykset seuraavat meitä ja mielestäni asian käsittely Suomessa on olematon. Oman suvun puolella ei koskaan sodasta puhuttu. Vaimoni pappa puhui vielä muutama vuosi sitten suu vaahdossa ryssän kanssa juoksuista juoksuhaudoissa. Hän oli Karjalasta joten asia oli ymmärrettävissä. Kansamme omalaatuisuus tuo myös mausteen tämän päivän politiikkaan. Meillä on kansa, joka on koulutettu tappamaan ja tulee tekemään viimeisen päätöksen. Kumpi vie seuraavan erän? Punainen vai valkoinen. Punainen otti niskalenkin, mutta armeija näyttäisi tekevän ensimmäisen liikkeen. Sodan sykli osui vahtivuorollemme. Kannetaan ylpeydellä velvollisuutemme, JÄLLEEN KERRAN...
This song and video always gets to me. my dad was in the Army, and every time he shipped out, i was always wondering if he was coming back. i sometimes still have nightmares of him not coming home to the point that i wake up and call him just to hear his voice.
Great one for Veterans Day! Should check out "Gone Away" by the same band, Five Finger Death Punch. Another great one that deals with common issues that veterans deal with, bad but not as dark i feel like and the song itself invokes alot of the emotions rather than the video not that video isn't good (it's fantastic and the one you should watch if you react to it). As a vet myself, thanks! Folds of Honor is another great org for helping the families of injured or KIA vets.
I can agree with gone away. five finger death punches version is a cover of the original but imo I like the ffdp version better than the original.
Thats a rough one
@James Petrone It is, and honestly i think it's better than "Wrong Side of Heaven", not that wrong side is a bad song. I just feel to really have the impact that that song is intended to have you HAVE to watch it with the video, without it, it's just another solid metal song from FFDP. Gone Away on the other hand, is just a different caliber of song. Both the original and the cover have merit and neither REQUIRES the video to get the deep emotional meaning behind the song, it only adds to it and gives it context. For example, the original Offspring version is filled with a lot more teen age angst and depression that someone losing a friend as a teenager might go through (perfect example of this is the best man at my wedding, lost a friend in high school and tends to prefer the original), on the other hand the cover by FFDP has a much more mature and somber tone and timber to the sounds and instruments used. This in context with who FFDP are and what they stand for clearly makes this a more military focused song and the video clearly reflects that and put it into context (perfect example of this is myself, as a veteran of OIF II 08-09, I much prefer the FFDP version of the song). I like both songs, Wrong Side of Heavan and Gone Away, but i think so many people react to and watch Wrong Side of Heaven a lot more than Gone Away and I think that if you react to one you aught to react to both because they are just worth checking out. Sorry for the book lol
@@donaldmccombs5566 Yup, but honestly as an OIF II 08-09 vet, I can't get through either video without tears...
@@callsignbeaver6355 same here. What unit were you?
Amanda, I appreciate you opening up about the mental health struggles. It's something we as a society need to be more open about for sure. Thank you! This song speaks to me. I was a homeless vet back in 2010. After returning from Iraq after an IED blast in November 2008, I was medically discharged due to my injuries I sustained. I was a medic, and frankly I saw stuff over there no human being should EVER have to see. That really screwed with me afterwards and still does to this very day. It affected my family life to the point where my fiance left with my son. I, being a proud man refused to ask anyone for help and I ended up on the streets of LA. I could have gotten some assistance from the VA. But I struggled with the VA to get my issues resolved and I just gave up on a broken system. The VA is fubar'ed.
Fast forward to 13 years later (my last day in service was 1/30/2009) I have a good stable job, I own my own company. I have an excellent wife and a loyal german shepherd training to be a PTSD alert dog. A lot has changed, yet a lot has managed to stay the same. The wounds of war never go away. You learn how to deal with things easier over time but when I close my eyes, the images of the people I couldn't save still haunt me. This is why when I got out I didn't want to continue as a civilian EMT. I am no hero. I never was a hero. I put my boots on and I went to work everyday just as you do.
Being a long haul truck driver, I am stuck in a plastic box for months at a time. I just came home after 5 solid months on the road. I did it to do my part to make sure people had groceries on their tables during the holidays. As I did in the Army, I sacraficed a good portion of my life to put others before me. That's all fine and I am 100% comfortable with it. Even still, the long periods of nearly complete isolation takes a tremendous toll on a person. And I, once again, am struggling with the whole mental health thing. Even though I struggle with my own personal stuff, I still can't find that 'caring' off switch.
You see that gun on my dsiplay picture? That's a Sig P320 .40 caliber. I keep it in my desk drawer just below me keyboard. Literally 4 inches below my hands as I type this. Every damned day for a split second, I think about chewing on the business end of it. The only thing that stops me is knowing that there is someone out there I can help. Helping others has become my sole purpose here.
Keep up the great work Amanda. We got this! - Subscribed
I am grateful for your sacrifice as a soldier and for the different sacrifice you make as a truck driver. My parents drove truck before I came along (I was conceived in a rig!) so I have IMMENSE respect for the profession.
I'm proud of you for being able to admit that you're struggling, for your heart to help others and for continuing to face your demons. I know it's not easy, but I believe in you.
Iraqi Freedom Vet. Funny I found your video because I found a deputy, today, I had previously worked with for 10 years who was in the same battalion with me when we deployed. Known each other for almost 15 years and just realized it today. I saw my share there. FFDP has brought this to light with this and several other songs. Thank you for your sentiment Amanda.
This song hit me from the first listening, and it always does... Good reaction at an important subject.
Five Finger Death Punch does so much for our veterans. They’d go perform overseas and, if they can, have vets in their music videos. If I got this information wrong, I am so sorry. 🎶 This video always ALWAYS has me crying for hours. It’s so heartbreaking to watch, read, and listen. 💕 Thank you Vets for everything you’ve done, doing, or will do for us. I stumbled upon this reaction video, thank you Amanda, for all you’re doing to help others. 🦋
You give me inspiration as someone who struggles with depression and anxiety. So thank you.
Thank you to ALL SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN who gives all for our freedom. You are very much appreciated in my eyes and heart.
Thank you for what you do and for spreading compassion for the homeless. I'm a recovered addict and was homeless for several years. I've seen first-hand how society is quick to toss the homeless aside. I still struggle with my mental health but I've been in my apartment for 2 years now. I also now work as a Recovery & Life Coach at the same shelter that helped me and see many homeless, both veterans and civilians get the help they need. Recovery is possible and nobody is a lost cause.
My dad is a Vietnam vet retired marine and this video honestly makes me shed a tear every time i watch we need to take more care and pride for our vets
Thank you so much for your empathy. I am a 70% disabled veteran. I really appreciate you
I really appreciate you right back 💗
As a former homeless veteran who is now involved with a veteran outreach called operation dry bones with my church. Thank you. It makes my joyful inside to see this today.
Thank you for your sacrifice. I am always happy to hear when people turn their hard experiences into hope for others!
Ty for your service I wish you the best
My brother is an Iraqi freedom vet, my dad is a navy seal vet Vietnam war ,and my uncle was a green beret Vietnam war vet. So I totally get ptsd. I also deal with suicidal depression. Thank you My sweet Amanda for your channel and everything you do to spread mental health awareness.
I realize I'm 2 years late, but I just watched your reaction and I have watched reactions from people like me and veterans, but of everyone and myself, you broke this video and the message it conveys in the most perfect and The Most empathic way. God Bless you for being the person you are. I'm so moved I'm having a hard time believing it. I've listened to this song since it's release 15 years ago, it's always moved me, but never has anyone's reaction brought me to tears.
You are a marvelous person, please stay that way ❤
Thank you for this video. Watching your channel has been helping the past couple of weeks. It’s a strange time with some things i’m not sure how to talk about. And that combined with having a bit more free time a difficult thing for me. Things like working out more often have been helping, and just accepting that thinking isn’t bad. But also your channel. So I just wanted to say thanks.
I just found your video tonight. I am a combat veteran. I want to thank you for your heartfelt reaction to this very important song and video. I lost my family and my home to my PTS and this video is both very crushing and very uplifting to me. I can't quite explain it. Over the last couple of years I have been fortunate enough to begin to pull myself back up and I'm optimistic for the first time in over a decade. I'm healing. Again thank you for your reaction and God bless your dad for his sacrifice. When I came home people lined up to thank me. I can't imagine what it must have been like for all the Vietnam Vets to come home and be cursed at and spat on and made the villains.
First of all, thank you for your sacrifice. Second, I am SO happy to hear that you are finding healing.
Amazing reaction, but what I find even more amazing is how many comments you respond to. That you read the comments and comment on so many makes me feel what you say is genuine and that's hard to find these days. Thank you for the great content and keep doing what you are doing.
As a vet the song hits me hard every time someone reacts to it. I have known some of the "22 a day" and it's horrible how a vet will go into a doctor to get a bad back, or an injured knee looked at but won't dare talk to a professional or anyone about the mental side of healing. 😢
Thank you for sticking around and for your sacrifice to protect me 💗
Thank you for showing this and understand it. It made me cry so hard. Salute from a military veteran in Sweden.
Thank you for your service. I greatly appreciate it!
Our veterans have and always will be the greatest heros in my eyes.
From one veteran to your channel, I say thank you. You were spot on
When I was younger I tried to join the armed services and was DQ'D due to medical. I instead joined my local volunteer fire department as a fire fighter/emt that was how I felt I could support my buddies who I went to school with while they were over fighting. I helped take care of the home front.
I as well am a volunteer firefighter /paramedic and think that while many look down upon it, it's amazing to see their reaction when they find out that 75% of firefighters in the United States are your neighbors volunteering their time to keep people safe and provide aid when they need it.
Joel, just to let you know, the person who was posting disrespectful and hateful messages to you was blocked from this channel and reported. Thank you for your time and love in helping our community 💗
Ty, you are a hero too!
@@MentalAmanda much love. Thank you for that. I feel sorry for that person and hope whatever is causing that hate, resolves itself for that person. Amanda keep up the great message of mental health and its importance. IGY6;
I was a second lieutenant in the Marine corps and lost both legs in a IED blast in Afghanistan while under sniper fire.. but to me it doesn't matter what you do or where, just as long as you're helping others and saving lives. You're a hero in my book.
10:20 "You are a hero. Anyone who's questioning, it was" Amanda I absolutely lost whatever composure I had at that line. I did my share of grey-area things when I was over there and never thought I was a hero. That single sentence from you means so much. This isn't an easy time of the year for me 'cause of the war, but your video made me feel at least a *little* bit better. Thank you dearie, thank you so much.
By far my favorite reaction of yours so far. I know the struggle of coming home.
“He sees himself as his own judge, jury, and hangman.”
This. Everyday, this.
Thank you, ma’am.
Hi Amanda, Thank you for watching this video. Thank you for all you do ❤ And the help you give everybody you’re a beautiful person inside and out.
I think for a lot of vets, myself included, the sacrifice involved with being a soldier is a mentality that goes beyond the battlefield. Many would rather save the limited resources that are available for those that could use it.
Also, I think for most soldiers, no matter what reason motivated them to enlist in the military, once shit breaks off, they are ultimately fighting for the people next to them. The motivation to get those people home along with you can be a consuming force. If any of those people next to you don't make it, the impact can haunt you for a lifetime. The thoughts that you failed a person that you swore to protect will ebb and flow over time, but I don't know that they ever go away.
As a personal aside, I would highly recommend reaction to the Gone Away and Coming Down videos. Five Finger Death Punch does a really good job getting some very important messages across in those videos.
I hope that when I die, I die knowing that someone was fighting for me. I can't imagine a better feeling to go out with. Thank you for your service, and I'm sorry for those you lost. I hope you can find healing and peace one day.
I got out of the army in 2004 with no deployments, I went back in 2007 because I felt I never did my part. 2 iraq deployments, a tour in Korea and a few months in Kuwait and I still feel I didn't do enough. As crazy as it sounds, I would give almost anything to go back to Iraq as a combat zone is the only place I feel normal now
@@quillianvalk This is common. It's hard to adjust to life after things like that. Thank you for your sacrifice and whatever you do, I hope you find the peace you deserve.
@@quillianvalk I get it, i was a medic, I just Don't feel normal, in normal life.
Hope your having the best day you can everybody. Amanda keep up the fight. Good on you for continuing to get going everyday and sharing. It means a lot to a lot of us. You matter. :D
Dear Amanda , if you like this one , you should take a look a there other song "Coming Down" ( probably very hard for you to watch but the message in it is very strong !! )
Have a good day ;-)
Thank you Amanda for reacting to this and to all past and present American veterans from an Aussie Brother in Arms
An absolute stellar reaction to this song. I just came across your channel, saw this reaction, and hit the subscribe button to help you out. I look forward to seeing what you come out with regards to mental health, it's so important.
As a 26 year Special Operations vet, I thank you for voicing your feelings about this. Many have experienced things that the average American cannot imagine, yet they are ignored by society.
I will never ignore you. I am grateful for your sacrifice.
Love the reactions and how on point you are with reading the emotions behind the lyrics, and with empathising with the people and situations portrayed.
Might I suggest listening to A Christmas truce by sabaton (or indeed any of their music, they focus their music and lyrics to the telling of stories of past conflicts and war time events and the reality of conflict.) its very powerful.
Another band that may interest you is within temptation - 2 of their earlier songs in particular - angels and memories. Both move me to tears but I'd love to hear your thoughts on them x
Just popping in two years late to say I absolutely love you as a human being. Keep on shining, superstar
@Mental Amanda.
Ive watched alot of reaction video to this song and that bit at the end where 1 guy is homeless & the other guy approaches him and mouths the word hey homie,u saved my life brother.
It gets me me every time i watch it.
As a wounded combat veteran, this song hits home on so many different levels. I spent a fair amount of time dealing and fighting my own personal demons as most veterans do. I saw you did a reaction to Fade to black by Metallica. But there are a few songs that really hit home and were instrumental in me explaining to people how i felt after leaving the military. Take a listen in this order. Fade To black, .45 by Shinedown, Hero of War by Rise Against, Gone Away by Five Finger Death punch, and of course Wrong side of heaven. its a small climps into my little world. but getting help is anything but easy especially from the VA
You aren't the first person I've heard this from. Know that there are other organizations (like those listed in the description) that seem to be much more helpful. Also, please know you can come here anytime, you have a safe place. Thank you for your sacrifice and I hope we can help you find healing.
I pretty much knew how you going to react....My late father never talked about being in the Korean Conflict....and I have friends that served in Vietnam, and two siblings that served in the military...and they really don't talk about it!
I was brought up to respect members of our Military. I always have and will respect our Veterans.
i always tear up whenever i hear this song
same
You are so emotional and dedicated. You are by far my favorite for reaction especially to these videos of mental health. Thank You. Keep it up. Your reaction hit me very hard and i tear up each time. My dad suffers from PTSD from Vietnam. I see the struggle everyday. Amanda thank you
Thank you so very much for ALL VETERANS and the ones continuing to serve....you ALL are the REAL MVPs❤
"HEY
Look at me!!
...you saved my life brother.
It's going to be okay. "
Words that were not audible, but spoke volumes. I will cry at the end of this video. Every.single.time
I too am a vet. I'm the husband of a vet. I got out right before 9/11 (for reasons I won't get into right now), and an overwhelming guilt hit me that fateful day. I was letting those down that I served with. I was letting my country down. That guilt almost consumed me.
To any of my brothers and sisters that wore a uniform - past or present. We love you. We love your families that support you. Be safe. Be strong. Be here tomorrow.
This makes me shed a tear, but angry at the same time. My family has a long list of vets, but it wouldn't matter. I don't fathom at any level why we don't support our veterans. I'd be all for even taking money from the military non-VA budget to properly support the VA. There's zero reason why the VA doesn't have the resources. The US has the money.
The Veterans are supported. The Veterans Admin budget for 2022 is 270 Billion. A lot of Vets on the street do not want help for various reasons. Some do not know where to go for help. Don't just assume the Vets are being ignored because that is not the case.
Many vets have been denied help from the VA and lost their life to suicide in the parking lot. I know vets who have tried to go that route, tried to get help from them, and been turned away. They aren't perfect.
I am a Navy Veteran, 7 years active Duty . I just stumbled onto yer channel cause I really love that song, I watched the whole thing, and what I want to say to you
is, I beleive in my heart that you are an Amazing young woman for what yer doing withy yer channel! I subscribed and now I'm gonna check out more!
By the way "You too are a hero"!!! Thank you .
I must apologize, Amanda. I know this video is 2 years old, but I just discovered that you had reacted to it. I belong to a veterans organization that helps to try to find all the missing and pows still left in the world. I run this video every Veterans Day and every Memorial Day
For all of the reactors that have shared this video, I have encouraged them to do the same, and I hope you will, too. Thank you for your support, you're beautiful smile and your dedication to mental illness.
This is a wonderful gesture. Thank you for doing this! How do you suggest we as reactors partake in this ritual? Re-posting typically throws off the algorithm so the only thing I could think of is a paid promotion of the video on those days.
I guess that's one way to do it. I usually post it on Facebook and then talk to some of my other video reactors and they will post it for free.
This one deserves a subscription. I'm looking forward to explore your channel further.
Nothing but love for you and your family! Keep your head up, and keep going on!
I'm a disabled veteran and you are an.amazing and beautiful human. Your explanation is on point. Thank you for me and all my other brother and sisters in arms.
Thank you for your sacrifice
I love your compassion in this. As a veteran myself, I've seen some of my friends die by their own hands due to anxiety and depression issues. I have them myself and understand their pain. Mental issues are bad enough, then adding my physical pain makes it so much worse. I just found out yesterday that I've been lied to by the VA for 6 years, but thankfully I'm getting the help now after being in the ER 3 times in 2 years due to pain. I hope no one ever has to go through this.
First of all, thank you for your sacrifice in serving. I can't pretend to understand the depth of the pain, but I certainly understand why it exists. I can only imagine how much worse it is compounded with physical issues. I'm happy that you realized that the VA was being dishonest (nothing new there from what I hear) and that you are getting the help you need. Please keep fighting. I care if your light goes out.
I can't hear this song without shedding a tear. My dad was a veteran of the Canadian Forces and he never confessed about what he had done or seen until he was about to breathe his last breath. I have the utmost respect for the men and women who risk their lives so we don't have to risk ours. It's a great song and this video could not be more efficient. I wish you all the best and I hope you are doing well. Greetings and hugs from Ottawa, Ontario.
I greatly value your father's service for a better and safer world. My dad was the same way. He was a Vietnam vet and never spoke about it until his last few days.
Great reaction Amanda, so pleased to see you didn't hold your punches (or your tears) in your comments. Great one, am sure you've made a difference with this one
I think you are a fantastic person, watching your personality as helped me on a daily basis, renew my faith in people again
I automatically give a like when i open a video (yes bad ones i unlike) but your intro before you hit play earned my subscription. Your reaction, omg, youtube needs a love button like facebook
Thank you Ivan Moody and 5FDP for everything they do for veterans.
You are very sweet, and a rarity in recent years, Thank you for still being here, I do not know your story but it is obvious that a higher power has guided you here to be a beacon for hope, help and positive energy, for at least 20.6k people. lovely reaction definitely subbing
I love your reactions to the complexities of the messages they are trying to portray it n this song
I am also a disabled veteran who has been affected by almost all of the info this video put out. This song and video get me every time. Thank you for this reaction.
I hope you are getting the support you deserve. Thank you for your sacrifice. We're here for you anytime.
I'm a disabled veteran (US Army) and a survivor of multiple suicides. Just wanted to say thank you for helping to spread this message
And thank YOU for your sacrifice!
i think i literally cried from start to end! lets pretend our troops have worth and treat them with the respect we would like to be treated with and more. i loved your take on this and i am sending you a virtual hug and i am so sorry to hear of your loss. much love from the UK xx
Thank you for helping keep this message alive. I watch this video often. Can't thank Five Finger Death Punch enough for what they have done with this video and others. I am a veteran from the Desert Storm era. I never considered stepping into a VA center for over 25 years since my ETS. Finally went in for a medical evaluation for a broken arm from my time in the Army. Was asked if I ever had my exit interview and eval after service. Had no idea it was even a thing. Went through the evaluation and was diagnosed with PTSD among other things. I am finally getting the help I never knew I needed. I urge other veterans to take the leap and speak to your local VSO or even the VFW. There is help out there brothers and sisters. Is the system perfect? Not even close. But it is something and should be used if needed.
Thank you for your sacrifice and for encouraging other vets!
I am a disabled veteran and I have been homeless. I still fight my own demons every day. It breaks my heart to see my brothers suffering. Thank you for doing what you do and trying to make a difference. God Bless
Thank you so much for doing this for our vets. My dad was a 20 year vet. They deserve anything we can do for them. All gave some and some gave all. We owe everything to them. Again... thank you Amanda.. ♥️🇺🇸
Thank you for your reaction. I am the son/grandson/nephew of veterans from ww2, korea, vietnam, iraq, and Afghanistan wars. I live with my dad who was in vietnam. He suffers from PTSD. A simple thunderstorm scares him. I hear the good but i see the struggle daily in him.
Back in my twenties, I worked as a security officer in a lot of really bad areas. I was shot one time. Wrong place wrong time situation. To this day, 20 years later, I still suffer from PTSD to loud noises I can't immediately identify, and occasionally nightmares of it happening again. I can't even imagine what someone who has seen multiple warzones must go through. To everyone that has served, you have my utmost love and respect. Thank you for everything you've done. ❤️
Thank you for your contribution to society as well.
I heard this song today for the first time. I’m not a soldier and I give everyone my utmost respect. This song hit me in a way, I didn’t expect. “ on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell”. I’ve failed heaven and I’ve failed hell. I don’t belong there and I don’t belong there. That’s powerful. I’m full of flaws that place me nowhere.
Seeing a man cry like that gets me every time because as a society men are not supposed to show emotions we're not supposed to cry which is BS but for a man to break down that much to cry that's real pain and sadness.
thank you for the reaction, and please keep up the good fight to help anyone and everyone. to all the veterans IGY6. Love You all
I am 21 yr army iraq/afgan vet retired. Recently divorced due to my drinking and splitting . I cried with you sister . Family, God , country
Thank you for your sacrifice and know that there is a LOT of support for you both here in the community and outside of it. Email or IG me (in video description) if you need help getting the support you deserve. 💖
Thank you for your reaction for Vets, its all I can say. No other words come close but your reaction made me smile , I wish more people thought like you do.
Thank you for your breaks and supporting a veteran I thank your father for his service thankyou life is rough at times
I joined the Marines with my friend/classmate. We lost him while serving. You never know the time but no matter it’s too short. Thank you for sharing this reaction.
Thank you for your sacrifice and I hope that you have found ways to honor your friend and keep his memory alive 💖
God bless you for supporting by brothers and sisters... may be late but seriously thank you
Very valid and heart felt reaction to such an awesome piece of art. Keep up the fight and Thank you for furthering awareness to the struggle of the veteran community. God Bless.
The best reaction i have seen and i watched them all ty.
I appreciate you open the floor to veterans that want to share their story. The truth is a lot of us will not share what we went through. The truth is unfortunately a lot of us battle this every day, we can walk away from more and leave the violence but you would never know if we always kept silent. Until Valhalla my brothers and sisters.
My dad was a Vietnam veteran so I know well that not all veterans want to or are ready to talk about their stories. Many, however, wanted to and just need that safe space. I respect not everyone is ready, but I hope at least those that aren't can read the stories of those that shared and realize that they are not alone and many vets go on to find meaning and healing even though it's not easy.
Thx you to my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Arms. Past, Present, and Furture. For your service... God Bless America. I bleed Red, White, and Blue!
Thank you Amanda I'm very glad I found you There's not many of you out there Meaning what you do here shoutOut to all my brothers and sistersAnd to 5 finger death punch For the song Raising awareness Keep on keeping on Peace out!✌✌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
My son is a Marine Corps vet who was a turret gunner on a 7-ton truck in Iraq. I first saw the video several years ago and it still makes me cry. Thank God, my son returned home safely, has a successful career and family to love him. God bless and protect all of our troops!
Hello Ms. Amanda, Hope all is well. I'm an Army veteran of 16 years. I lost a lot in war. I joined to make sure my daughters could have a free life. I lost my whole battalion but me & 2 brothers. I was critically wounded. I had to learn how to walk again. It was the longest year of my life. My daughters pulled me through my hell. I've got really bad PTSD. My daughters are my saviors. It's been 9 years since my medical retirement. Keep up the good work. #HOOAH #74D
Thank you for your sacrifice and I am very happy that you have family that loves you and stands by your side 💖
This song is one of only a handful of songs that evokes a visceral responce. I start shaking. From as far back on both sides of my parents that served. Due to issues from birth i was unable to serve. Dad was in for 20 years. A lot of friends served and lost a lot to war whether in war or war with mental health. My daughter has decided she is going into military and as proud of her as i am i am so scared of her future but i also see and feel the calling to protect and serve and i am proud but sad as well. She is going to college first for cyber security. She feels her destiny is rooted in not only family legacy but also our countries.
I can completely understand being proud and scared. That's completely valid! My heart goes out to your family for their sacrifices to keep me and other Americans safe. I hope that you can see how you will be serving through her.
Awesome video thank you for the reaction😃🙏🏻