I was volunteering at a retreat for combat veterans.

He did let his guard down and he told me a lot of what had happened to him over in Iraq.

You know, I think that's helped our relationship in the long run,

him opening up to me, so I know what he's going through.

Being married to a combat veteran is not a walk in the park.

I mean there's challenges every day and so talking to other wives

and finding out that we're not alone and we're all dealing with them the same.

We have to understand each other and them being in war,

that's a huge part of who they are

and it's something they're going to carry with them forever,

so understanding that I think is really important.

I know that they might give us the G rated version of what really happened,

but to actually open up and be vulnerable and talk about what happened, it doesn't show weakness.

You know, I think it shows great strength to be able to talk about

what you've been through and open up so others can,

you know, learn from that or benefit from it and as a wife it's easier for me

because I know things that might trigger him or things that might upset him or,

you know, something that might make things a little bit worse,

so by understanding that better, it makes things a lot better between us.

As hard as it might be for you, get out of your house.

Get up off the couch. Get out of your room.

Go out and be around other people,

because I strongly feel that no matter how dark your days get,

there's always going to be a brighter side and that,

you know, whatever you're going through, you will get through it and you will come out ahead.

Right after I met Marty, one of his Marines committed suicide.

That's something we're trying to keep from happening because so many service members unfortunately commit suicide.

I think it's 18 a day or something like that commit suicide and that number is really alarming, you know?

That's why I hope that people will go get help if you need it.

There's nothing wrong with saying you need help

or you need to get on a medication to help you get through your depression.

It doesn't mean that you're weak.

It doesn't mean that there's something wrong with you.

It just means that you need help and that,

you know, there's nothing wrong with saying you need help

because your family and your loved ones would rather you choose life

and to be there and overcome whatever it is that you think is too much that you can't handle it and,

you know, get through it together and don't isolate yourself because there's people out there

that do care and do love you and will help you,

even people you might not know, they will help you.

If you or someone you know is depressed or considering suicide,

please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at

1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255.

Active military and veterans can press 1 for support from the Veterans' Crisis Line.

Help is available and help works. It's your call.