text:
Quality CareFind out why Mayo Clinic is the right place for your health care. Make an appointment.
Meet the StaffFind a directory of doctors and departments at all Mayo Clinic campuses. Visit now.
Research and Clinical TrialsSee how Mayo Clinic research and clinical trials advance the science of medicine and improve patient care. Explore now.
Visit Our SchoolsEducators at Mayo Clinic train tomorrow's leaders to deliver compassionate, high-value, safe patient care. Choose a degree.
Professional ServicesExplore Mayo Clinic's many resources and see jobs available for medical professionals. Get updates.
Give to Mayo ClinicHelp set a new world standard in care for people everywhere. Give now.
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.
If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like combat, assault or disaster. The number of veterans dealing with PTSD is staggering.
By some estimates, one in five vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan experience symptoms of PTSD or major depression. Sadly many of these service members don't seek treatment because they fear it will harm their careers. Untreated, PTSD and depression can lead to cascading problems, such as drug use, marital problems, unemployment and even suicide.
Veterans don't have to go it alone — Veterans Affairs (VA) has resources to help service members and their families. The VA website has information about coping with PTSD. There's also a hotline veterans can call for help: 1-800-273-8255.
So for veterans and anyone else suffering with PTSD or depression — take care of yourself and seek help if you need it. The resources are out there.
Please keep sharing your experiences dealing with PTSD, including the tactics that have helped you cope.
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
Follow on Twitter:
Join the discussion at #Stress.
Selecting "Submit" signifies that you have read and agree to our posting guidelines.
I just wanted to emphasize that military family members may experience serious events due to their close proximity to an active parent. Although I never wore a military uniform my dad was involved in some secret stuff and I as there the entire time in immediate proximity to him. I was in Libya during the 1967 Middle East War and in Libya during the 1969 Revolution. Both of these events represented direct existential threats to me and my family. We were in combat zones for extended periods of time and we were the last to leave. Preliminary testing indicates that I probably have PTSD and IED. I truely feel like a US military veteran and identify with them quite a lot. In retrospect, I am an American.... Combat.... War...Veteran who served my country as an 11 to 13 year old kid without really understanding it at the time! I have some scars that testify to that fact. They stayed buried and not understood most of my life. Love all you veterans......thanks....
I know I have PTSD, anxiety and depression from a tour in the Middle East where they took my driver at gunpoint and I managed to get us out of it by talking. We had to leave one civilian worker behind in order to rescue a diplomat. He ended up alright. There was a point where I was boxed in and I thought I was dead. I carried on; but the memories and nightmares got worse. I could not drive for a year when I got home. I have crazy triggers. I tried to beg the family doctor not to diagnose PTSD as it is a career ender and I have a number of kids. He did. Now I am posted to a new base where they don't care. I have tried different meds which make it worse. I talked to a psychologist civilian but it was too painful to relive it every week over and over. I started drinking and now I am an alcoholic that gained 15 pounds. I still go to work but it is harder and harder. I don't know how much longer I can avoid the medical folks, but I have 8 years to retirement. I love this job. My family is suffering. I hate the approach that if you get help your career is over. Anyone that says this is not true is full of crap. God bless veterans, the fighting never ends.
My first husband served in VN, my second in the Middle east. My father was straight leg Army; as well as both grandfathers. Most of them were effected by PTSD. As one writer mentioned PTSD is a family disease. It effects many families in the same way as active alcoholism - if substance abuse is also an issue; Alanon is an invaluable support system. Alanon literature is also amazing in how it can teach us how to practice the principles in order to deal with the substance use as well as the PTSD. As a therapist for the VA, I cannot stress enough the importance of not living alone. with these problems and the resultant fear, self-pity, confusion and anger. The feeling of being helpless can be overwhelming....our husbands and wives/partners, didn't get sick in a vacuum - we can't get well that way either. I've started a wives support group and you can't imagine what speaking your truth out loud with other men/women who understand, and have found a solution is indescribable. Or go and listen. There are many resources to purchase "speaker" CD's - pamphlets and books that can help. God bless.
I have been diagnosed with PTSD, and all I want is to feel spiritually connected again!! I know the feeling of being connected, as I had it before the domestic violent assault..Now I know and have empathy for others with PTSD, the anxiety, fear and irrational behaviors. I don't hide my drinking from my counsellors, but when your counsellor starts picking at you because of the drinking, all you think is, I shared my drinking with you because of trusting you as I want to numb the mental babble and physical pain, and then they start at me about it, all I wanted to do was scream at her..I am a 50 ish yr old woman and I know not to drink!!! And of course she wants me on meds, in which I'd rather not have more chemicals in my mind, as it's enough to try to stay on this planet, and all the glands and chemistry are already trying to sort the changes from the impact on the body and soul. It is very difficult for my adult children to try to watch and understand, as I'm sure they are, "just wanting their mom back." PTSD has a rippling effect on family systems, just like an alcoholic or gambler does. I was an entrepreneur, living my dreams and now I live off of $710/month. I would like to try somatic therapy, but that is $100/hr, and I already feel like a financial burden to my adult children. Where is our humanity from the gov't with all of the people who suffer mental illnesses?? My heart feels for all those soldiers who fight for their country, only to come home with little
After coming out of a long term relationship i was devistated and to my surprise my first love found me and we have reconnected since. it's been a lil over a year now and everything has been great. We live in different states so it's a bit hard but making it work up until about 1 month ago. His behavior has been so different. He is an airforce 7 yr vet and was diagonsed with PSTD and seems he is having too much stress in his life that it's been affecting him mentally. It's to the point where we are arguing each and every day. i made my decision to end the relationship because i wasnt fully aware of his condition and how to handle this type of behavior... It's so difficult because i do care for him and dont want to leave him at his worse .. i need advise in handling this situation...
I got remarried and my wife now has never been threw anything like this she gets scared because of my anger its not fair to her. Going to the VA doesn't help they are so back logged that its not even funny. So my doctor has put me on meds to sleep and to calm my PTSD and they are not help. Being in a war zone really sucks but to come home and you think its all cookies and cream its not. To all my Brother and Sisters out there I hope that we get threw this! God Bless to us all with this problem.
I spent two years in Afghanistan fight for our Country. I come home in 2006. I lose my six month old daughter. I get a divorce. I get into being a Private Security Company. Just a few weeks ago I had no choice but to take a life. It was either he takes my life or I take his. These are my night mares and I take Meds for these but they seem not to work. Any advice on this PTSD. Its really messing me up bad I have real bad nightmare really bad. Thanks
Gail, I totally relate to the sexual trauma you endured while enlisted. It is so demeaning and de-humanizing it is hard for others to fathom. But you are a survivor and don't you forget that. There is help and hope. Good Luck
I served in the army in 1978 and suffered repeated sexual harrassment in both basic training and AIT. After that i was sent home for 30 to do a 'hometown' recruiter program. Imediatly the sexual harassment and unprovoked sexual comments started happening all over again and i was being fondled and groped even against my persistant refusal to engage in such activity, it did not stop. So i fled the army and had a nervous breakdown and was found in a civilian psychiatric hospital after about 4 or 5 months. I was sent somewhere in Texas for a while, then to FtRiley, Ks until i was discharged. I should have been court marshalled for being awol but instead they paid me for all the time i was away and called it convelsant leave. They gave me a chapter
13 discharge under honorable conditions and started the process of filing a claim for compensation. I dont remember much after that but i could recognize that mans cologne a mile away. And his breath. I never told anyone what had happened because i felt like they would not believe me. Until last Nov2011 and i filed a claim for compensation and was award 100% service connected disability. And to think i could have had it for the last 33 years.
My daughter was a military officer and married to a military officer. During the Iraq war they
had three young children in diapers.I begged them for her to get out of the military
and that the combination of three young children and a
full time military career would lead to disaster. It did. She survived for an early
retirement; had a sterling record and was a
good mother when she was around. One night she
cracked up and ran over four people at a 100
miles an hour. She did not know where she was
or what she was doing. The Congress should
act and never allow a couple to try such an
unreasonable life again; motherhood and militaries don't mix.This was avoidable.This
current policy of neutralizing motherhood to
advance a military career defies common sense;
reason and biological and mental well being.
I can relate to all of these comments. My son served two tours in Iraq and one in Afganstan. He has been diagnosed with PTSD, and with all of the service members coming home VA is back logged. My son is very loving but we have noticed alot of changes in him since he has returned. He has been to a VA clinic and it is also back logged. Thank God he has a strong family with alot of love, patience. Keep all of our vets in your prayers.
I have been dating a Vietnam Vet for 3 mos, everything was going great then he just decided he wanted to be left alone..no warning at all.I have tried to make contact with him and he refuses to talk to me..he was also my friend for 18 yrs and this is so out of character for him to be so insensitive to someone he says he loves..he does suffer from PTSD and I don't know what to do..I'm heartbroken and frustrated not knowing what is wrong and how to fix it.
I can identify with Susan, who wrote about dating a Veteran. I have been in a relationship for the past 5 months or so and the reality of what he (we) are facing is becoming pretty evident. The first month or two was "magical" then it started going downhill when I tried to talk about the difficult things. I realize I made some huge mistakes in trying to have some of these conversations with him. Now I see how the smallest comment in an area of disappointment for me was a huge insult to his character. His way of processing is totally different. I want to stay and do what I can to help him work through this, but I am unsure of what to do. He has withdrwan from the relationship. If I do not initiate, it does not happen and most times it still does not happen. I am willing to be committed but I'm not sure of his ability (willingness) to commit to the process. He is on meds and goes to therapy sometimes. He suffers from chronic pain and I do believe alternative treatments like acupuncture and yoga might help but I'm afraid if I make the appointment he won't show up. I know I have a choice to leave because I'm not married or engaged to this guy, but I still care very deeply for him. He has become a very good friend in the process as well.
i lost my 21 year old son 6 years ago because of a drunk driver. My anger, anxiety, PTSD, and depression still have the best of me....When will it go away? I see a therapist, a trama therapist and a phyciatrist. I am on a ton of medication. anyone else lose a child and would like to share on how they cope?
My nephew was suffering from PTSD and did not seek help...This past saturday he took his life and left behind a family that will miss him more than anything...The miles kept me from being there for him...I beg anyone who may have PTSD to please seek help...Talk to a VA administrator to find out where you can get help...Trust in your family to talk to them as they will always be there for you...PTSD is not a dirty word or titles you as crazy...It is a way the body reacts to a tramatic event in your life...YOU ARE LOVED... PLEASE KNOW YOUR NOT ALONE... Hugs to you all
My son did not come back from the war. A young man who is in the Psychiatric ward at the VA hospital, for PTSD and Heroin addition, came home.I love my only son and i know the man he is now is broken. He was never meant to be a killer. One in five men come home broken. A whole generation of men and woman...is war really the answer!!! Mother who is also broken...hearted
My fiance has PTSD and we live in seperate states. We are having trouble getting him 100% disabled. With all the meds he is taking there is no way he could rejoin the work field plus his age.
My fiance has ptsd,I have bipolar- ocd does anyone have any advice on how we can work together before we destroy us.
I was hit and knocked down by a patient in 1994. I got into therapy with someone I knew and trusted, only spent time with friends I felt safe with, did research about PTSD, chose not to take any medications, though they were suggested. I realized my agenda was to heal and my job wanted me back to work. I couldn't ever go back to that job and I believe today, that was a good decision. I gathered like people who had experienced a trauma and my therapist (who accepted a small stipend), and did a panel to a recovery home for alcoholics and drug addicts. I both heard my panelists stories and it helped me with my own. The clincher was a young man had a closed head injury and approached me after our panel and thanked me and all of us for coming. He said, "now I know what's wrong with me...I'm not crazy", that is my experience provided perspective and gave him hope. Also I talk with others who've had an event about how I felt and what I did to help myself. I just had my home burgled and I am seeing someone again after all these years and it is helping. I look forward to any comments or assistance I can provide.
I am the daughter of a Vietnam datfree and I concider myself a survivor of PTSD. I will never forget the day my father threatened to shoot me with a sawed-off shot gun just because I tried to voice my opinion against his verbal assaults. My father reminded me so many times that if I'd been born a boy he would have most likely killed me early on. The most difficult part of my childhood was being bullied by both the children at school and my own father as well. I imagined later in life that while most little girls were protected, loved, and adored by there father's I on the otherhand was treated like a disease by my father, and invisable to the rest of the World. I never did anything harmful to anyone, and I was not a disruptive spoiled child either. I was not allowed to touch anything in my parents house outside of my own room, and most of my early childhood was spent in isolation in my bedroom. My mother never divorced my father, knowing how abusive he was to me and my younger sister. I am bitter because my mother didn't protect me against my father but has the nerve to remind me that I should forget the past and learn to trust in God for Guidance. As an adult my father now claimes he called me names and beat me because he didn't want me to grow up weak. His taunts and name calling were daily and repetative. The only time the name calling would stop was when I raised my voice to him, which always ended with a beating to my head. As a result of my childhood I have bouts of
To Dawn and others: A resource for military members and their families is Healing Heroes Network. Healing Heroes Network (HHN, a National 501(c)3 non-profit charity with headquarters in Florida. HHN is committed to healing America's heroes by providing financial assistance for quality medical care to Military Personnel injured in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan since 9/11/2001. They have a nationwide network of medical professionals willing to provide services, along with donations from our generous supporters, enables HHN to treat these brave wounded warriors all over the USA free of charge. Visit www.healingheroes.org for more information.
In August 2011 my boyfriend deserted the US Navy. he had deployed for the last 7 yrs, completing 2 tours in Iraq, 1 in Afghanistan, 18 months in Djibouti, and a few months in Italy. He came home and within weeks i realized something was wrong. the fits of rage, paranoia, insecurity, hyper vigilence, and belittling became unbearable. We would fight constantly. He would move out and come back. I placed him on my health insurance so that he could get help. I did my best to be there, support him, love him, but finally I had to save myself and get out. I love him, want him, need him, but I cannot be in a relationship such as this is in his current mental state. Please, how can I help him save himself?
Thank God! Someone with birnas speaks!
I am in a relationship with a guy that has PTSD but doesn't have insurance, so he has gone untreated for a little over four years now. He has days where he has memories of killing people in Iraq and he will cry for hours. I wish i knew what I could do to help. I don't know what to say to help him through it. He gets scared when he gets mad because he doesn't know if he is capable of hurting those he cares about (When he gets angry or stressed he begins to have more frequent flashbacks). I wonder if there is anything I really can do. So I sit with him through his rough patches and I let him talk about what he wants to and I give him a shoulder to cry on. But when he tells me about it I don't know what to say. I love him, I wish there was more that I could do to help him.
I am tryin to enter into a relationship with a vet with ptsd. sometimes things are kinda rocky and confusing, i like him alot and can see myself loving him at some point but seems when were together he is so sweet but when apart i wonder if he even thinks about me. I dont wanna push him but seems he wont even invite me over if i wanna see him i have to ask. is this normal of someone with ptsd and how can i get him to show the emotion when apart that he shows when we are together and how can i get to spend more time with him.
I find that it is great to visit your nearest Legion, talking with many patriots. Patriotism is a love and loyal or zealous support of one's country. Talking to many, could help many, and yourself.
For veterans, www.StressProject.com offers free sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) which has proven very successful in clearing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress, and gives the vet (or any user) a tool to use anytime it is needed. Of course, EFT is a wonderful tool for anyone experiencing symptoms of stress, past or present. Safe and effective, the Stress Project's study has been published in a major journal, and additional studies are underway.
I was told by my counselor that I have PTSD after loosing my parents at a young age, my mother when she died it was 1972 and they didn't have the medical equipment that they have now on the ambulances. She died at home and when they brought her out her face was blue and they didn't cover her up all the way. They had her covered from her neck down only. Even though I am on medications I sometimes still see her that way when I'm sleeping or dreaming. How can I not keep seeing her like that?
Please use this URL
Please use this URL
Caregiving with relative with Alzheimer's,is quite a stress also. Doing my best for both of us.
my heart goes out to all of you who are trying so hard to cope with partners who have PTSD. There are ways to help with out drugs. We can help people in distance to deal with the stress. There is hope. www.distancehealing.net
To Lisa: I also was abused at a young age and then assaulted, blackmailed, threatened, forced to do unspeakable things in the Military. When discharged in 76; I was too afraid to tell anyone because of the threats against me. I became an alcoholic, used drugs and almost died as a result. My therapist at the VA specializes in PTSD due to Military Sexual Assault. I have been seeing her for 4 years. It took a long time and many years of heartaches and suffering before I found out that it was PSTD. I am working hard to get better and it isn't easy opening those closed doors and relive those horrible dark moments, but it's better than it was all the years I hid and ran from it...There is hope.
I have lived with a survivor of child sexual abuse for the past 34 years. I've also been a part of a self help group for partners of survivors and have counselled partners one to one. The literature for partners of people with PTSD is not very helpful. It stresses patience and compassion, totally unnecessary advice, since we partners wouldn't stay in the relationship for longer than six months if we didn't already have huge amounts of both! I strongly believe that the people who love those suffering from PTSD need almost as much help and support as the victims.
Can being a police officer, seeing young men killed by a close gunshot to head, fatal auto accidents with driver apparently dying as the officer tries to stop severe bleeding while waiting for medics, being shot at,or firing shots at a person in self defense working holidays, shift work + suffering childhood emotional abuse/neglect get PTSD?
Everyone suffering from PTSD. I request that you look into various bodywork treatments in addition to any other treatment your getting. A great portion of the trauma is in the body. One must treat both mind and body. Just Google 'PTSD Bodywork' to start looking for a modality that may be of interest to you. There are quite a few choices out there. Also, of course, ask for testimonials from past clients once you find a modality and practioner that could work for you. Try several modalities to see which is the best fit for you.
I am writing an essay on the memory-dampening drug, propranolol, and I keep coming back to this page. In response to powerful coping tactics.... as a marine mom of a son with PTSD: Pray. Keep busy. Pray. Find someone to listen. Keep busy...works for me.
Lucy, I wholeheartedly agree...the VA should have help for the one's who love the PTSD sufferer. And perhaps there should be help that will come to you when you can't convince someone that they have a problem. I know this would help my son. I am a mom watching my 30 year old son struggle everyday of his life since he returned from Iraq. I have taken him for help but then am excluded from the process; docs should hear from the family members for a complete picture of what's happening. Also, I believe it should be the responsibility of the Marines to debrief and treat our sons and daughters for the same amount of time it took to create the "warriors" they created...13 long, arduous weeks!
I am so very tired and sick of the whole ptsd it has come about the last 3 years and is ugly. it will ruin a 34 year marriage if he does not get help
I have spent the evening reading the comments about PTSD. I see the similarities in the wives comments. I do not know why the wives cannot be involved with the treatment process. I am an RN, but still struggle with the disruption of our marriage, the anger issues, the lack of caring, hospital stays with bouts of hallucinations, and the resulting depression. With 48 years in a relationship with a man at times, I barely know. He was a hospitalized Viet Niem Vet..in a hospital for a year. Our golden retirement years are a struggle, but I still am in love with him. The VA needs to have a support group for family members, not just the disabled veteran. Each day brings new challenges and it is so hard, since life and behavior is so unpredictable.
I have a fairly new relationship with a woman that served in Iraq and finally admitted to me that she has PTSD. I see the symptoms, and I care for her dearly. She admitted that she does not take her medicine because of how it makes her feel. I don't know if I should run or stay. My heart tells me to stay but I'm afraid that she will eventually hurt me emotionally. What do I do?
I had to ask my husband to leave last week because he really freakin' scared me. He got within an inch of my face, ripped the towel from me and called me a horrible name. I dated him after high school and he was in the military then. We broke it off a year later and he left for the east coast. I never saw him again but I have loved him like no other. We reunited 3 years ago and now I am faced with this. He has told me some stories of his 13 year military career. He was trying to make it through the 82nd Airborne division and got caught up in another soldier's parachute. He thought he was sure to die because in most circumstances like that death is inevitable. He was lucky that they got separated and landed, able to walk away. He was so shaken up that someone suggested he smoke some pot to chill out!
I don't know what tomorrow brings but it kills me to not have the man I know around but I can't have him here because he's unstable.
I recently made a huge mistake and tried to deal with things here in the US like we did in IRAQ.I got into a severe amount of trouble with the law and am awaiting the outcome of my fate.I recently tried suicide but thankfully was unsucessful.I am so lost and I don't know what to do day to day.PTSD is running my life.It is a terrible thing and even more difficult to deal with on a daily basis.All I want is to have a normal day and a normal life.Please try to understand that when we come home we are so different and sometimes we can never be the same person that we once was.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who works with soldiers and their families. It is perceived by some that there is a stigma within the military about seeking help, or so I've been told. One way active duty soldiers can seek help (where they can see a therapist off base) is to go to their doctor and get a referral for an outside clinician. This has helped some soldiers feel more comfortable about seeking treatment.
I have been with my husband for 10 years. He was in desert storm and the most I can get out of him about that time was he had to kill someone and a buddy of his was killed standing right next to him. He has always had nightmares and headaches but I got my first glimpse of PTSD when he started a new job with a lot of responsibility about 2 years ago. It was like flipping a light switch...one moment he was my loving husband and the next moment he was an angry non caring person. I had no idea what happened or what PTSD was. We never argued before but once the switch was flipped we argued constantly and after a couple of months of him acting this way...I convinced myself he must be having an affair. He didn't care about anything concerning me, our kids or our life together. He finally realized something wasn't right with the way he was thinking...I still remember the day he looked at me and said I think I need some help. Thankfully with therapy my loving husband came back. There was no affair and all of the arguing, anger and non emotional state was PTSD. Two weeks ago, he found out his father killed himself and once again the light switch was flipped. We are back to square one but this time we know what needs to be done and what he must deal with in therapy to get him back to where he needs to be. If you know of anyone that has PTSD, please seek counseling for them and you. There is hope and it will make a world of difference. We will get through this once again.
My husband will not take his meds for his PTSD. Life is a living hell. I go to work to escape. My home is not a refuge. He is unreasonable, paranoid, mean spirited, and there is absolutely no reasoning with him. I want to escape but I love him. I have made it over 30 years with him but I feel like the secondary PTSD is killing me.
There Is Hope...and many simple things that work:
One is called Emotional Freedom Technique, EFT or simply the tapping technique. It is an acupressure technique (like acupuncture without needles) while repeating simple acknowledgments of the problems and then saying something like It's OK. If you have severe PTSD, find someone who is trained and experienced in military PTSD. They are using EMDR, EFT and related tapping techniques at DAMC (Ft. Hood) and the Restoration and Resilience Program at Fort Bliss to enhance the benefits of traditional Cognitive Behavior Therapy and medications.
Check out results of the the Fort Bliss Restoration and Resilience Program--61% of soldiers with PTSD returned to full combat status. We conducted several Veterans Team Recovery Integrative Immersion Programs (Vet TRIIP) one day sessions in Austin with great benefits.
I'm not a Veteran but a fam. member of not 1 but 2 vets. Desert Storm and OIF. I unknowingly became a victim of PTSD during desert storm, but didn't know it. I worked for Red Cross and cared for my 3 children while their father was away on duty at another base. He started an affair on me there. It ultimately destroyed our family and our children. This was 1990. Since we were stationed overseas in Germany, we were able to watch the war on t.v. I've been asked "why didn't you turn the t.v. off"? I think because of the fascination of a war on t.v. (plus we didn't have any other channels). I never dreamed 10 years later, my youngest child, my only son, would be there finishing up the job that he watched on t.v. as a little boy. Reading those Red cross messages, dealing with the loss of my marriage became the "tip of the iceberg". I was involved in a car accident in 1998 which psychologically, disabled me permanently and physically. There's nothing more than waiting for a letter from your son in a battle field on a torn piece of paper that said "Happy Mother's Day Mom" I love you. Yet being awakened up in the middle of the night with my son screaming "mom they're shooting at us!" All I could say was shoot back, he said, "I did". That was his first of 15 known kills. I went through the war with my son. Even though I wasn't physically there, I was. I had to be, to bring my one and only son home. He has PTSD and TIB. His 2 sisters and
I am not a war veteran, but I do suffer from PTSD. I was abused physically and sexually as a child, and then suffered countless abuses as an adult, including rape and being held with a knife to my neck by a crazed boyfriend that also held me hostage in my own apartment. My therapist calls this 'sitting duck syndrome'. People who were severely abused as children often face repeated abuse as an adult. For years I did not want therapy, because the last thing I ever wanted to do was talk about these incidents, I wanted to shove them into some dark corner of my mind, so I could go on with my life. I finally did go to therapy, but it took my therapist over 5 years to realize that I was suffering from PTSD. I quit going to him and a few years later, I decided to try a therapist who specializes in PTSD. This therapist does EMDR therapy. It is like a god-send. EMDR allows you to actually process the difficult memories and re-program your brain. I still get symptoms, but better. Nightmares are much improved as are panic attacks and flashbacks. I highly recommend finding a therapist with real experience in treating PTSD and who can administer EMDR therapy. Acupuncture also helped me, but as an adjunct therapy to deal with the stress. It is really scary to open up about all this trauma, it ain't easy, but it works. I know the loss of self-esteem and painful memories makes it hard to seek treatment. I am 43 and finally on the road to recovery. Good luck to all of you.
My daughter advised a fellow student/friend that she was going to commit suicide (she was around 16 or 17 years old). Her friend told the High School officials; this is how she got help. We sent our daughter to a physical therapist. She was diagnosed with PTSD.
The therapist said that the PTSD was due to "severe" bullying in Junior High School.
Many, many students bullied her.
The school did not help; the teachers did not help. This was before the incident at Columbine, so I guess at that time the schools ignored bullying and did not aggressively go after the bullies. Bullies are always protected by their parents to a very HIGH DEGREE.
I did not realize how severe the bullying was until our family moved to another part of the state: I was then told by her that she was threatened with rape, threatened with death.
She was punched, hit, and worse on a daily basis . . . not by one or ten students, but many students.
Severe bullying changes your life regarding the choices you make for your future.
My story about my daughter is too long. So I will end it by telling you that going to a doctor helped tremendously. Ten years later, she is still on medication to prevent that terrible sadness that overwhelms her: depression.
The thing about bullying is this: it can be done just because one student dislikes you, and then it becomes infectious within the school. It is not based upon what you look like, but its about power and bringing about fear.
I am a 60 year old daughter of a World War II POW. The man I called daddy I now believe had PTSD. All the signs were there. I had family members say he wasn't the same when he came back. At that time there was never a thing called PTSD. This man put his family thru hell. I still suffer the wrath of this illness. I have gone through a life time of therapist trying to understand why the man that was suppose to be my safe place, hated me. I was never good enough for him to love . My whole family is so messed up because of what we went thru.My dad died as a elderly man and he never admitted he was wrong in any way. It was his no good children.I loved him because he was my dad but I also hated him at the same time. When he died I was relived that the monster I knew as my daddy was gone. Ifinally feel safe.
I am talking about a family secret. We were not to talk about any thing out side of the basic family or we were traders and became the family outcast.He would have the whole family turn on you. We did what ever he said. Mostlyl out of fear and all of us trying to make him proud of us. I am 60 yrs old and I sit here crying like a baby over something I had no control over. I know this will sound strange but I found relief in the PTSD. Maybe his mind was sick and he did care for me. I also have PTSD not from war, injury or stress. I was taught by the best MY DAD!!
I am married to a Vietnam vet who was diagnosed with PTSD about seven years ago. He has serious Agent Orange related health problems, including a rare form of cancer which eventually led to the amputation of one of his legs, prostate issues, and CHF that has resulted in several heart attacks and stents. When his psychologist moved away, he refused to continue treatment and has since decided that he knows more than any of the doctors and psychologists. His sister and I go to appointments with him so we can ensure that doctors know what is happening because he lies about his symptoms and behaviors. He is also self medicating with alcohol and marijuana, skipping doses of antidepressants, isolating himself, becoming very controlling and manipulative, and exhibiting rages. During the last rage, he was very verbally abusive and threatened suicide and homicide. I sought help and now keep the suicide hotline number handy. I am becoming depressed, worn out, and angry myself so I entered counseling this past week. Sadly, the VA will not counsel wives of vets who will not themselves seek counseling. I'm afraid that unless he seeks help he will eventually self destruct. I love him and have done everything I can think of to help, but he needs to help himself and I can't make him do it. What do I do next?
Ptsd; to me is like having a cavity (tooth) the pain never goes away, sure you can hide it and no amount of medications will heal it.I,m a Viet Nam vet and I struggle with life every day recalling what a human being is capable of doing to another individual.Their is a God and He hears our prayers, but on His timetable, not ours.Peace and prayers to each and eeryone of you,
My son served in Iraq and he has PTSD bad . At first he would have nightmares and go into these blank states and actually think he was at the combat scene .
After a month of this he seeked help at The VAH and was prescribed meds which has did little . He has went to alcohol and anger to try to cope . We had him committed today and I hope he finds a relief from this.
I remember as a child hearing about the Veitnam War...I asked myself if I could take the life of another...somehow I knew I would/could yet I knew I would never come back the same person...forever changed...When we cross the line of questioning the value of a human life...we loose our sanity and innoscence...
I think your colleagues at VA would be much more effective in treating veterans with PTSD once they are able to acknowledge the disorder. I don't know if this problem is an epidemic of PA (physicians arrogance) or a policy of the VA but the problem is very real. there is also a problem with the numbers considering the number of non combat cases stemming from service member who are waiting to go and have contact with those who have returned
I am writing this regarding our son. He spent a year in Iraq and not once has he spoken about it. My husband and I worry he has PTSD. He cries out in his sleep and has a serious drug and alchol problem. He was at a drug work farm for a year and when he returned he was back to the person we knew. He moved in with us until he could get back on his feet. He went back to school, received his electrical license. This lasted 3 months and one day he was back doing exactly what he was doing prior to the Drug work farm. He is now in some serious trouble and his only help is a public defender that doesn't seem to really care. Is there any attorney or organization in the Oklahoma City area that could possibly help. My husband and I don't know what to do. We want to help him but not by enabling him to contintue doing what he is doing. He needs help and we don't know where to go.
It took me a long time to figure out that the nightmares, the anger, the fatigue and inability to maintain any type of daily routine without a blow up was actually PTSD. I was going to our VA, but their diagnosis was slow. Seemeed like all they wanted to do was give me lots of meds that left me all drugged up.
I will admit that I was at the end of my rope when I found this place that trained dogs for veterans. They train some dog to be Service Dogs for those with physical dissabilities. Others they train to partner with veterans with PTSD. I have always had a dog for a pet, but this dog has changed my life. Since I have to walk him every day, I get out. Since he is allowed to go with me in public I am not afraid to go to the stores. My dog is with me 24/7. He sleeps in my room and when the nightmares start he will get up in bed with me and actaully wake me up.
I would encourage anyone out there to check out organizations that train Service Dogs and see if it is the right choice for you. I can honestly say that having my SD in my life, has changed my life.
My son was in a accident Gas can blew up in hand and burned over 20 per cent of body. Left arm graphed, in Burn Center almost 20 days. Intubated first 5 days before graph surgery. That was a April 2009. He is 26 college graduate. Was working at the time of accident. Since recovering physically he has had difficulty moving on with his life. One year after accident moved out of our house on own holding down a minimal job. He is constantly sick with sinusitus, has trouble sleeping, drinking enough to have hangovers, not pursuing any kind of career. Right now he is leaving on own with roommate but has trouble paying his part of bills with minimal pay from job. He is not the same son we knew before accident. No motivation to move on with life, physically sick a lot, avoids us excepts when he needs money has mentioned to me sleep patterns changed periodically. Does not really take care of himself, does not seem to care. Is he possibly suffering from PTSD?
It's good to see that I'm not alone. My husband was in the Army, Panama, Operation Just Cause. After a major illness 2years ago he was no longer able to make the memories go away. He has PTSD diagnosed this year. That explained lots of things over the years. Everyone just thought he was a real hard butt or just had anger issues, stuff like that. We are civilians & have been for several years. He did not want to go to the VA for treatment. Even admitting that he needed treatment was a real big step. Now we are both in treatment. I went through the list of providers that we have & after many phone calls found several counselors that took early retirement from the VA & now have private practice, but still consult with the VA on various issues. Due to the things we are working on together as well as by ourselves we have learned that there is secondary PTSD it can be suffered by spouses of Vets & others who are helping their loved one work through things. Our lives have been ever changing these days. We communicates better & the flashbacks don't happen as often. Part of my treatment is learning ways to bring him back from a flashback & ways to assist in preventing them. I still never know what each day may hold in store but things are better than they were. Hope my story helps someone out there.
I am also suffing from PTSD but I was Not in the Military. I was working in the U.S.A. at a Convienent Store. I got Helded up at Gunpoint. I tried My Very Best to Deal with what Happened to Me. No Counseling at that Time. I Tranfered to another Store in My Town. I thought that would Help. It Did Not. A Lady came in and she told Me what had happened to Her. She told Me were to go and who to see to get Help. That was The Very Best Thing I Done For Myself. Please get Help You are Very Special to Alot of People. It's Not Your Fault. You were doing what was Right. Please do what is right for You and Get Counseling. God Loves You All and He wants what's Best for Us.
For the Marines: www.dstressline.com COMPLETELY confidential. It is staffed by Marines, Corpsmans and counselours. They also set up appointments as needed. See if this helps. The Commadant had to choose between knowledge of what was going on with his Marines or them getting REAL help. He chose to take care of his marines health.
I can imagine,or maby not get even close to
the horror some of our guys and girls go through.I witness my brother so deep in
his shame,only to snap out of it a wild defence of himself.Please excuse me if this makes no sence,but what I see makes no sence either.I dont know how to explain it.
My brother came home from his vietnam a diffrent person,not my brother anymoor.His exwives all three of them tell me the same thing,they know when he's going on that tripp that takes him back to
the place that turns him into a ball of nerves or (jitters) he wont talk about it,but he'll get in that bed,hug the wall sigh,cry himself to sleep.He never says anything about it.BUT I KNOW! now
im starting to cry. big Joe
Also, I know you cannot say anything to your office about having PTSD, I get that. But you still need the help right? Tell them something else, like you are having marital problems (technically you are) and your wife wants to go to counseling. They'll buy that and you get the help you need. If you cannot let me know. I'll find someone for you through the VA, quietly. Cannot keep this pinned up and need to let it go somehow without hurting (emotionally) your family. Women (I know) are mending creatures, they want to fix everything non-tactile. When your better half cannot help you, it tears her up. Yep, she does not get it either, got it. Just remember, there are ways to talk to someone without compromising your job or having your certifications pulled.
To Jayson. This is a female MP named KUJO. I was in Iraq for almost a year. Lost friends, saw splattered kid brains on trucks, tons of time sitting around in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but create problems in my head. Broke down a couple doors, heard voices in my head at night, slept with my gun loaded underneath me. For the most part, I kept it together when I got back. Pops and snaps still make me jump, crowds annoy me, very angry all together. Ended up having a shorter fuse on my kids, my husband (he had never been). Went back to civilian law enforcement and said nothing. Cannot, they would take my gun (and some of my paycheck!) I stewed in my own hell inside my head. I found two things have worked for me (driving real fast is not one of them.) (1) A damn good (REAL) kung-fu master that taught me to restructure my anger into something productive. (2) Alone time with a fellow veteran to walk-run-fight-shoot-camp it off. (Drill instructor turned civilian cop helped out, bled all the piss and vinegar out of me with working out.) I have thought about volunteering to help others, but it will help you as well. (Basically, talking to other veterans will give you kudos from your office, builds up volunteer points for promotions but really helps you out, man.) Trust me or write back-Respectfully KUJO
My husband is a Vietnam Vet. We have two teenagers living at home and the four of us fight in Vietnam pretty much daily. I thank all of you for sharing your posts because up until now this chaos has been a "family secret" to never be uttered from our lips. We are all exhausted and confused. I have run into many of the same obstacles in getting all of us help and it seems that maybe we (all of the service members and/or families of service members) need to rally together and support each other. I wish I did have the answere to make the nightmares finally end for all of us, but I don't. I just know one thing at the end of the day I fight a good fight everyday and I will never give up. I am there for all of you that I promise. I would be there to hug each and everyone of you in person, but he gets very angry if I stray to far so I do not leave the house very often. BIGGGGG HUGGGGS to all!!!!!!!!!!!!
I served as an infantryman with the 101st airborne, I have recieved two purple hearts and I am now a police officer. I know I have severe ptsd however I am afraid if I reach out for help I will be forced to leave my carrer. I guess it is selfish of me because my decision not to seek help is only hurting my wife and kids. I do not become physically violent with my family, however my numbness, and keeping to myself is hurting them. My wife gets upset and becomes very angry with me because I will not talk to her about what is wrong. What she does not realise is its not just that she would not understand and she does not need to hear the groosome stories, its that I flat out just dont want to talk about it. I have thrown all those memories into a closet and shut the door. Sometimes that door comes open and i have to shove everythimg back in. Life is really begginning to suck, I am not too sure I can keep all this up
I have been suffering with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety/Panic Disorder, OCPD, Disassociative Disorder for 33 years. Guess what? I am a female DAV who served on a SAC base at the end of the Vietnam War. Always combat ready because I was a B52 mechanic. Constant war games. One war game, one of our B52's didn't get all the way up, tipped to the left, caught the left wing on the ground and crashed. Right before our very eyes. The crew members burned beyond recognition. Tailgunner running through the field on fire. Total shock. I went numb, unmoving, in a daze. I will never be the same again. Now my children and husband have the same diagnosis in less form but still frightening to them. My girls have constant panic attacks. After fighting the VA for 30 years, they finally agreed that yes, a noncombat female veteran can suffer from PTSD. The nightmares are horrible. Constant vigilance. Short fuse. Feelings of not being loved or wanted. Constant thoughts of running away or suicide. Meds help but don't cure. There isn't one.
My husband served two terms in Iraq as a combat medic. He was on a FOB in the area of Mozul and Takrit during the height of the fighting in 2004-2006. He came back, angry, confused, wounded and unable to cope with even the most simple tasks of the day. He temper was vile and unprovoked. He could not drive a car without speeding by it. He would not sit in a reataurant near the window.. He was 48 when he was deployed.. and now at 55 we are still living with the dreams, noises and the odors that trigger memories of death, loss and feelings that he could have saved more. As his wife and a nurse, I went after the VA with a vengence... took on the AG, the state Attny General and hired a Jag Attny to fight for his medical care and phychiatric treatment. I am still fighting to win and have the man I married back in my life. I loved him before, during and after.. It is this committment that will force the VA to refocus their energy and bring their care up to contemproary standard.
My husband was in the Navy for 4 years and did three tours on the WOT. He came back wen to the VA got told he had PTSD, then the VA denied his claimed because he couldn't remember dates! He was on mission, he was told what to do! I am like you got medals, ribbions pictures the mititary documents everything then they denied him. Yeah he is pissed I am pissed. He served his Country and now his Country is letting him down. He is lucky I am crazy about him because I am working getting him help, and I have a good job that is helping me pay for school. I am sure it isn't the VA fault... they are unstaffed and overwhelled by the claims that come in everyday day after day. It is just disppointing.My husband should be proud for serving in the military but all he feels is it ruined his life. I am not give on him even if feels like his Country let him which they have!
My husband has been diagnosed/treated at the VA for several years now as a Nam Veteran. His symptoms become more exagerated and extreme as the years move on and Meds. seem only to keep the worst of it at bay. After years of trial and error with treatments and medications there doesn't seem much hope at this point. I think both of us are pretty lost as far as what to do and where to go next. He has tried personal therapy, with the VA, and found no help through it. I wish the VA would offer help to the wives even when the vets won't participate...because I could sure use some help coping with this! A therapist, support group...Something?! I can't be the only family member that needs help in this area. I have watched him struggle for so long, ridden through the ups and downs, the moods swings and fits of rage and irrational behavior.
It's heart breaking, frightening, and exhausting.
After all these years, all the damaged Veterans, from all the wars...how is it possible that no one has any idea how to help...not real help.
As s Nam Vet I have had many suicide thoughts. I don't know how to deal with this any more, good bye Vets, I hope you get help...
My son-in-law came back from Iraq a few years ago. His wife found sexual explicit material on his computer and phone. This went on for two years and now she found out he is seeing one of them. He says that it is just an emotional need and not physical. What is she to do?? He has turned into a total different person. I am talking day and night change. She had to file for divorce yesterday even though she know the underlying cause is PTSD. It can ruin your marriage and your whole life. The person also has to want help.
My grandson was medevac August 9, 2010 out of Afghanistan. Third combat tour in 6 years as infantryman. Last Iraq tour: sniper for 15 months. returned with severe PTSD Personally witnessed panic attacks, constant vigilance, short temper outbursts. Complained to me of nightmares and constant headaches. No knowledge of treatment prior to last deployment, mid april this year. Aug. 9, 2010 shot in left arm and same time knocked out by RPG explosion near his head on battlefield. Diagnosis: severed ulna, left arm. Symptoms: severe arm pain, severe headaches, hallicinations, vision and hearing problems, sleeplessness due to pain, loss of short and long term memory. Treatment: prazosin for symptoms, phentenol pain patch, physical therapy for arm. No testing, no surgery for repair of damage to arm. Doc refuses to refer to TBI for other symptoms. My husband, a veteran also, PTSD since 1969-70, Viet Nam. Never got decent treatment until he got away from army medecine. At 74 his memory is better than our 26 yrs old grandson's! Our diagnosis: good soldier until you are wounded in mind and/or body, then "throw away" when you can't shoot anymore. What an army!!!!!!! What a disgrace for our country to treat those who serve in such a manner. When are we going to wake up? these are our sons and daughers we are sending to war in our name and abandonning once they need our help!
Dr Kevin Yee is my Oncologist. The best. Lots of support from him and his staff.
Noticed.Oncologist. Part of the problem was
"thin the herd" commentts by other vets. And as a female....attitude can't be a REAL veteran sooo...got death threats and VA shrug so whated them. Stunned. How would you feel if someone is looking at death threats says they are death threats (in writing) but wants you to take tests to see if you think people are out to get you. Anyway, pretty much everything was treated as "all in her head". So went to non VA and they Dx'd Cancer for one of my "delsuions". As I said VA admitted "OOPS". But I'm still not welcome. Btw, one appointment from my 5 year anneversary. Colon cancer, surgery, Chemo. If I hadn't been persistent I would be dead now.
My husband is a vietnam vet...we started dating when he came home from vietnam..1971..got married, had two children and will celebrate our 38th anniversary in Jan. for years I have dealt with his nightmares and waking to find him fighting me or choking because he was dreaming he was back there...the depression was always there but he was pretty good at hiding it..just hearing planes go over would trigger it..but for years took our kids to the 4th of july celebrations...only recently did he tell me how much that affected him...I would always try to get him to go see a someone who specializes in this disorder, but he refused to go..he was diaagnosed with a blood disorder 13 years ago and is now being treated at mayo clinic....he is not working right now and I think having more time to think about things has caused his symptoms to get worse...he is starting to deal with this and is seeing a dr. that has prescribed medication for depression and anxiety...can't tell that the meds are helping...I am hoping that he will be able to enjoy some of the good years that he has left...this has affected our relationship in everyway...with our friends, kids and neighbors...hoping that someday the person that was the best husband, friend, and father will return and be the person he used to be...
I am a Service connected disaled veteran. PTSD. I was not treated well by VA. Secondary victimization. And VA admitted it. So was added. 100%. Per.. and Total.
Support is so important! I can't strees enough! I tried a lot of things but, and I'm well aware it's odd. Tarot. I didn't agree with the "meanings" and over time found they predicted actual events. Not the esoteric, psychological that every seems to use them for. BUT REAL EVENTS. In the process I discovered a decrease in PTSD symptoms.
May. yes. its sounds like you have secondary PTSD,many wives do.call around as some counselors have been given grants to have groups just for wives.
I also live with a vet that did not serve in Iraq or Afghanistan he saw laser testing done on a high security air force base; because his commanding officer told him you did not see anything do not talk about this to anyone he refuses to talk to anyone as he thinks they will say he is lying. It has now been 30 years since this has happened and I watch him drink himself in a drunken stuper and cry about what he saw. The VA will not help and it is very difficult to find anyone willing to help as he wont even leave the house to see a counsler. Any suggests from anyone would be greatly appreciated as the drinking is killing him
I do not have a husband that suffers from PTSD, what I do have are three brothers who have all served in Iraq, or Afghanistan. They are all Army and one of them is still overseas fighting. When the first two came home they came home men not boys and they also both have sevier cases of PTSD. They were witnesses to their comrades being shot or other equally horrible events. They have tried to seek treatment and as I have read in other posts the VA clinic is useless! I worry about their futures and how they will cope in the months and years to come, but all I feel I can do is wait. My brother over on the boarder of Afghanistan now is already showing signs of PTSD, he asks questions like will God forgive me for what I have done? Our men need our help, if the VA is not doing its job we need to take action as our soldiers take action to perserve our freedoms!
this may seem really stupid to people but i have to tell my story. My now exhusband was a sniper in iraq for 2 yrs. Here I was 3 kids no job no husband. I didnt support his decision to sign up.....he came home one night and said "honey guess what i did? Isigned up to go to iraq we are deploying in 2 wks...for 2 years. HORRIBLE thing to do to your family! out of the blue like that....Got a call from his cel calling to say hi. Was interupted by an attack. He yelled we are underfire call you back. the news was on that night and 13 were killed but the news couldnt tell us who the names were until families were notified. EVERY car EVery noise...i knew they were coming to give me the bad news.Eight days later i got a call from him. How u he askes. Things like that on and on for yrs...Guess who has ptsd? of course he does. Did anyone ever think I could get it???? He is my ex now. but i get physically ill when im triggered. army uniforms, his voice, the word iraq. I cant watch anything military and this is as much military talk i can take.. Ive since then developed fybromyalgia anddont know what to do. im just tryin to move on....but im stuck in the whole old situation dwelling dwelling ...3yrs ago cant move on. Ive even met the most caring man of my life. trying to move on and cant stop the pain.
I've dealt with combat PTSD for nearly fourty years, the V.A. doctors do not understand it. Not to diminish it, but PTSD say from a rape victim, or a police officer who had never been shot at, or even an officer that has to use his weapon are all differant in the way they respond. However, as a Marine I've taught myself to deal with what I know will be with me for the rest of my life. I do not drink,take drugs or bother others with the dreams and feelings I have. My friends are all in law enforcement and I've never been in trouble with the law either. I'm never depressed and view each day as another day "above ground and breathing", which is a blessing and not a curse. I've found that making people laugh or smile is very comforting and an easy way to let the bad moments go. My dreams are almost always violent, and not always in the jungle either. I relive my actions each night but they are a reminder of what I should not do. I was a sniper, told to kill for God and country and let me tell you, God had nothing to do with it. The VA is an absolute disgrace and use the diagnosis against you if they mess up. I'm liscenced and carry a weapon because a police officer is too heavy, and we live in dangerous times. We Vets defended everyone's constitutional rights and the VA would like nothing more than to strip ours, yet they reap the benefits we fought for and try to deny our rights. Vets must help other Vets! I may be somewhat crazy but that doesn't mean stupid, thank God
My husband suffers from PTSD. He served in Vietnam and went to the VA to get help. Yeah right,him and I make too much money to qualify for help. Is that so unreal? How disgusting our service men are treated after fighting for our freedom. My husband and I are now seperated because of his flashbacks and everything else that comes along with PTSD. I love him so much,but can't stay with him cause my life is in danger. He ended up in a hospital for a week cause he tried to commit suicide after punching me and our dog, thinking the dog was a enemy. Thank God the gun he had wasn't loaded or I would not be here. Something needs to be done to help ALL vets, not just the ones coming back now.
I feel I suffer from PTSD from childhood - my father was a tyrannt and was frightened of him and his actions/reactions every single day from a very young age, maybe 4 years old or even before. He eventually left my mother for another woman at the age of 9 and felt - at that time- a huge relief and didn't look back for one second until I reached 15 years old, then I started to have panic attacks, agrophobia & hyperventilation which makes me feel dizzy - all the time. My quality of life (I'm am now 63 years old) doesn't get any better, in fact it's worse - I get pannicky in my own home unless i'm on my own. I have a partner who is compassionate but really doesn't understand how I feel. I'm taking anti-depression pill, beta blockers and Diazapam, they really help to enable me to live a sort of life - I live in the UK so we don't have the access to counselling, but I am not sure if that would help or not - I would love to hear of other people other than war heros - having said that I have every admiration to the guy and girls who have to fight for their countries and have seen and felt such horrid inhumane things, it makes my situation very tame, but I just want to live my life and enjoy my partner and grandchildren. I dont crave money, just a normal life
the MOST important help comes from family and friends when you know you are changed by this mental shock.
they must not leave. they are the lifeline they can cast hope.
I have been with my fiance for 3 years now. We have a beautiful baby girl together and I wish he could enjoy her as much as I do. He has been home from Afghanistan for three and a half years, yet I feel like he is still there. he suffers sleep disorders, nightmares, sleeplessness, etc. He is irritated at the drop of a hat and within an hour he is "normal" again. We have been to the VA several times only for him to be belittled and put down by his own therapist, so much for help. Although he admitted taking anitdepressants helped him, he has since stopped taking them. I can no longer handle the sneaking of pot, the lies about anything and everything, the distance put between us, etc. I wish there really was help for those suffering from PTSD and their caregivers. I pray for all of our service men and women, and I pray for their caregivers.
My son, a Former Marine SSGT, was told by the VA that he has PTSD, put him on medications and then received a letter from the VA that it was not service connected. HOW is that possible? He was "NORMAL" before he joined the Marines...before going to Iraq. Now he is a total different person. He's angry alot, aggitated, has that I don't give a damn attitude, flashbacks, nightmares that scare not only me but my grandchildren, also. We are on our 3rd letter of rebuttal. Is it going to help? I am at my wits end.
having served in combat in south Vietnam 1967-68. I became extremely stressed each time my unit got into a firefight. When the firefight was over and I was still alive. my entire body and mind were releive.
I was also proud of the enemy I killed exilleration at seeing a gooks guts blown out.
now I have had panic attacks every single day since 1989. VA gives me meds. thye don't help. I want to return to combat in vietnam so there is a reason for my panic and fear, then I could see the enemy i killed
relief,pride. I'm thinking maybe tai chi might help me I have a black belt in tae kwon do and sho do kwon. is there anyone like me out there?
My husband is a Vietnam Vet, ...he has PTSD....Oh how I miss the man I married. I try to work through all of this by keeping in mind that it isn't really him in there right now....but at times I have to say I feel as though somewhere in time, without my knowledge, my husband died, and a new person came in and took his place. This person has moments that remind me of times past. Every day I wake up, wondering which one will be there....the one that somewhat resembles the man I knew, who likes to laugh and joke around....extremely calm, OR the other one. That one is mistrusting of everyone and everything...sometimes even our children. This one is paranoid, in that at times accuses me of "trying to trick him"...(how or why, I am not sure) He is short fused, and is especially uncomfortable in any type of crowd. We deal with panic attacks, tempers and attitudes from every part of the spectrum.
The hardest part of this other than feeling as though your heart is breaking from the loss of your love....is that I am unsure from day to day IF I will even have a marriage, or if it will succumb to this mental chaos that ensues with each attack. I have a son in the military now too, which I fear for. I pray for all those who deal with this, but also for those who live with the person who has it~ you are brave, courageous, and most of all, loving & compassionate beyond all measure! I wish you strength and peace as you go through this also.
My Son joined the Army Rangers at 18 yrs old. Served in Iraq, Afganistan, and several other places. It was terrible. He was shot, in an explosion, lost everyone in his group and came home a complete mess. For 4 years he was a mess. Feelings of anger, depression, self medicating, feeling of why was he alive. It truely has been the worst experience a mother can endure. I thank God everyday that he did come home alive and I thank God everyday for all you Soldiers out there who served our country. He just now is really starting to do better, but like alot of you men he would not get help from the VA. Wants nothing to do with them. I don't understand this. But if you find yourself in this situation do what I did. Call the VFW. Any local group near you. Thats what I did. One night when my son was having a breakdown and I didn't know anymore what to do and I was scared to death and he wouldn't go for help, I called the local VFW, I spoke to the man in charge and he hooked me up with a retired Col. this man took him under his wing and me too. Called him everyday and talked to him. Thats what he needed. Someone who understood. Someone to do what I couldn't do for him. It worked, so try it, you have nothing to loose. My God Bless you all. My Thoughts and Prayers are with each and everyone of you.
I am a veteran, I spent 1 year in Iraq, and saw things and lost friends during that time that I just can't get out of my head. I have been out of the Army now for almost 6 years and still have the nightmares, the hypervigilance, anger, well you get the point I hope. I go to the VA. and for the past 5+ years now have been on 7 differnt meds for the entire time on is so I can go to sleep, one to keep me asleep and one (zoloft) for ALL of the symptoms of PTSD my DR. says he's positive I have PTSD and suggested therapy. At the VA hospital. They want to use a course of therapy where they make you recall and talk about everything you saw and did, so sad to say I won't go to the treatment because I can't see how that will help I mean after all that's all I do anyway is think about it even if I don't want to. I will say the zoloft help alot after all it was designed for ALL of the symptoms of PTSD and for the most part it keeps me sain. I don't know what to do, the treatment seem to out there for me, and to be honest I really hate talking about what went on over there. I know I need to do something, but I just can't seem to do it. I have used drugs (pot) alot and yes it helps I forget everything untill the high goes away. I have my good days, and my bad days, I just wish it would all go away. I'll pray for all of you who have posted on this site, and I hope one day we can all get back home in our heads again untill then I guess mine will be in Iraq. Take care and God Bless
I have been dating a Vietnam Veteran who suffers from PTSD for nearly a year. For the past several days. he has been like a totally different person. He has pushed me away and refuses to see me. He takes things I say totally out of context and makes it seem like I am the one in the wrong, when I am only trying to help him. I love this man so much and it breaks my heart to see what he is doing to himself. He is drinking too much and I am afraid he may be abusing drugs. He says that this time of year is the hardest for him because of what happened in Vietnam from May 8-17 when he was there. He is also facing surgery soon. I am so worried. I had planned to care for him after his surgery, but now he doesn't seem to even want me around. We have been so close the past several months and I thought we had a special relationship that could withstand anything, but now I don't know what to do. I have read the posts from Vietnam veterans and it makes me so sad. Why do people who gave so much to defend the freedom of this country and those who love them have to suffer so much because of it? There should be more help available for them and their families and loved ones. Anyone out there who reads this and knows the power of prayer, please pray for me and the man I love with all my heart.
I write this letter for my husband, because her suffers from PTSD. He can write for himself; However, I chose to tell it from a wife's point of view. Night after night I awake to find him sitting in the chair in our bedroom in the dark. The sudden outbursts of anger, the isolation, and the strange behaviors are really wearing me thin. I feel so sorry for him and there's nothing I can do. I would think that if a man served his country for twenty four years, there would be a better recovery/deal with a plan set in place. After all that is said an done, he still loves his country and would defend again for his country if he had to!
I have one very good friend, who got his skull rearranged during the Panama invasion, by the butt of an AK-47. Spent a year in the hospital. I help him when he goes bad, he helps me when I go bad. God help us if we go south at the same time. It's the only thing that works for me. I was in RVN late 69-70 flew Huey's for 5 months, Scouts and Cobras for 5 months. Saw to much. Spent almost 35 years with suicidal ideation before being diagnosed with severe depression, and treated. It's better now, but it comes back now and again. I'm not going to rush it, but I look forward to dying. No more pain.
Hello. I'm a Marine Vietnam Vet. Went in at 17 years old to escape a violent father (also a Marine - Korea Vet). Tried to prove my worth to him I guess.
I didn't know what PTSD was, but I knew something was wrong with me. The nightmares, the drinking and drugs (trying to numb myself as I look back), lots of women - but no relationships, countless jobs. Somehow I managed to make a living the last 41 years. I started getting headaches. BAD headaches. Thought they were bad hangovers. Started one every couple months, then monthly, then weekly, and now 3-5-7 times a week. They call them Cluster Headaches, and I have the Chronic version. They don't go away. No cure, just body and mind numbing drugs. They come from the hypothalamus part of the brain. Mayo Clinic says so. ALSO... I've found that PTSD affects the hypothalamus part of the brain. But the VA says NO connection. Anyone else have anything similar? My life is shoot in the ass. I went from working hard and jumping on my Harley to unwind, to a shut-in. Cannot drive on the meds.
I check back here for a reply.
All the best, Semper Fi to all the Jarheads out there.
Welcome Home to ALL.
Sgt. USMC
My boyfriend spent 18 months in Iraq and was on the frontline. When he came back he not only dealt with the trauma of the war, but also with personal family issues that were really bad. He was diagnosed with PTSD and sees a doctor but only once a year. Is it normal for someone with this disorder to be on and off affectionate? I moved in with him 6 months ago and he is sometimes fun, making me laugh, affectionate, and so on. Now, for about the past month, he has been very distant and kind of in his own world. If anyone has advice on how I can cope with the moods, I could really use some advice.
Posted previous comment - finishing my post:
Many VA Hospitals claim they can "cure" PTSD; that's not possible. You can learn coping skills but once you have this disorder, accept it and work to get as much of your life back as you can. VA treatment centers all have great intentions but are under staffed with PTSD professionals. To my fellow Veterans - thank you for your service and get help but insist on the very best help available and make certain it works for you.
I'm a Vietnam era veteran & was attached to a Recon unit with the USMC. Post Vietnam, I did everything possible to return to college and blend back into society. I never related any of my experiences with my first wife and children, in fact, they weren't aware I was a former Marine or I was in Vietnam. I was fortunate to lead a very productive & successful career in business and only experienced hideous nightmares monthly. I would wake up in a cold sweat and not go back to sleep. I thought this was normal. About the time I turned 54, I began to have the nightmares every night and they were more vivid and terrifying. I would only sleep a few hours each night. I became irritable with my wife and children, began to binge drink, became more hyper viligent (always was) and began to isolate myself in my office for days at at time. I've had 25 jobs in the last 10 years and now find myself unemployable. Yes, I have PTSD. I was in denial for a long time and was certain I could fix this on my own. With the help of a therapist who specializes in PTSD, I filed a claim with the VA and eventually spent 6 weeks in the North Chicago STDU unit to learn to cope with my disorder. I evaluated several PTSD programs offered by various VA Hospitals and the VA wants to make PTSD treatment into a "one size fits all" delivery. If you're a Vet, insist on going to this program for help. You will hear plenty of "this is the top program for PTSD" and they're tryi
After being in pharmaceutical sales for 25 years, I tried to go back to teaching. I got a position teaching chemistry at an overcrowded, urban high school in Jacksonville, FL. After two months, I had to resign—it was just a horrible experience. Many kids couldn't read very well and classroom management was next to impossible.
I had PTSD/depression and went to my friend, Dr. Lin—a psychiatrist at Mayo Jacksonville. He helped me and now I'm doing GREAT!
Dear Cher:
We each can relate to your turmoil. A key message: we need to care for ourselves. We cannot give what we do not have. Be safe and be well...Dr. Ed
I served in Iraq, as well as bosnia, and I can tell you it kind of messed me up. I have been in the VA for about 7 mo. now, and while I feel they try to help there hardest, I feel they are stretched too thin. Right or wrong, I smoke pot when I am having a really bad episode, and it calms me right down. Then I can focus on my breathing and centering, as I have learned in group. I also paint. There is nothing better then flinging paint at a canvas, when you feel like your going to explode (I have started a group for fellow veteran artists at http://artvets.deviantart.com/). The problem i have, is we live in a society that is still wishy washy about pot. I can't enter into treatment with them, till I stop, and I feel like the pot works 10 times better then the 6 different meds they want me to take..... It's crazy! I guess if I was going to give one piece of advice to a fellow vet it would be..... "vets heal vets".... I have been able to get so much more out, talking to other vets who "get it" , vs. anyone else..... hang in there, as I am.....
I read this on a wall somewhere once in iraq..." some gave all, all gave some"
My husband was a corps man in Viet Nam. I met him 11years ago. We dated for 4yrs. before getting married. My husband has always been a drinker. What you would call functional alcoholic. I had a son from another relationship. After living together for 1 ½ yrs, my husband could not deal with being a step-dad. I moved out to another place with my son with the understanding my husband and I would continue as man and wife. After my son moved out, my husband and I would reunite. Well shortly after I moved out, my husband started getting depressed. I kept telling him he was depressed. He let his house go. I mean really go. Trash everywhere, dirty dishes. I cleaned his house 6 times. His daughter helped me 2 times. I finally said no more. About 2 years ago the TIMES had an article on Men and Depression. My husband would not read it because it was a leftist magazine. The one day he was sitting on the pot reading the VFW magazine. He comes out and say's I think I have this (PTSD). I asked him if it was a guy thing that he did not listen to me in the first place. He has retired from the Guard 2 yrs. Ago and the Post Office last year. Now he spends most of his time sitting, drinking, and watching football. He started going to the VA about a year ago and they diagnosed him 70% PTSD. Now he sees a therapist once a week and is taking anti depressants. Yes he still drinks. I do not see any improvement.
I served it was in peace time right after Viet Nam, I was a Marine, and they taught me to have very few feelings and to do things a certain way. When I got discharged things went pretty well for a number of years, I was recieving disability compensation and then my disabilities became worse, I am now permantly disabled. When I had my heart attacks and got in before my 3rd one, these started at 39, I became depressed. I not only have major depressive disorder, anxiety, but also PTSD from my child hood so I was a perfect candiate for the USMC as I had a narrow view on life. I was whipped every day as a child and was put out on my own at age 12. I learned how not to be a social person but to fight tooth and nail until I got what I wanted. I worked, went to school, then the military. When the depression started, I had to go back to my child hood, and the nightmares started, and my bad attitude, anger, judgements, resentments, and withdrawl, from the moment, I was a wreck, it hurts no matter where it comes from. I still get flashbacks of my abusive childhood and this is what I have to live with each living moment of the day. The military just enforced what I had been going through, it hurts and so many questions with no answers now or probally not coming in my life time, I am on several medications, one controls my anger. It seems all 3 of my disorders seem to feed each other, and this leads to my drunkness and bad decision making. You young vets get the help you need.
I have two retired Marine friends with PTSD. It hurts so much to see how depressed they get and how they isolate themselves from others. I can say that this is one of the main reasons that made me start going to school for psychology. I want to understand and help people that that suffer from this. But when I try to help my friends, I end up being rejected, because they either take their anger out on me or they get frustrated by me "minding their business" telling me that I don't know anything. I don't want to stop talking to them--even though they might make it seem like that's what they want-- knowing that they need help and that's there has to be a way to do so. I just would like to know how.
I think my husband may have ptsd, he was in the army for 25years royal artillary, he has been out of the army for 7 yrs and recently he has been acting really strange.
He had packed his job in, told me he doesnt want me and the kids anymore and run off to Australia for 5 weeks with no thought for anyone but himself, i have 2 small children as well. i am at a complete loss of what to do, he is usually a really sensitive guy it is completely out of character for him to do something like this, i think things have been building up for sometime when i look back. I just dont know what to do or where to go for help for him.
I have told him he needs help and he says he is not weak he will sort his own head out, but i dont think he can. what do i do
It isn't just the military coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq and other war zones, it is also the civilians and AID workers who come home with PTSD. I have been home for 14 months after spending 4 years in Afghanistan - I am a mess.
I have been married to a Vietnam vet for 42 years. He came home with PTSD but was only diagnosed with it in 2005. No one would listen before that. I'm sorry for all who deal with this the vet and the family. It affects both deeply. It has been 5 years since he was first diagnosed but just recently he has finally accepted that he has it. My advice for help is to get in contact with DAV (Disabled American Veterans) for help with the compensation appeals. Find a Vet Center where they really care for the help in learning to cope. And finally read the book "War and the Soul" by Ed Tick. You can get in touch with his organization online at soldiersheart.org My husband feels he has the best hold on what PTSD is. They have retreats for vets and their family around the country. It costs but that is where my husband had his first major breakthrough! That was after only one day too! Don't forget the wife. I have been through alot too. Work together on this. One more thing that helped more than anything else, many will not like this, we studied with Jehovah's Witnesses and learned that God is doing something to end war completely (Daniel 2:44). Also his purpose was that man live in peace on a paradise earth (Psalms 37:9-11,29) That gave us the hope and courage to keep on.
We want to see that and enjoy it.
i dont have ptsd i dont get nightmares or shaking hands but my sister gave me this link just because i said i wish ti hell i was back in afghan i was apart of operation kanjar into the helmund river valley i fell like i belong back their not chillen but back with the explosions and the gun fire
How do you help someone who was a VA counselor and got vicarious PTSD? they know the drill, have done it and are still in major trouble!
Let me tell you something about ptsd and how it will affect you if anyone finds out you have it. First, everyone will be sympathetic to your face, but will talk about you behind your back. I have experienced this first hand. Second the govt. says they will help you, but when you apply for the benefit they say is available, they put every roadblock they can in your way, to insure you don't get any help. I have done everything i could to handle my own problem for 40 years and have been able to put most of it behind me, by staying away from anything and anyone, who might brign up the memories. But then when you start to get old and need ssome help, they want you to prove everyhting and supply them with all the info about everything that happened to you when you were 18 years old and in a combat area. For most of us it just isn't possible, so they deny you, and you are right back where you were, except you have all the old memories and nightmares, back again, and you have to try and deal with it again. So why bother, just go off and die, you are old anyway and no one cares.
I am a Veitnam Vet and have just recently been diagnosed with PTSD--my wife said she new something was wrong for years--I show all of the symptoms and have for years--my family has truly suffered. It came to a head when I became violent in my sleep reliving events..The next day we would talk about how I grabbed her, swung at her, would be vocal, have even fallen out of bed blooding my nose on various occasions. Hence we have started sleeping in seperate rooms. for 40 years my family has suffered. I became angery or irritabile at the drop of the hat, and the slitest noise recevied a reaction of startlement. I have haunting dreams with no recollection of them or what I have done in my sleep. Watching old reruns of the war and even watching current events will trigger a reaction--hence stay away from them..The VA tells me that my criticial situations in Nam, and symptoms don't even reach the minimum for compensation. How much mayham must some one go through. This is what our young warriors are facing. I find comfort in close friend share in our blackhol recently visited our oldest grandson (19) at La Juene Marine Camp, and I can see in the young marines eyes who has been there and whose not--we live outside Fort Carson and I see the same thing there--and as strange as it sounds I am most comformable when I'm with my love--the military..If this comment reaches one young warrior I will be happly--you are our most true possession and we care--those of us that have been ther
My son is a Vet who has Post Trumatic Stress Disorder. I'm wondering if there is any info/groups I could join to help him cope with this in my area?
It is very difficult on all involved, and realize to be more helpful and effective, I desire to know more, and perhaps find a support group.
When I read these posts all I can do is cry, You see all this just takes me back to when I came home, I have been fighting PTSD for almost 40 years not. Was den s/c disabitly over 7 times in that 40 years. For years I could not go near the V/A that I would come home a mess. They have diag me with every sym of ptsd in the 4o years, Even to the point that they called me a degenrat befor I went into the army, How could a 17 year old be A deberate. Yes that is right I went in when I was 17. I knoiw I have put my wife and two sons through hell just to be near me. My frist denial said nerves and mental condition is not a desease or injury and would not help me because I was not s/c per them. Last month I was granded s/c for PTDS based on the same things in my records that was there all along! Now I would like for them the pay me back to 1970 But we all know that will not happen and there is nother fight I must do. I do not beleave I could have got it this time if was for my wife . I would not fight this last time I had enough.60 years old now and 3 heart atacks, years of depression and had the feeling that I did not have enough time left! But I got it with the help of my wife . Don't know if these feeling will ever go away. don't know if the night mares will ever go away But I tell you young guy Don't give up! Us old vets do not want you to go through what we have and will help you in any way JUST ASK!
Guess what I still love the USA
I too suffer from PTSD, not from war experiences, but from prolonged stress and trauma suffered as a child. Over the years, it has been most helpful to talk to a counselor on a routine basis. I also do vitamin, mineral, and adrenal gland support therapies to prepare my body to cope with fright, flight mechanisms. To overcome specific anxieties such as a fear of heights, crowds, water, and bridges I have availed myself to an alternative therapy called fusion therapy. This has enabled me to conquer fear of bridges and heights and has made my life quite a bit more bearable. There is hope out there for PTSD. Barbara A "Cry Depression, Celebrate Recovery."
I got out the Navy back in 2005. I did two deployments over seas. It`s now 2009 and i have a few friends who suffer from PTSD and are disabled. My mom and twin brother always say, I dont know what the navy did to you but your not the same person. I figured yea what ever. I picked up 3 DWI`s since i been out. I got those right when i left Virginia. I came home, I was scared, nervous, no job, living back with just my dad because my folks seperated. My girlfriend is always telling me i should get help. I turned to the bottle for that numb feeling. I know deep down inside now, it is not me. I am learning now that I have been suffering from every sympton of PTSD every since i looked into ways to calm down because i fly off the handle. The amount of stress i feel on a daily bases is unbarable. If you are reading this you know that feeling. Reach out! I know its hard and you just dont want to be bothered. Yea this country owes us alot more than they give. But unfortunally it`s just how it works. Dont live another day like i have the past 5 years. One more DWI and im going away. Im not a murderer, burgler, nothing like that. Just a kid who saw 2 planes fly into the WTC and decided to fight back. Reach out!
what about family members coping with family members who love the those suffering with ptsd how do we cope????
My heart goes out to each and every one of you ... I want to start sobbing when I read of the HELL many of you have lived, including the letdown and neglect of this country and your VA. PLEASE know you do have people out there who are your friends and pray for you - I am one of them. I don't blame any of you for the feeling you have, and cannot imagine the isolation you feel. Please know that I am reading every word, and listing you all in my heartfelt prayers.
Thank you for sharing your stories - people do care.
Jean M - Very Grateful Civilian
Hi O,
I shared your experiences and have been back for a year and a half. I am just now dealing with the "fall out" related to deployment.
Much like you, I have a positive and happy disposition and never one to rock the boat. When I got home I was angry. I had never been that way before, particularly to my family members. Not abusive, my expectations were pretty high and I lost my temper quickly. I was a different person. I thought I was very resilient as well, however, I ignored the greif that came along with everything from deployment and since then.
As far as particulars to the deployment that trigger fear and startle responses to hit the the deck, I probably experience that on average about once a week. Those moments, I don't call them debilitating, but for some reason I feel stress of life as overbearing more often than not.
After talking with a few buddies that I had not deployed with recently, who are veterans themselves of Iraq and Afghanistan they both unhesitantly mentioned PTSD.
Since my first buddy mentioned it, I actually went to clinicaltrials.gov and looked up studies on anxiety, and there was one related to PTSD. Some offer treatment and some are just studies. Either way, it offers an opportunity to talk to a trained professional in some capacity about your experiences.
I hope that you find peace of mind and return to what you know as normal as quickly as possible. All my best,
So I have been back from Iraq a few months and I am not me. My wife says she misses the old me. I am sooo numb to everything around me. I can not focus. And I am horrible when it comes to memory. I use to be the one who would think positive and motivate people. Now I am short tempored. I experianced many things out in Iraq. I did not lose someone close and I did not get injured. I was mortard, shot at, and seen some nasty explosions. My question is could this be PTSD or is it just stress. I dont stop and think about one even that happend in Iraq. I do think about some stuff but I can not say there is One specific thing that sets me off.
My husband served in Afganistan, Iraq, and also went on to work for Blackwater. When he returned he was a mess emotionally. My once beloved husband, had become my worst fear. The abuse sustained left me to make the most difficult decision ever. Die or leave. I still love him with all my heart. However, the VA only proved to neglect my husbands pleas for help. Medicate, counsel, in-patient treatment that left him a room alone. No one talked to him except maybe 20 min a day. This is the "treatment" we give to those who defended our country. How sad. The worst part was he was unable to fullfill his duties back in "civilian life" d/t the "flashbacks" he had. Heaven for bid they claim him as disabled! I am disgusted with the lack of medical treatment in WNY for our soldiers coming home. The VA failed my family and I am lost everyday without my husband. Thank you to our vets for your service to this country! You deserve more than this country offers you!
I have been home from Iraq since 2005, and i would like to think that i have come along way, but then there are times like right now when i just want to fade way and just stop existing. . I was in a mortar attack in fallujah iraq in November of 2004, i was injured pretty badly and my squad leader that was right next to me got pieces of his face blown off, he did not make it. I survived and he didnt. I always have a hard time, with the night mares and i live with so much anger and frustration, that t interfears with my life to the point where i dont really have any friends, i dont want to wake up in the morning, i just like to be alone, i drink more than i used to. I feel like no one truely understands and i just alone and lost. I go the VA but these people are worthless at the VA. There are so many people who need the same help, its overwhelming for the doctors. They love to hand out medication but when i was taking my medication, i didnt like the way it was making me feel. I have my good and bad days but there seems to be more not so good days here lateley, i feel like im doing fine day and then going insane the next. I get so angry and have outburst of rage.. I feel like i am not a good person and i just want to be alone and not deal with anyone so they wont judge me. I wish i would have never went to Iraq, that was the worst hell anyone could live through.
If you have not done your time in Iraq, Your Opinion about stress can ... 101st---
My brother Pat has served two terms in Iraq. He's my big brother--18 years older than me--and I look up to him. He just got home from his second tour, and my mom told me today that he's doing stuff he's never done before--drinking and smoking, and having an affair. I'm so worried about him. The more I read, the more I think it's PTSD. Please pray for him, all who read this!
EMDR therapy is something I am using with a well-trained psychologist who has worked with vets. I am a former Linguist/Interrogator who participated in SERE training during Gulf War I. PTSD flared gradually as the breaking of Abu Ghraib and Guantanomo Bay torture stories did. Never would I have thought that our training of NATO troops was comparable to something "other" countries did to to our POW's. Well, I did the things to people that were breached to the media about Abu and Gitmo. It's hard to live with, and I can't read a newspaper or anything. When I do, my symptoms explode. My anger is out of control. I'm learning how to assess if something is really actually life threatening or not, but I'm a walking time bomb, and depressed. What has helped me stay more calm, is having a service-dog with me. He forces me to get out. And the effects of EMDR are difficult and get better as the week wears on, but it unlocks memories and links to other stuff. I have to say, talk-therapy, staying active physically, and engaged with others as much as it's hard to do, has helped me. I push myself into social situations or I will die. I've been suicidal, homicidal, isolated and usually just go to bed crying. I live alone. The military doesn't care, and I feel betrayed. As a woman, I don't think a support group would be helpful. I don't want this to define my life. Fortunately I have been sober for over 10 years, which I think reduces my suicide risks. It's been 15 years since I lef
I am older than most of your basic questioneers or commentaries's. I just can't get it out of my head, when I was five I was sexually molested by a close relative. This has carried with me for many years almost to the point of amy bandoning family. I have this terrible guilt and it weights heavy on my beeing. I'm not sure this is PTSD or some other problem but I'm losing my family becuae of my feelings. Bob
I am a 20 year veteran of the Marine Corps and I feel that the VA does not carry out its duty to the veterans. I participated in Desert Storm, OEF and OIF and even though I never saw combat I saw the death that was caused by these wars. My responsibilities were tracking all Marines that were either wounded or killed for 3 years. It was devasting to me and I felt helpless. I was then injured myself which kept me from participating in any deployments which made the helplessness emotion even more so. During this period, my wife of 15 years had an affair with another Marine and ended up pregnant. I had to make a decision to either turn her in or stay quiet so she would not be kicked out. I did the right thing (kept quiet about this and have raised that child as if he was my own) but in the end she left me anyway which was devastating to me. That was 6 years ago and I still have nightmares and cold sweats at night. I became depressed, alcoholic and addicted to any drugs I could get my hands on. The VA has had my disability package for 7 months now but yet still no answer. I feel I have wasted 20 years of my life serving our country. At times I feel im on the verge of exploding and doing something that I know would be wrong but I just cant take the injustice anymore. Can you help???
I have How ever reade your semtoms that deal with PTSD and find that sume of it ftis me to a tee,
Like being self destucteve, slepping from one extreme to the other, fineding that I Just Don't give a dam
any mor about others, not seeing famly in the same way that I did befor.
Finding that in the more that I try to help others I tend
to finde my self in jale or in the state penatentury
At this time I spent a totle Of 18 years with parole,
now you tell me if I do have PTSD or Not
All of this started aftr I got outof the U S ARMY in 1976
And a socalld frend of the famly lide and turnd my famly agenst my.
I was in therapy for ptsd and treated for high blood pressure with lisinopril and the side effects were horrible and confusing. I checked out a web site that reported over 2500 entrys having the same effects.I now take it with a full stomach before going to bed.The side effects are almost nil.
Good luck to all.
Mike: Thank you for sharing this difficult situation with us. As we well know our veterans are at significant risk for emotional and stress-related conditions. Our colleagues in Veterans Affairs are profoundly sensitive to this issue and your local representatives are ready to provide support and guidance.
If there is help, I need it. I finally made a mistake at work and they called it professional negligence. I want to not exist, I don't remember what my wife does about the last incident and I am frightened to think about being a patient after what happened to me.
I am just learning about PTSD.
If there is a self test, I need to take this. I love my wife and need to exist for her.
I was a Police officer for about 5 1/2 yrs about 15yr ago back then I drank to reduce the stress, I've quit, but I still have anxiety and am always suspicious of people, on guard and when I hear sirens it feels like I'm back in police mode,my adrenaline kicks in, my heart races and I'm feel ready to chase the bad guys again. sometimes this extreme feeling is overwhelming,Dr's have presribed different things but none really help. I'm sick of it,it wears me out. Any suggestions?
Warning: according to one of the latest game-plans of the politicos, they are trying to have a doctor-certified declaration of instability in vets and to have any fire-arms removed from one's environment. The usual Democratic suspects are at this and they need to be stopped in their political tracks. As for myself: veteran of the Air Force and Navy; I had major stress in both branches and do not know if there are lasting situations from all of that but three years ago I had a coronary, seizures, pneumonia, pulmonary-edema, brain-apnia, lost most of the muscle mass and had to re-learn how to walk after being in the hospital for five weeks. Last year there was a bout of skin cancer; have been told that I have PTSD by four different doc's. But, in spite of, or because of the above, I have never considered myself to be a victim.
Please excuse the double posting on this topic, but I wanted to address the coping aspect in more detail. There are some useful books out there for self-help, such as "Feeling Good" by David Burns, MD. Most local libraries have it. For a readable account of stress and stress-related illness, one may check out Bob Sapolsky's "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers." Finally, as to financial strains and streses, you don't have to go it alone. Look in the phone book or get a referral for a thoughtful (and possibly compassionate) attorney who handles that type of issue. No man or woman is an island.
i have read all the stories posted and i have to say that the men and Women suffering from PTSD are in fact the bravest and strongest people i have ever heard from. Not only because of the jobs you have performed but because i know that every day waking up is hard for you. i have went through a milder form of PTSD after dealing with deamon's in my past. The one thing that helped me so much was a program from the Mid West Center for Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Believe it or not, this program works. i can't lie i still experience the symptoms of anxiety and depression, but I can now live a normal life and know how to live with these emotions, fears and thoughts.Visit online The MidWest Center for those of you who can't afford the program (I think it is around $300.00) there is a payment plan that's how i did it, i paid like 46.00 a month and it was worth every penny and you can try it for 30 days and send it back if you don't think it's for you. Good luck. You can do this!!
I was onboard the Nimitz in 1981 and involved in the flight deck accident. The event lasted just over 3 hours. During that time, all the personnel who fought the fire were exposed with no where to hid. Four missiles exploded and several rounds of 20mm cannon shells fired killing 14 and wounding several others including myself. My injuries were to my back and are not life threatening but continue to cause physical pain and mental anguish. I have just recently sought mental health treatment for PTSD, Depression and Survivor Guilt Syndrome. I though I could handle it and should not continue to be bothered by my fears. After all, I was not in combat. It was explained that the exposure to harm for over 3 hours is a primary contributing factor. I am now separated and anticipating a divorce. My wife could no longer tolerate my "neediness" and felt compelled to leave. Don't wait for this to destroy your life seek treatment immediately.
PS. The VA system is overwhelmed
I can understand what Vets go through, another group that suffers the same are police officers. In my case, I had a cervical (upper back) fusion, I had to leave the only thing I know, the criminal justice system. Now I feel empty and worthless, I wasn't ready to retire just yet. My wife and I still have 2 wonderful
boys to put rhough college, we don't have the money anymore (spent it on food and other basics). We're busy trying to find a way to get them though college. This has made my PTSD worse. I do see a therapist at least monthly, it helps some.
SSRI's have proved to make me worse, except for serizone(it helps some, but not enough to get me out of the house). I have nightmares, night sweats, anxiety (high) and serious dperession. Most of my night mares aren't devoted to the never ending violence of police work, but mostyly I worry my wife and kids will adamdon me, or dreams where I am worthless. I won't give up, but it's a rough road.
During a serious bout of mental illness a few years ago, I found that working gave me some peace. Although I felt like my life was utterly falling apart, at work I was able to have some measure of focus. Being able to focus on work tasks for at least part of the day (and sometimes it was just an hour or two) brought me comfort when nothing else could.
This PTSD phenomenon is pretty tough stuff. Although the mainstream media hasn't picked up on the mechanisms, and I am not qualified to know this firsthand or professionally, from reading popular scientific accounts, it seems that extreme prolonged stress has the effect of changing brain structure and function. It may have the effect of shrinking areas of the hippocampus (important in the formation of memories) while enhancing sensitities in the amygdala (involving fear and free-floating anxiety without knowledge of specific cause). The fact that there are still Vietnam era vets experiencing PTSD suggests that some of these changes are difficult to reverse. The implications are sobering.
How to cope? Once a person is diagnosed with PTSD, they probably need professional help. This needs to become a priority. While the effects of everyday stressors may be more reversible, we need to be congnizant of the impact in possibly changing our brain function, and thus learn to cope.
One thing that is often not mentioned is the return of PTSD symptoms in vets of other wars. My husband, a decorated Vietnam vet, is experiencing some problems because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. There has been many comparisons between then and now, and many of them are correct--not knowing who your enemy really is, outdated equipment, biased media reports to name a few. He feels deep sorrow about the treatment many of our vets do receive when they return home.
He has gone back to making sure he sits facing the door when we go out to eat, loud noises are causing a faster startle reaction, and he is having nightmares occasionally. We live near a military installation, and when training on various mortar weapons is going on he acts like he is on "high alert." The sounds of the choppers flying overhead also disturbs him.
So far, it has not been a huge problem for him to deal with it.
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Proceeds from website advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse non-Mayo products and services.
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.