Ok, since a lot of you on this board have become my circle of close friends, its only right to bring this out into the open with you all. I HAVE some severe issues with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). There its out. I have started the claims process with the VA to try and get some sort of "Normal" back upstairs. Some of the things they want to know are going to force me to relive parts of my life that I have spent the last 10 years trying to cover up and forget about. (Yes some of the stuff really IS "That bad") In the upcoming days, weeks, and months, I might not seem to not be myself on the boards. I will be very easily agitated, I might snap at somebody for no reason, or I might disappear for a little bit to get my head straight. I just want everybody to know that if this happens don't be alarmed, or take any offense to it, chances are I probably wont mean anything by it. (Unless you picked a screen name after a Disney character who resembles a cricket) In the past, I have delt with all of this on my own, which usually lead to a streak of depression and mild alcoholism... This time around, I don't want any of that to happen, which is why I am bringing it out before it starts. By all means, ask questions if you have them! Worst I can do is not answer it... Who knows, maybe one of you will ask the one that makes me remember something else in all of the events that happened in Iraq (2003/2004 + 2009/2010) that is going to make a big difference in my report and review process. Thanks to everybody for understanding.
You aint heavy you're our brother! Sorry you must go through this. We are here, yell if it helps. I owe you a debt that can't be paid, thanks for service!
Mod, you've been a great resource and support for me in my time here. If there's ever anything I can do to help, just say the word, brother. I have your back. WE have your back.
Modfather if you need me I am here. I can relate somewhat and as you know I am a retired Army Soldier myself. PM sent.
Hang in there..... We all have demons we must slay... And first step to winning the battle is to admit we need reinforcents, aka help. Good luck in dealing with your issues, and remember....if you succomb, you have let the bastards that put you through the crap that gives you issues win!! So kick some BUTT, and let's get you back to the "real" you!! Just remember, never give up!! Don't let the bastards win...be it the folks the VA who "misplace"" your paperwork or the memories! The pills they pass out are just a fast temporary fix, but hopefully they can find a person or group you can connect with and work your way through this stuff!!
I never served, and so, am extremely grateful for the sacrifices made by those present and veterans of the Armed Forces. that said, my MOTD roommate was in NAM and suffers greatly from PSTD, so I guess I know a little about what you are going through. This past Spring, right before we left for MOTD, I took him the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio [about 40 miles from my house], to see the ongoing history of flight. We thought it would help to ease the torment of his PSTD. That place is huge, and Mark had to use a wheelchair while I walked it...4 immense hangers, plus outside exhibits of EVERYTHING and ANYTHING associated with flight and an annex of planes being restored on the other side of the airbase. I'd like to say we saw it all and we almost did, but Mark just could not bring himself to enter the Southeast Asia exhibit..."next year, perhaps", he said. Even so, he felt that he had made great strides with that visit and, I hope he will one day see it ALL. No hurry...when the time is right, he and I will see EVERYTHING, but next yeah, we will both be doing the wheelchair thing! OMG, I have never been so tired in my life! One day [hopefully soon], Dick, you, too will have jumped the last hurdle. Good luck, God Bless, and thank you again for your service! Jeff
Hang in there. We are all here for you and your fellow servicemen and women who have sacrificed and served with honor and distinction for your country. Chin up! You have friends here. One of the reasons I love this site.
Hang in there Mod. Everyone is here to provide all the support you may need during this next chapter. I'm sure many of us carry deep seated traumas of many different types and this will be good for us all to be able to share in your healing process. All my best!
I know you have mentioned your service before but I can't remember if you are still in or not. If this is part of the SEPS process this should be a little easier than waiting until after you get out. It sounds cliche but asking for help is the first step in getting better. You did your time now it's time for the gov't to step up to the plate. The VA won't be forth coming in away shape or form, don't let the VA give you crap, make them do their jobs. IME the best thing to do is do your home work and be upfront, don't hold back, the help is there. You need help let me know.
Take care of yourself and get better. We'll be here for you. I hope you can get the help you need from the VA. From what I hear it may take more than a few tries.
We got your back bro....don't let it build up vent when you need to. Your M/A family is here for you. Thank you for serving.
Thanks for your service!! and if you get tooooo snippy we'll just think your letting Dave.O post for you while your taking a break.. Take care of yourself first and formost..
Damn it bothers me to read this. Nothing I say can tell you how badly I hope the help you get truly does help you as well as all our other brothers and sisters who have paid so dearly.
There is a service-related saying that goes something like "All gave some, Some gave all". To that I would add "Some are still giving". You, and the many thousands like you, should always be in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck, and God Bless you for your service.
All the best, and you know we'll all help if you need it. PTSD sucks, no getting around it. What sucks even more is not doing something about it. Your MINI is therapeutic, keep at it, we enjoy following it almost as much as you enjoy doing it. On the other hand, I'm still going to make fun of your car. :devil: