Red Horse Veteran Here.

[Need an Oasis]

Yeah Jimmy, I understand. I know all about the burden of proof. I was just wondering if it was the same way everywhere else in the world too.

 

[Anglesachse]

Being a Brit in Germany, I get no help, support what so ever, other than an understanding and damn good shrink and a clinic that knows me now inside out, aswell as the DBT course`s (next starts up in Feb, and the lass running it is glad to have someone "Old Skool" in the group, what ever she means by that LOL)

But VA wise there is diddlysquat out here, and even in the UK there is no such thing (need to check with ned on that) the last I heard. So I guess we kind of have it better than all you lot. We don`t have the hassle of explaining and proving anything. So yeah that has to be a good thing ?

 

[Lee C]

Hi

 

[Need an Oasis]

I think that's probably a good thing, Anglesachse. At least you have a very good psych, and luckily I do too.

I don't even mind so much having to do all the paperwork and running around, I see how it's necessary to weed out false claims and BS. But what I do mind is their attitude of "can't be bothered" and "don't care." They act as if they're doing you a favor, or you're putting them out of their way. That's what pisses me off. Sorry. Rant over. :censored:

 

[JarHed]

Hey Wagg

Welcome, hope you enjoy yourself here. It's amazing that the service still pulls that shit with not giving you the time to muster out on a medical. They do it so that they save money, that's all it's about.

Glad to hear you're getting some help, it's a good way to go. Again, Welcome. :)

JarHed

 

[Wagg]

It's funny you say that. I have been seeing counselors, but not getting much help. Here is a description of what I mean that I took out of a PM I sent someone talking about this issue...

"Well, I was seeing a counselor about my PTSD for a year and a half, doing the CBT homework like you mentioned. I really didn't feel like it was going anywhere. It also seemed like my counselor wanted to talk about my drinking and nothing else toward the end. That counselor wanted my wife and I to see the family counselor instead, so now I'm going through a partnership improvement thing where I basically am being told that I should focus more on doing more to help my wife do family duties. I have no problem with doing those kinds of things, but It seems like I reached out to seek help, and now I've been sucked into being criticized that my issues preoccupy my life. That's why I'm grumpy..."

 

[Ned]

and now I've been sucked into being criticized that my issues preoccupy my life. That's why I'm grumpy..."

Combat Stress in the UK did exactly the same to me. All of a sudden it was all about how I needed to stop being weird and do right by my girl.
F#*k me I was trying all I could and just wanted a bit of forward assist. The good ones with a bit of insight are some use, but the mental health profession is a bit cosy sometimes.

 

[Sarg]

Welcome new guys!!! Yep, the US is screwing over the new Vets here...changing the criteria for diagnosing PTSD to only VA Drs. can diag. That's like putting the fox in charge of the hen house. We've got 18 guys or girls committing suicide a day cause they can't get timely appointments to Mental Health, and, it's getting worse because of the crush from the folks coming back from Iraq.

They don't mind paying for the front end of the war but they'll be damned if they'll pay for the back end. They just ignored us Nam Vets, they're flat out screwing the new ones.

Sarg

 

[JarHed]

The good ones with a bit of insight are some use, but the mental health profession is a bit cosy sometimes.

Hey Ned,

You couldn't be more right. It's hard to find a 'good' one that will focus only on your problem, PTSD and nothing else. I think that we all understand that PTSD affects ever aspect of our lives and relationships but if you don't stick with the main problem that is the cause of all the others you can't improve the other problems as well.

For instance; I have a problem with my kidneys. I had to go through a bunch of Doctors and tests before I finally found out what the problem was and could get the proper treatment. That took me over a year and I had to put a lot of people under the gun, so to speak, before I finally got with someone who knew what my problem was and had a course of treatment. As I often say, you have to be a persistant sob. If you're not you probably won't get what you need where your health is concerned.That's sad to say but a reality, at least how I've seen and have experienced it.

Jar

 

[Ned]

Agreed Jar, you have to remind them what the core aim is. Another thing our background and training leaves us with-

'very interesting, but let's get back with the programme!'

 

[K-9 Al]

You could apply for retroactive retirement. http://vabenefitblog.com/veterans-get-2nd-chance-for-medical-retirement/ this si the link. Try and see what comes of it. Its def worth a fight

 

[Wagg]

Thanks! Will look into it.