Hello

[Squirt]

Not quite sure where to start really, ex service now and have been for 3 years. I have been waiting for things to get better but obviously without doing anything they wont. Spent quite a lot of time in denial and then hiding it from friends/family. Toured in Iraq and my main problem seems to be the feeling that im never safe anymore. I wrap my son in cotton wool because im constantly worried something will happen to him and as such never go out because i dont trust anyone to babysit. I never go out on my own any more. My husband tried to understand bless him but he just doesnt get it. I used to be so independent but now i feel as if im falling apart.

 

[Zipperhead]

Morning Squirt. Read and learn.

 

[Wagon]

Hey Squirt. Welcome or well you know. If you are here then it is not that good of a thing. But its a great place for those of us who have the Beast. Allot of great info here and even multimedia. There is a video "you are not in army now" that really explains allot. I was in the Navy and it helped me understand.

Btw. Have gone to see someone for help yet. VA is normal course. There is allot of facts and experience from members here.

Hang in there
Wagon

 

[Squirt]

I have called an ex services helpline thing and im calling to arrange an appointment with my doc on monday. Im just worried they will try to medicate me straight away. here's hoping for a good result when i see them.

 

[Sarg]

Why worry, Squirt? They might very well find something that will at least ease the "pain". Hell, just talking to someone will help. Check to see if they have a Vet Center in your area and go there! It's not an exclusive men's club, the last one I went to had a lady councilor that had been to the sand box. You have to reach out. They don't know to come to you, you have to tell them.

And keep checking in here. Fine group here. Lotz of info and introspection.

Oh, and welcome, by the way.

Sarg

 

[Lee C]

Welcome mate

 

[Ned]

Hello Squirt. Like Sarg said, don't worry about medication. Sometimes it's the first-aid that will help you get back to a decent pace again.

 

[tho9900]

ya I was scared at first, even scared to admit it was anything beyond me just being "off"... medication is not a bad thing... it's allowing me to work with my docs without totally running away from it...

And ya he will never "get it" but all he has to do is be there for u, sometimes even if it means him telling you he can't be there for you when it gets too much.. maybe the other forum www.ptsdforum.com would be good to visit for him, being a supporter and all...

Stick with it.. and it's not all serious here... sometimes when I am feeling my worst I come here and someone makes me laugh... I don't forget... but it makes me think about what I am feeling in a different way...

Good luck!

 

[Jimmy1]

I have called an ex services helpline thing and im calling to arrange an appointment with my doc on monday. Im just worried they will try to medicate me straight away. here's hoping for a good result when i see them.

Firstly, a big welcome to the forum. Us guys have had the run of it for too long, so an extra female is great.
Don't worry about medication. There is a stigma attached to medication, like the stigma attached to PTSD. Wit PTSD, people think you have become totally useless and down under having PTSD was like having herpes.
The whole medication thing can be a bit daunting. But it's not like they are going to give you something and you are going to end up in a padded cell. I was thrown on some pretty heavy medication and still raised my son on my own. Just make sure before you take any medication you discuss it with the doctor and the pharmacist, that way you know what to expect.

Toured in Iraq and my main problem seems to be the feeling that im never safe anymore. I wrap my son in cotton wool because im constantly worried something will happen to him and as such never go out because i dont trust anyone to babysit. I never go out on my own any more.

The not feeling safe is a natural thing too. Once you are on a medication which can stabilise your anxiety, you will feel better going out. Your home will always be a safe place though. Even today when things get the better of me, I want to be in my home where I am safe. You see, while we are at home, we know our surroundings, every noise, the exits, etc, etc.

Now with your boy, how old is he??????
I know a mother is always protective, and being over protective is by far better than letting him do whatever he wants, but one lesson I learnt is that it is ok to be protective, check out who he is going places with, check out their parents etc, etc, but you have to let him have some freedom otherwise you might find he will rebel when he gets a bit older, or else he might end up naive due to having no life experience.

As for hubby, put yourself in his shoes. Margaret asked me what it was like to have a major anxiety attack, she has seen my cup fill up until steam is coming out of my ears, she has asked me what it is like to have an addiction, etc, etc, but the best way was for her to read.

Here are the standard three links I give to new people. If you want to keep this site private from your hubby, you can even print them out, he will get benefit from them. And you might too, I did.

Link Removed
Link Removed
Link Removed

Enough of my waffle.

Enjoy

Jimmy

 

[Squirt]

Thanks to everyone for making me feel so welcome, I wasn't slating meds just thinking they shouldnt be first port of call. Hubby isnt completely clueless because hes ex army too just doesnt understand the way that im feeling. Hoping to get in for my counselling sessions soon. Apparently im looking at about 2 weeks at the moment.

 

[Jimmy1]

Awesome Squirt, two weeks is better than three.

 

[tho9900]

Squirt - no matter how much you wanna fight it, try what the doc says... after the fact you can say oh thats not for me etc... but at least try... you have made it too far to go the easy route out...

you got us here to talk to... believe me I bet we have all been on every med in the planet lol... we can get you prepared... and we arent gonna see you go down easy...