My Road To Here.

[Zipperhead]

Funny thing Johnny, if you listen to the stories of those who never served, it's surprising how similar their experiences actually are. They may have got here on a different path, but the beast is the same.

 

[Ronin1]

Zipperhead: I was talking about people who does not suffer from anything on the mental plan, the "normal" people. Sorry if I didn't make it clear, sometimes I think in Danish when I write, so it might get another meaning or (mood) when other read it. :-)

 

[Jimmy1]

Johnny, I know what your saying about people who don't understand, just keep one thing in mind. The psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, etc, all those in that line of work have not been subjected to what we have, but they have been trained in trauma's and have probably heard a million and one stories, I know my therapist could probably explain downtown Baghdad for you perfectly.

 

[Sarg]

Oh, Zip! I need to take you down to the local VFW. There's so much creativity there from folks that never dodged a bullet, one feels they should be writing it down for a book. Some of the most heroic acts occur at the bar after eight or so.

Sarg

 

[Fargo1]

Greetings Johnny, glad you made it here brother. As has been said, you have won the first of, unfortunately many battles. But getting into therapy is a major step. You have already been on the roller coaster, and it will continue, but as time goes on, the hills are a little less steep and the valleys are a little less deep.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Johnny,

I am going to some group sessions with some other veterans that should start this fall, but I cannot wait for it to start, better yesterday than tomorrow.

Your on the right track, until your sessions begin you have our attention. We understand what going on while the rest of the world still is shaking it's head. Lots of good information and support here, good luck.

Ba

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Johnny,

You said. "My girlfriend is a great help. She do not try to tell me that she knows what I'm going through, but just ask me what I need, and if there's anything she can do. I could not ask for anything better". You have found yourself one wise lady my Brother.

She will never understand, nor will anyone else who hasn't been down range or ourside the wire. But, she continues to care.

I can count on my fingers the number of people in my life who can look past the dragon, and see the rest of me. I'm very fortunate to be married to one of them. She, my kids and a few close friends gave me reasons to keep trying when nothing, AND I MEAN NOTHING else matered.

Keep trying, and hang onto those who can see past the demons and dragons. They'll give you reasons to find your way back home.

SD

 

[steve1]

Welcome You didn't mention what, if any, meds you're taking. There may be relieve for some of your symptoms in that. My knowledge of Denmark from NATO duties is that it's progressive on many things. How do they help PTSD survivors? This forum has provided me with much good advice. I encourage you to stick around.

 

[Ronin1]

I'm not taking any medications. And I will never take any antidepresive meds.
That is one thing I gave said from the beginning.
Antidepresives are to me a bandade on the wound, and I have seen how much it hurt when it's pulled of.

 

[Jimmy1]

Johnny, I hate all medications with a passion, but when you end up wanting to bite a bullet and don't care about your family and friends there is no alternative apart from locking you up in a padded cell.

You are right though, they are a band-aid fix, a temporary solution. You have to clear you mind of all the obstacles first though before you can begin to heal, and that's what they do. Your not a zombie and you can still function, it just takes the edges off.

Personal choice though mate and if you can do it alone your a better man than me.

 

[Anglesachse]

.................there is no alternative apart from locking you up in a padded cell..............

You mean locking us up in a Padded Cell with the 100% Specialist Therapy and Care that is needed and given, is the only alternative option instead of taking Meds day in day out and complaining when the body gets used to them, that they don`t work meaning you then have to try something new and start all over again
Those meds that cocoon you in your own celler because your relying on them to take your demons away rather than working on dealing with the problems you have.

All I can say is, Getting off Meds was the best move I ever made, and with therapy in place there is nothing better. I for my part am a lot better for it.

I was given meds while in the Clinic to calm me down and stop my irational thoughts and help me sleep, and was very taken back off them as soon as was possible. They were used only as Emergancy Help because that is all they should be (a crutch).

Just as a Reminder, How many of you here have said "Meds are just a Crutch" but even after only the few years I have been here on the site how many have moved on. Ain`t it about time you learnt to walk without crutches again?

Meds suck, and with enough time will destroy the body.The Liver, Kidneys and Stomach to name only the obvious, were not meant to take, let alone cope with them for long periods.

If a brother looses a leg to an IED, Would you just give him a Pain Killer and leave it at that? Meds are only there to numb the Pain and Kill infection before it takes root. You still need to seal the wound and help it heal, You wouldn`t let him walk around for years just taking meds to numb the pain with him bleeding out all that time would you?

Come on folks,

You will not get better and start to heal unless you deal with the problem. Meds just disguise the problem.

tuppence.

 

[Jimmy1]

Hey Angle
Read the paragraph below cocker,

You are right though, they are a band-aid fix, a temporary solution. You have to clear you mind of all the obstacles first though before you can begin to heal, and that's what they do. Your not a zombie and you can still function, it just takes the edges off.

What I am referring to are these returned veterans that come to this site looking for help. They are destroying their lives, their families, their loved ones and are on a collision course with death. They ask for help.

These people need medication until they can learn the skills necessary and deal with a few of their demons. Some people are fortunate and can do it alone, and others have a stigma about taking any sort of medication, I was one of them.

Your are right though Angle, the best thing anyone can do is get off medication, but as I was told by a psych who was an old Nam digger recently. He told me that some people are so badly f*cked up they will be permanently on meds for the rest of their lives.
Everybody is different.

What can you do for someone who hates medication with a passion they won't even take paracetamol for a headache, so when they are prescribed a gamut of medications they stop taking them and turn to drugs and alcohol. They still go to their regular therapist and psych appointments to please the VA, but they lie to them. two years down the track they have pushed away all of their loved ones and family and live like a hermit, only going out to stock up on food and alcohol or to buy drugs.

That someone was me.

You have to start somewhere.

sixpence
.