Hey

[mike1]

I'm an army OIF war vet. Got out in 2011 having a lot of trouble readjusting to civilian life. Hit the bottle real hard after I got back and have only been clean for about a year. Now I know why I was an alcoholic, dealing with PTSD is not the fondest of things to do. I have been going to a Vet clinic and seeing a counselor. I guess my biggest question is, does it ever get better? I'm having a real tough time staying motivated, and it seems like everything I do is just a temporary solution. Lack of sleep and loss of appetite doesn't help the situation much either. Well I know there's more but this is all I can think of now. Thanks.

 

[Ned]

Afternoon Mike. It gets better. From inside. You are here and that, from personal experience, is a big plus. Keep the repair job going and welcome.

 

[tnkg1rl]

Hi Mike welcome

 

[JarHed]

Hey Mike

Welcome to the forums. Everything your feeling and dealing with is the new 'normal'. Yes, with time it does get better. You're seeing a counselor and that the right path. Be patient with yourself, you'll get there. Glad you made it back.

JarHed

 

[Sarg]

What Ned said, plus...you will learn how to avoid triggers that set you off and bring on the symptoms. You will learn how to deal with the Beast, as we call it, in ways that will ease the symptoms and make "him" more manageable. It will take a lot of therapy, varying meds until you find what helps you most.

It's a war injury, just like a lost limb or injury from shrapnel. Treat it as such. If you're married, bring your wife into the loop and make her an ally in your treatment. The load is much lighter with two carrying.

Good on the alcohol. I was a drunk for way too many years until I found a med that truly worked for me.

Hang here, as this is the best PTSD site on the web.

Sarg

 

[Chin Strapped]

Afternoon mate.

It does get better, but you have to go there to come back sort of thing.

This site is a very valuable source of info and support. Might hurt your brain at the start, as it will make you think too much!

Welcome Mike.

 

[PFC. Farmer]

Never go at it alone... i made that mistake. self medication ends up making it worst for you also.

 

[Fargo1]

Welcome Mike,

It does get better. Then worse. Then better. Then worse. The unfortunate truth about the Beast is that it is kinda like grass. If you don't keep up with cutting it, it will get out of hand. But even with frequent cutting, there are patches that grow faster than others.

Getting into therapy and staying with it will teach you how to understand your triggers and what you can do to deal with them, rather than turning to isolation and self medication of various sorts.

 

[steve1]

and have only been clean for about a year. .

Welcome Mike. I know people who's fondest wish is to stay clean and dream of reaching a year clean. You deserve a big pat on the back for that one. Many of us on here took much longer than you have to get help. Decades in some cases. The right combo of meds is a miracle when it happens cuz it just "smooths" things out while you get help. I've only been at it for 11 months, so I'm still a newbie of sorts. There are many on here with years of experience and who have some very good advice to offer. Therapy helps some. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has helped me. But it's not a "magic bullet". In fact, I don't really think there is one. It is hard work because it's so easy to slip back into old familiar habits. Lack of sleep, especially when it's caused by nightmares, is a common thread for many. The fatigue that accompanys it can be debilitating. Spend some time on here going through the various forums. You'll find many posts that will mirror some of your experiences, at least I did. Many times I caught myself thinking, "f*ck, I thought I was the only one who did/thought that". Anyways, glad you found your way here & good luck.

 

[Jimmy1]

Never go at it alone... i made that mistake. self medication ends up making it worst for you also.

Gidday bloke, do you reckon you could drop us an intro before you post. It just lets us know who you are.

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome Mike, the more the merrier I say, hope you find the info you need to help you.

 

[reddevil1111]

Welcome Mike! I took about 20 years to get treatment for PTSD. Did the booze thing for about 7 years. Ive been getting help for 3-4 years now. I learned to eliminate certain stressors and I recognize the others and limit them. control the stress and you can feel a LOT better. Of course your going to have bad time as well but having more good than bad days is a good thing imo.