Sufferer Can Anyone Relate? New Here.

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I fully agree with everyone regarding the need or an official diagnosis, and in particular it should be clear that members can't assist with making a diagnosis. HOWEVER, many members are undiagnosed. A while ago there was a very active member on this forum who was open about having diagnosed him/herself, loosely based on experiences that might have qualified as 'bad' and proceeded to try and experience the symptoms. S/he was not challenged in any way. The difference, as far as I can see, is that you asked for an opinion. Which you got.

@Chesapeake: you are a member of this forum. Until you get an official diagnosis - for your own benefit - you will not be kicked off for not having a certificate to prove that you have this that or the other. You don't need permission for every thought.

I might get into trouble for my views, but I say the above not based on how I think things OUGHT to be, but on how things ARE.

Which means: Welcome to the forum, and it is a safe space.

 

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Hi and welcome.

I think when someone like you discusses flashbacks and trauma and many of the symptoms of trauma my personal concern with not being properly diagnosed is that often it means you won't get the right help.

I think educating ourselves and considering if we may have symptoms can be really useful (up to a point of course). Lets face it - enormous amounts of us have been in therapy for literal decades without getting the correct diagnoses or treatment.

So I too would encourage you to get a proper diagnoses. I would also say it is good that you are reading up and thinking of being properly evaluated.

I don't know which country you are in but I would probably go to a psychiatrist in the States when you next go there. I can't imagine seeing someone in the base is going to be useful for you as the whole combat thing is likely to muddy the waters.

In the meantime there is no harm looking at skills and information. I found it helpful in knowing what to mention when I was evaluated. I didn't think to mention most relevant things before trauma was suggested to me as I was so disconnected.

What is a great concern is when someone is thinking PTSD when they only have symptoms that would fit with depression and as a result of their partner cheating on them or as a result of having an argument with their mother. We see a lot of that on here ad it is a whole different kettle of fish. Not only do I not understand it but I think it is very damaging for the person themselves.