Chuck

[Chuck Lee]

Welcome mate. I was mis-diagnosed. It's amazing how you can still 'soldier on' in whatever service. PTSD does not seem to affect us at first, it's usually when you change either rank or career when it rears it's ugly head. I was managing alright as a SGT, but on promotion to Warrant Officer I went to pieces. Hope you can give us an insight or find some answers here

Thanks Jimmy. You make a great point...most of us spend our career on the move in some type of deployed status or so focused that when you downshift for a moment or reflect we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory and can't handle the "triggers"...I'm always trying to stay busy around the house in an attempt to avoid situations for triggers....I don't always win....I rely heavily on my wife to help with the triggers.

 

[Chuck Lee]

It's hard talking to the guys that don't have, or haven't admitted they have issues. No one wants to think they might be next. Closing you out is kind of like protecting themselves. See, I have ignored it, therefore it doesn't exist. If they talk to you and see your still just like them, then they have to admit that it could happen to them.

I haven't told any off my old army buddies. Not even the ones who have PTSD (and there are a few of them). I guess that's why this place is so important to me. A place where people who understand still talk about it. No one is in denial here. Well, not that kind of denial anyways :whistling:

Hi Zipperhead...you know, admission is the hardest thing to do, especially with PTSD. Like you, I know several individuals who are symptomatic of PTSD but will not seek assistance because they're afraid of the circumstances and what it could do to their career....and they're right!

 

[Jimmy1]

Thanks Jimmy. You make a great point...most of us spend our career on the move in some type of deployed status or so focused that when you downshift for a moment or reflect we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory and can't handle the "triggers"...I'm always trying to stay busy around the house in an attempt to avoid situations for triggers....I don't always win....I rely heavily on my wife to help with the triggers.

Chuck, all my military career I managed soldiers, whether teaching, or just being a superior. When they promoted me to Warrant Officer (E7, or E8), they stuck me in an office on my own. I went down hill from there. After discharge it was worse. Then after the wife left, I was a single dad. Children are not soldiers!!

Now I always have an expectation which is too high and it sets me up for high stress and failure when I don't reach it

 

[Chuck Lee]

Chuck, all my military career I managed soldiers, whether teaching, or just being a superior. When they promoted me to Warrant Officer (E7, or E8), they stuck me in an office on my own. I went down hill from there. After discharge it was worse. Then after the wife left, I was a single dad. Children are not soldiers!!

Now I always have an expectation which is too high and it sets me up for high stress and failure when I don't reach it

I know what you mean Jimmy. Hug your kids brother, they grow up way to quick and family is our best support group!!