Combat-Related PTSD?

[Deleted member 487]

I went ahead and did it. Wasn't much of a survey, was expecting more than that.

 

[westcarebear1]

well I am not a vet my husband has been to war twice and this time his PTSD is kicking in really hard and i dont understand what he has been through over there and how to help him out i need to talk to someone about this and to help me get through and help me understand what i can do for him

 

[moog]

westcarebear1,

Where abouts are you? We don't need specifics. There are lots of support groups available for spouses and Vets that you can contact. If you need help locating one, I'm sure some one on here can help you out.

 

[HollyH]

westcarebear1,

Am really sorry to hear what you and your husband are going through. Moog is right, there are lots of support groups out there. I'm based in the UK so can only really give examples from over here but I'm sure they'll have them everywhere. Just remember you're not expected to understand what your husband has been through, I'm sure that you just being there for him is helping lots - even if it doesn't always seem apparent. Among other things, PTSD can make people frustrated and angry or sometimes they isolate themselves from those that they love. If you are experiencing any of these with your husband then I'm really sorry but please realise it's not because of anything you're doing wrong, it's just the nature of the disorder. Do look after yourself though, if it's getting too much and you can't find anything online maybe you could try talking to your GP and he could point you in the right direction for some support.

Take care.

 

[reallydown]

Just wanted to add...although Holly has articulated it well...Sometimes we just want....indeed, need, to be alone...and someone constantly asking what's wrong or why we're not spending time with them just irritates us...not because we don't like the person or whatever...but we just need some time alone...I'm not sure if I'm making sense. Although having said that, it's not anything you did. Hang in there ...oh...I just realized...this is addressed to westcarebear1...

 

[ga yankee]

HollyH,

Although I am NOT a vet I did want to say the lack of PTSD support in the US is a major epidemic. All politics aside, many of the people I was hospitalized with were vets...most just off the plane from Iraq and they were told they had to go on a waiting list to get treatment at any VA facility. The ones I got really close to told me horror stories and were in our hospital because they agreed to pay out of pocket (about 1,000 per day). I live in a very large city and there is not a single PTSD support group in our area...military or not. Again, not being a vet I can only speak from interactions and my experience but the struggle to find PTSD support has made my recovery harder. No, I don't want to spend hours on the phone asking for help only to find there is none. It's much easier to just crawl in my hole and tell people to leave me alone. I've done it with my husband through this whole thing. Did it with all my friends also. We've always fought for ourselves so why should things change now? It is a hugeee break-through when we realize that asking and getting help is ok. I tell my husband every day "just be there and I'll let you know when it's time" and now I talk to him more and more. Maybe the P could also stand for patience! By the way...thanks for what you're doing. :hello:

 

[HollyH]

Really down and ga_yankee thanks for sharing that. As a non-PTSD sufferer I can't really, and would never claim to be able to, imagine what it must feel like to live with PTSD on a day-to-day basis. I was always under the impression that resources and facilities in the US were way ahead of us in the UK - I am sad to learn this is not the case. In my opinion, if you get to the stage where you feel able to seek help then that's great and you should be able to do so with ease and support - you shouldnt have to fight alone, PTSD is isolating enough. One of the areas I'm currently researching is overcoming the military mental-health stigma - I hope one day I might be able to do a little bit to help.

Take care guys x

 

[rallynut78]

i'm a combat vet and I also work in mental health teaching life skills to adults w/ serious mental illness. I'm going to get my degree in psychology and then go on to get my MSW some day. I'll do the survey.

 

[rallynut78]

PS there is no link so you can PM me if you want.

 

[HollyH]

Rallynut78, sounds like you're doing good work, good luck with your training - I'm loving doing mine :) Sadly I can't PM you the survey link as I'm still in moderation but if you look at my second post in this thread it can be copied and pasted from there and you just need to add the 'www' in front. Thanks for your interest.

Holly :)

 

[rallynut78]

Rallynut78, sounds like you're doing good work, good luck with your training - I'm loving doing mine :) Sadly I can't PM you the survey link as I'm still in moderation but if you look at my second post in this thread it can be copied and pasted from there and you just need to add the 'www' in front. Thanks for your interest.

Holly :)

Oh i didn't see that. done and done :occasion: good luck!:thumbs-up

 

[HollyH]

Thank you :)