Diagnosed Today - 4 Tours In Combat Zone

[viper6]

:hello:Today I went to the V.A. in Waco, Texas the doctors tell me I have P.T.S.D.. For so long now I have felt lost and alone, as I am sure many of you have in the past. I served two tours of duty in Iraq, I also deployed to two other combat zones.

Being diagnosed with P.T.S.D. in a way makes me feel good, I finally know whats wrong with me. However at the same time it makes me feel weak.

As part of a Ranger unit assembled for a specific task, it was always drilled in my head to "man up" or " soldier first". I wonder why I am the dealing with this now after being out of the Army for a few years.

I am sure there is alot to learn and I cant learn it all in one day, one week , or ever a month. Link Removed

 

[kers]

Getting diagnosed can be a really good thing--it means that now you know what the problem is, so you can go about healing the damage.

I think it's quite common for us to be able to survive the traumas without seeming bad off. It's when things settle down and we have the space and safety to fall apart that we do. I know that was true for me, too.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[amethist]

Hi viper6

Welcome to the forum.

Please do not think that being diagnosed with PTSD makes you weak, it can actually make you stronger as you have not denied any of your feeling and have actively gone for help. Many don't and are still in denial years later, wondering why their world has fallen apart and all family and friend gone too, but still not accepting they could have stopped a lot of it .

It will take a long time to get on top of all your symptoms, but you can do it with the same strength and determination you had to find an answer to your issues to start with.

As you are a combat vet, why not have a look at the Combat PTSD Forum, you will find the link under the Extras button at the top.

Take care and good luck.

Amethist

 

[TLight]

You have certainly 'manned up' now by getting help and accepting your diagnosis. Congratulations...........stick around. People here 'get it.'

 

[ghostgirl]

Viper6, I know what you mean- I really delayed seeking any treatment because I didn't want to accept that I could have PTSD. I just wanted to believe that I was strong enough to get "over it" on my own and that it wasn't a real problem. But it is real- very real. It actually changes the chemistry of your brain, which is not something you can control. I am glad to finally be in therapy now, and I hope that it helps you to seek treatment, as well.