Does Talking About "It" Help?

[Charon]

I don't really have a whole lot of experience with group sessions, but its always good to have someone to talk to. I'm an Iraq vet myself and saw and did some horrible, horrible things and oddly enough I feel like when I talked about it I was letting off some steam somehow. It doesn't mean I don't sometimes think about the things I did/saw, but it is nice to have someone to talk to about it.

 

[Auburngirl]

I feel like I sit on the fence with this one. It's helpful for me to be able to talk about my symptoms. It's not helpful for me to talk about what happened. After much struggling and feeling like I had to be able to do that, I've realised that it's my choice what I talk about and to what extent and that for me talking about it doesn't make it better.

My doctor said it's sort of like sediment at the bottom of a river, you don't want to be constantly stirring it up. If there's something in there that is blocking your path to places you want to be, then you need to deal with it. But the whole confessional culture of interventions, etc. that we see on tv where someone breaks down, tells it all and feels better, I've found not to be true.

I know what happened, and I feel like I have dealt with it. But whether or not anyone gets the whole narrative of the details is my choice, it's not something I have to do, and it's not something that stands in the way of me being healthy.

 

[sigh]

Blues--you just said it. :occasion:

SGT--honestly, if were there and you would accept it, I'd give you a big hug. You can do this. Maybe a group isn't permanent or perfect (I've quit most of the groups I've been in after a time). I do agree that maybe being in a group where you all know about one another but are doing something else (like biking or going in the ocean (I am pro-ocean) or going out for coffee or listening to music) This one's going to be edited for grammer!!! :stupid: But a place to talk is a place to begin. Talking to other soldiers sounds like it could help.

Do you have a Social Worker? (I know, weird invasive question)

S. :hello:

 

[sgtquickone]

Sarge--Here's what I've learned from dealing with combat ptsd for almost 40 years.
1)I never got any better until I started talking to other combat vets.
2)I needed and sometimes still need therapy.
3)Medicine helps, but only if it's the right one. It is a hit and miss proposition. A med that works for one person may not work for another. You may have to try three or four before you find one that works well for you.
4)Life can be good again and you can function again.
5)The only option not open to you is too be the same person you were before you went into combat. That guy is gone but don't lose heart. Things have just changed, life is not over.

Good luck and be in touch.