Finding Help

[andy3438211]

I wonder where is the best place to find help or what to ask the shrinks before you go so it is not a waste of time like my last few I tried. I looked for groups in the area and found this site so not much for that to try . I have tried to find a head shrinker but the first guy the base sent me to did not show up. The next one the lady told me I could not sleep cause I needed my commander to order me to sleep. Finally have a new shrink on base that I talk with but she does not know anything about PTSD more to help with the depression. If anyone has found a way to get a decent shrink any tips would be appreciated. I had the meds in hand before and would not take them cause that meant I could never fly again now that is becoming reality I am going to give them a shot. If I could curb the outbursts of anger and get out the constant sadness it is worth a try.

 

[Zipperhead]

The meds have truely saved me. I am almost normal again. They took a while to really kick in, but they have truely changed my life. I'm not States Side, so don't know your system. Sorry, no help here for the shrink issue.

 

[tho9900]

Andy, even though you are active duty you quite possibly qualify for VA benefits being in a combat zone etc... I have had decent luck with my team at the VA about to get them to step things up... need a lil more frequent appts.. There are also Veteran Centers that serve people who have served in a combat zone as well. If nothing else explaining your situation to either and asking the same question might get you down the right path...

http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

you can google the VA clinic or med center near you... call the psych dept or patient advocate and you might get the answer you need... Veterans Service Groups like the DAV, VFW, and American Legion also can help...

 

[tho9900]

actually after thinking about this a few minutes start with the DAV or VFW etc... they will know if you are eligible for the VA stuff and will more likely be able in other ways to help if you aren't...

 

[andy3438211]

Started on Effexor ER seems to be helping about a month into it. I did not want to go with meds but they do help. Trazadone to help sleep was a disaster. I hope that the effexor will start to help with the sleeping soon as well. Hope that effexor will give me some what of a life back. Going thru the Medboard is tough dealing with a ton of jackamos that think thier rank means they can treat you like crap.

 

[JarHed]

Hey Andy

It always makes me mad to hear when a serviceman is treated so poorly by the service that he's enlisted in. I fear that you may not find a good councelor until you get to the VA system. That's no guarantee either. It's a kind of crap shoot with who you get, you just don't know till you try them out. I do think that there are more qualified people trained in the effects of PTSD in the VA system than in the military. I may be wrong on that but from what I've both heard and seen it would seem so.

Rank of no, try not to let them push you around. Get a lawyer if need be. Remember you still have rights and one of them is to get the best treatment for your medical condition. Hope it goes well for you with the board.

Jar