Hello - New Addition

[USMC Trojan]

Hi

I am new to the site but am very excited to be here. I am a Marine Corps Veteran and current patient with the VA. Among other things I am being treated for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and nightmares. I have lived with this for several years since my days of active duty.

Only in this past late summer/early fall of 2010 I finally reached out and asked for help. I was so down and out, tired, angry, aggresive, could not sleep, lost friendships, alienated family members, hypervigilant, did not care of consequences in certain personal or public circumstances, can not remember things at times, cant keep up with or focus on complex directions at times, become very chatty but about things that are off subject when talking to people, avoid bright lights or sunlight, avoid loud noises, irritable, nightmares a few times a week, confrontational, laugh at things that are not funny, tearfull then angry, I avoided help & seeking out direction for several years with my hang ups and issues...

I am here today with hope for a better life after seeking out help slowly opening up and accepting the help ... though I still have along way to go, the help I have been receiving from the Veterans Administration has been solid. I have hope, I have medication (Which initially sucked but after a month or two it stabilized and now the medicine helps without crazy side affects) which helps out, weekly therapist, bi monthly psychiatrist, monthly psychologist, and quarterly doctors appointments...

I am extremely thankfull for the help. I have along way to go but I must say I did not realize this kind of help was realistic or available. I am glad to be a part of my healing ... though it is tough ... and the only thing I pay for is a small portion of my medication ... everything else is covered...

So if you are hurting, need help, you need just ask ... there is help and hope for your healing and recovery..go to your local VA regional center..times have changed. You have paid the price by serving your country and in turn if you need help then help is there for you.

God Bless,

USMC Trojan

 

[Cheshire]

This is a beautiful and inspiring post. Thank you, and welcome :)

 

[cherryblossom]

Hello USMC Trojan

Welcome to the forum. I have to agree with Cheshire - it's a great post of 'hope'. I just want to say thank you for serving your country :D which allows us all the freedom that we have. I have huge respect for anyone in the military.

Well done for reaching out for help - awesome. I can only imagine how difficult that is for someone who is military trained. I'm so pleased to hear that you are getting the help and support from the VA that you deserve.

I have PTSD from rape, but now that I know about PTSD, I do worry about our boys and girls coming home from tours and not being given the right support that they need. (I'm in the UK)

It's good to hear that you are able to look after yourself better now, and manage PTSD symptoms better :tup:
I hope you are able to start rebuilding family and friendships.

There is a specific 'Combat PTSD' forum - you'll see the link at the bottom of my post. Great to have you here.

Regards
Cherryblossom

 

[MurphyJB]

Welcome to the forum.
My fiancé is also a USMC vet. :)
There are a lot of great people here.
Good luck with your healing.