Undiagnosed Help Please - Veteran With Possible Ptsd

[Lost1225]

Hi I'm a 29 year old male in the military for a few weeks now I have been signed off work with what they call depression even though I have heard the word PTSD mentioned once, I have been told they don't like the word as opens them up for compensation claims anyway here's my story.

I was in Afghanistan last year and have been feeling low for a few months not straight away but after about a year, it has got to the point where I can't be at home I will go for a drive and just sit in the car in a car park telling family I have appointment so they don't call or text I can be there for anything up to 5 hours, I can't sleep at night, I have some anger towards certain people I can't stand the thought of going back to work, it actually makes me feel sick, i am on anti depressants and sleeping pills, I panic when In shopping centres or go near big groups of people I feel I'm being watched at all times I feel nervous and panic what is this I'm suffering with? PTSD or depression? Do I trust military dr and agree its depression or do I go for a 2nd opinion from a civilian dr? Please help and thank you in advance, if anything I missed out please just ask.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Hello and welcome to the forum. :)

We can not tell you if you have PTSD or not. We are not doctors. But there is nothing wrong with talking to a civilian doctor about it and asking what their thought of the matter is.

Wishing you the best.

Ayesha

 

[Lost1225]

What are symptoms of PTSD? Why are military classing it as depression and afraid to call it PTSD? Apart from the compensation claim obviously. I need someone to help feels like I'm banging my head against a brick wall and nobody is listening to me.

 

[Lost1225]

Hello and welcome to the forum. :)
Ayesha

Thank you for welcoming me and thank you for taking the time to reply.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi lost, and welcome to the forum. Thank you for your service to your country.

I think that it is in your best interest to seek out a second opinion with a civilian doctor, preferrably one with experience treating trauma.

While we cannot diagnose you, I will say that it sounds like you have symptoms of PTSD. It's possible to have a number of symptoms without having the full blown disorder, so that's why it's important for you to find a doctor you can trust.

I won't dive deep into the political end of things, but yes, the military seems quite reluctant to diagnose PTSD. This is why I think you need a second opinion. (Actually, this aspect of things disgusts me but I won't go off on a tangential rant!)

 

[Lost1225]

Solara thank you for your wonderful comments.

I do realise that nobody here is a dr and I was just hoping for some expertise advice maybe from people that have seen or know someone that suffers with this. I will seek a second opinion though I'm not holding my breath on trying to see a civilian dr on such shirt notice I have been told by military that if 2nd dr diagnosis PTSD it will have to go to a third dr and probably a 4th if both say PTSD.

I don't understand why they can't diagnose it correctly and not be afraid. I missed my boys birthday as couldn't deal with going out or spending time with a crowd especially when I don't know them its horrible and I feel like I'm letting my family down due to it and that is making me feel like I'm weak as cant deal with things I have experienced.

I thank you all for taking the time to reply many thanks.

 

[WillyKat]

I agree with what Solara said. Get a second opinion.

 

[falling]

I don't really trust any employer and would get a second opinion by a dr not working for them. It has been my experience that employers are only interested in what you can do for them and are not supportive if you happen to need something that could cost them anything.

The only way to get a true diagnosis is to seek a professional that has no reason to tell you anything but their professional opinion. I hope you find a way through your depression and anxiety.

 

[DMerish]

I also agree with what Solara wrote.

Depression is a component of PTSD. Here is the link to the area in this site that describes it: [DLMURL]https://www.myptsd.com/c/wiki/posttraumatic-stress-disorder/[/DLMURL] But please don't self-diagnose.

If you have been trying to work with the VA, you need to be strong and insistent with them. Do not take what they say at face value. Be firm in telling them your symptoms are unmanageable and ask to be assigned a regular therapist -

You'll find a lot of good people on these boards and a lot of additional information in the wiki and self-help sections. Thank you for serving your country.

Drew

 

[Barberian]

Trust your Mil doc's for now. Talk with your Base Chaplain, even if your not a religious person. The Chaplains office is often the center of the web of many resources that you can use for help, Most if not all bases have a mental health center, use them. They often offer counseling, and classes.

Yes, my experience is that PTSD is a hotbutton topic that both active duty and the VA try to avoid diagnosing people with. PTSD is pretty much permanent. You can get better, but never totally cured.

 

[Lost1225]

Thank you all for you response, I will be making a appointment with a dr for a second opinion one of a non military worker. I do agree that the military dr won't diagnose the problem correctly as have been badly diagnosed in the past but I thanks you all for your response.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Lost,

There is also a related forum that you may find of benefit: MyCombatPTSD.com. I hope that you are able to get a diagnosis soon and find yourself on the path to recovery.

Wishing you the best.

Debbie