Here Goes ....

[EOD96]

Hi folks. I don't really like talking about myself, but given the subject, it sounds appropriate. I'm a former EOD guy that left and joined a civilian agency working in the same capacity. I was deployed to Iraq back in 2005. A number of my former soldiers were killed or wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. My job was scene exploitation. I was to respond with a squad of guys to bombing scenes and conduct the investigation. The memory I cannot get out of head involved a VBIED in a civilian neighborhood. Against our advice, the device was counter-charged resulting in substantial civilian casualties. I thought I had dealt with everything until now, 6 years later. After a big promotion and my dream assignment, my marriage began to suffer terribly. I began to treat my best friend of 20 years like a doormat. We are in counseling now, and I have been diagnosed with PTSD. I promised her that I would do anything necessary to fix myself, and this is the beginning of that process.

Regards,

Scott

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome Scott,

Its an all too familiar story, but the best thing and most important thing you have done is recognised you had a problem.

What I suggest to all veterans with girlfriends/boyfriends/partners, and even families of veterans is to read the links below. They are great documents to help both yourself and your partner understand what your dealing with.
My wife actually left me; however, I have since found someone else who is willing to share my life. She says that those articles helped, but she will never truly understand what is going on inside.

Feel free to vent away or ask questions. There is even a sister site to this where your wife can join the partners/supporters section if she feels up to it. That link is www.ptsdforum.org


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Hope we can help mate

Jimmy

 

[Sarg]

Good beginning, Scott! The more I visit this website, or go to my Vet Center groups, or my extra cool therapist, the more I learn. Knowledge of our PTSD isn't just power, it's survival. PTSD is a very powerful foe. To fight it you must have the tools to do so.

This site is just one more tool as the folks here have been there and done it. Don't be shy at all, there are no stupid questions and no one will pass judgement on you. If I can be of any help, hollar!

Sarg

 

[EOD96]

Thanks guys. I read the three links above and saw the "Your out of the forces now" video. Real head slapping revelations. Truly wish I found you sooner.

 

[Jimmy1]

Its all cool mate. I think we have all said that. I joined too late, but it has helped me out immensley

 

[Fargo1]

Welcome Scott, may you and your wife make it where so many have not.

 

[Anglesachse]

Hi And welcome to the family scot. Pull up a pew and laze awhile. we`re here for each other.