Hi From Oz

[Sludge]

Hi, I luckily came by this website yesterday when looking up PTSD & meds. Thanks to whomever created it - fantastic idea as it's hard to talk to family and friends.

I served in the Royal Australian Navy and was in the gulf / MEAO when the Iraq war started in 2003. I was onboard Kanimbla and one of our roles was to clear the KAA of mines and secure the port of Umm Qasr. Went through a bit and saw a bit too. Nothing like what land forces went through but the daily threat from sea mines, hearing or being woken up from the boom and ship shaking when they were detonated, tugs & dhows filled with explosives, NBC, surface to ship missiles, seeing friendly helicopters crash into each other etc is now taking it's toll. Loved my job and loved knowing what was happening but that had it's downside too lol.

I've recently been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety & depression and have been really struggling lately. I've gone from a strong independent woman in my very early 20's to someone who can't even handle the shops. Even got triggered by a car salesman braking hard to show me the brakes.

One thing which has helped a little is the psychiatrist and psychologist explaining the physiology behind PTSD. It made a lot of sense and explains all of the different things happening. I'm on meds which are helping a little bit and doing a trauma recovery course in Jan. It's very hard coming to terms with it all, accepting it.

Anyway, thanks for listening

Ahoy there fellow Squid!

Things get better, even though none of these lubbers get the sailor bit. Good buddy of mine was with you guys on the US minesweepers. Told me you Ozzies took damned good care of him and his crew.

 

[Kyles]

Small world! How's he coping now after the stuff that happened over there? Glad we gave him some good memories :)

 

[Sludge]

Small world! How's he coping now after the stuff that happened over there? Glad we gave him some good memories :)

He went EOD and I haven't heard from him since. Know hes married and lives in Norfolk.

 

[nomedic1]

Hi Kyles,

The guys here are good they have most of the answers we seek, and they are here when support is needed

 

[CyclePath]

Hey Kyles,
I was part of the Port Opening task force at Umm Qasr as well. I was with CTF-56, ashore, and worked with U.S. forces, your CDT guys, and the Royal Marines. I'll never forget watching that helo go down the first night. Not a damn thing we could do about it as we were just about to cross the border...
Welcome to the forum; clearing the KAA was no small task. You've got my first post outside of my intro!

 

[vikingr24]

I have a genuine issue Aussie boonie hat that had a bigger brim than the boonie hat we had in Vietnam. It kept the sun and rain off my face. Best gift I ever got. Wish he had not gotten killed.

Welcome.