Hi From Oz

[Kyles]

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

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome Kyles.
Indeed it is, I don't even know if I've fully accepted it myself yet.
Some days easier then others it seems.
Lots of good information and fellow combat vet's from cross the Globe.
As G. Bush would say thank god for the, "Internetz." :D
Anthony is the creator of the site btw.

Black

 

[dutchiedelta]

Hello Kyles, good you found this place.
Put your feet up and have a browse through the archives.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Kyles, another ol' sailor of the US variety here. Not a bad place to drop anchor it's a friendly port of call.

Nothing like what land forces went through but the daily threat from sea mines,

Don't sell yourself short sister, you don't have to be Boots On Ground for the "beast" to have it's way with you. Most ships steam to avoid the mines - you steamed to find the damn things. I've heard and seen much of what you have - only 50 years ago on the other side of the globe. The inland and coastal waters of Vietnam were a constant threat for all craft. They were our IED's we read so much of today, many lives lost in small craft at night back then.

Now we have to watch for other "mines" that trigger those of the past. Pull up a chair and get comfortable.

Ba

 

[Kyles]

Thanks Ba. Our culture/ mindset was toughen up or get out, harden up etc. As a result I downplay everything & it's taken a long time to get help. Thanks for your reply

 

[Aprooster74]

I completely understand the toughen up or get out reality. I am from a military family going back to pre-Civil War, so the idea of PTSD is answered with Huh! What! Pansy! P****! Excuse Me! etc. Eventually I found that the one thing I couldn't do was forget that I am soldier and always will be. Once I accepted that truth rather than try to hide that part of my life I was able to move forward. The reason being is that I was no longer hiding or denying a part of my life.
Anyway,
There is a lot of help and insight here and I hope you stick around to realize that. I will warn you ahead of time. You get me to talking and I am not likely to shut-up. :-)

Avatar = 'Need an Outlet?"

Texas here,
patrick

 

[atilla]

Welcome Kyles, a lot good info, advice and people on here. You're among friendlies her Sister.:)

 

[JarHed]

Hey Kyles

If we could only just 'toughen up and get over it' we wouldn't need doctors or places like this. It takes a while to come to terms with everything, take what time you need. There's a lot to wrap your head around. You've taken a big step towards feeling better about it all. Welcome to the forums. Good people and great info.

JarHed

 

[Jimmy1]

Hello Kyles,

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Aussie. The site was actually created by Anthony another Aussie who served in East Timor. It has done nothing but grown ever since. We need more Aussies though.

Hope you find what you are looking for here. Apart from great information in the Link Removed section, there are a great bunch of guys and gals too.

And if you post in the Link Removed section, be prepared for some misunderstanding. I have been trying to teach these guys 'Aussie Humor' for the last 5 years.

PM me if you want.

Jimmy

 

[Lurch]

Kyles, welcome from one squid to another. I have worked with the Assies on several different mission and have enjoyed the company, beer and jokes.

Jimmy, not all us Yanks are slow...... :cool:

 

[Spock]

Welcome to the family Kyles...check out the media section where we always refer folks to this great primer created by an Aussie for warriors, spouses & family. I too served with Aussie's and spent much time with them in Hawaii ~
Link Removed

 

[Kyles]

I was given this about a year ago to watch and it was fantastic.