Hi. Just Joined

[Charlie21]

Hey all. Just found this site. I was looking for a place to vent/talk about having been deployed twice, and not firing my weapon once. And perhaps this 2nd deployment from which I returned in January, was a little more "real" and "hardcore." I came back, and I didn't feel like me. I wasn't right. I knew something was wrong. I since have been prescribed meds. However, I still have anger/irritable outbursts. And have a f*ck of a time remembering, or concentrating on simple things. I'm just a pog, but always felt I wasn't doing enough unless I got in a firefight, or helped save a buddy. Just introducing myself, any thoughts or anything is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jimmy1]

Charlie, just because you didn't shoot at someone does not mean you did not witness death and destruction or have a near death experience. There are a whole heap of veterans in the same boat. It is why they have so much trouble accepting they have PTSD. It's the whole 'I can't have PTSD, I was not in a battle'.

Just chill out and read mate.

Besides, you really don't want to experience killing someone, it's an experience you could do without.

 

[JarHed]

Hey Charlie

Welcome to the forums. Glad you've found us and glad you made it back. Good place and people.

JarHed

 

[CAFTT0607]

Hey Charlie
I was in a simliar situation, brother. Jimmy is spot on. You don't have to have been in direct contact to end up with bad PTSD. I was in denial for years and one of the reasons was that I didn't think I could have it based on the fact that I wasn't face to face with the enemy. However, that just isn't true. Everyone is different. It took me almost 5 years to realize that I had PTSD bad from my two deployments to Iraq and, after starting therapy and talking to my doc, she is shocked I survived as long as I did. Anyway, the point is that you can have PTSD and it can f*ck up your life royaly without having been in a serious fire fight.

 

[Sarg]

Charlie, just because you didn't shoot at someone does not mean you did not witness death and destruction or have a near death experience. There are a whole heap of veterans in the same boat. It is why they have so much trouble accepting they have PTSD. It's the whole 'I can't have PTSD, I was not in a battle'.

Just chill out and read mate.

Besides, you really don't want to experience killing someone, it's an experience you could do without.

No truer words, Jimmy! Welcome Charlie! I'm Sarg, a crazy Nam Vet. I fired my weapon at the enemy but it probably didn't do much at 7000 ft.

Sarg

 

[Charlie21]

well, thank you everybody. That is a relief to hear from other vets. It seems like it helps. I appreciate it

 

[Wagon]

Hey Charlie. No worries brother. I managed to dodge touching a gun most of my time in. If you knew how to use one they made you stand another watch. I was a watch standing fool already. They got me in the end. Should have never taught me to take that .45 apart. Bad idea.

It ain't the gun that gives you PTSD or makes anyone more of a soldier. Just like Jimmy says.

Besides PTSD has many situational causes. My excuse is that it may have been a case of explosive diarrhea two days sail from Alexandria.......but probably not.

You found a good place. Welcome.

 

[Ned]

Mornin' Charlie. You've been there. Now you're here which is better. Welcome.