Sufferer Howdy From The Northwest

[Gary S.]

My name is Gary and I need to have someone to 'talk' to or I will go crazy (or am I already crazy? lol). Here is what is going on in my life. I am a Vietnam Vet and have PTSD among other ailments. The VA is a joke in seeking help. So, I thought I would share in a group setting.

I have always tried to maintain a ‘half glass’ attitude about life. When a challenge comes along, I ask myself, “Can I do anything about this, right now?” If not, I catalog it for later and go on. If I can do something, I analyze the situation and determine the best course of action. This has worked for me all my life. But now…. I feel that I am losing control. At times I am completely out of control.

PTSD most of my life, but, lately, I am having such huge mood swings. I can go from anger to crying in one minute. I cannot understand this. I am not aware of any depression. This combination of feelings is so illogical. What can be triggering these episodes? Has my medication lost its potency? Or am I just at the cusp of oblivion?

I cannot not go on feeling this way.

 

[Seaotter]

Hi Gary, I don't have any wisdom for you but just wanted to let you know that there are amazing people on here who have amazing insight and do care. Big Hug if you accept them :)

 

[keifer]

You are not crazy. You might feel like you are though. You can have mood swings too. If you are in the US, there are vet centers not associated with the VA. That's where I went for help. Have a good night Gary.

 

[franciemarnie]

Hello!

I took meds that pretty much stabilized me for 25 years (and numbed me too). The last five years I took them, they stopped working so well. Boy did the feelings come flooding back.

Because they stopped being effective, I slowly came off them completely. It is a different world.

Now I am doing Somatic Therapy to discharge the trauma energy that was all the time waiting patiently within. Strange new world.

It could be something else going on with you. I don't know, but that is my long time experience with meds, and their slow death.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Gary,

Welcome to the forum!

I don't know if you are in a position to get assistance in a private setting, but your questions are valid and are best answered by mental health professional, especially those about medication. There is a related forum that you may find beneficial: MyCombatPTSD.com.

There is a lot of information on this forum about symptom management you may find useful. I hope you find the answers you are seeking.

Debbie

 

[once normal]

Hi Gary:

Boy, do I hear you. Having almost identical issues. I feel like I have gone completely mad! I've had bouts of PTSD before for the past 50 years, but none like this. I don't have any answers for you, at least not yet. But, I honestly think we have both just been lucky enough to find this forum, a safe place where we may find support and help. Funny thing I processed things just like you do. I try to keep telling myself that I got through episodes before and I can do it again. Sometimes I see a tiny light at the end of the tunnel, but most of the time, I can't even find the tunnel anymore.

I don't know if it helps, but you are not alone.