I Am New To The Unit!

[Jamaal]

Aloha everyone,

I was surfing the web on "How to deal with PTSD" and came across this site. I recently separated from the Army last year (2013) after 8 years of service. My MOS was 25U and I did 3 tours to Afghanistan. My career was really awesome until I came home from my first trip to the sand box. I volunteered to be on a CIED Team ( Task Force Paladin) a 2 Navy EOD guys (CEXC), 3 RA, 2 Kiwi's (New Zealand military) and a variety of AWG guys. The things I experienced was phenomenal! Out of my 8 years serving these guys and myself were the definition of a Team. I never had anything else like this. I also brought a lot of Afghanistan back home with me. I'm very angry, have little to no feelings, vivid dreams, road rage and more issues. Everything I have worked hard for has went down the drain! NO one, understands me, however all they see is anger anger ANGER. The "support" ( I use that loosely) I have constantly blames me for everything and I mean EVERYTHING!! I am so f*cking tired of being tired. The people that "love me" make it seem I am the crazy fella. Lately, I've been going thru more bullshit than a bull fighter.......PLEASE give me some feed back because I am honestly starting to loose control.

 

[Chin Strapped]

Welcome to your new 'outlet' jamaal.

Few Afghanistan vets knocking about, I'm one. Still learning, but for me it got properly started here.

Many members know the beast very well, still have thier moments, but full of great knowledge.

You seeking any support from anywhere else than this place?

 

[Lurch]

Jamaal, welcome to the forum. Besides Googling PTSD what have you done or tried? Have you sought any type of therapy or counseling?

It took me several years to understand that I needed professional help to deal with and understand my PTSD. Then it took me a couple of years to understand that it was not the people that love me causing the reactions but it was internal to me. Once I understood that it was me, it makes it easier to deal with them. I have to remember that they did not cause me to have PTSD and it is not their fault that I become angry. They have to understand that it is not your fault and as a team, it can be effectively dealt with.

I am sure that you know that it takes a team to prepare and perform a mission. The next mission that you have to face is dealing with, understanding and mitigating your PTSD. My team consists of me (I believe you have to lead this effort), my wife, my son, and my PTSD service dog. My advisers are this site and a professional therapist. In my opinion you have to say enough is enough and be determined to mitigate the "beasts" effects on your life. The hardest thing for me and my team to understand is that my "normal" has shifted and most likely will not shift back. That is ok.

NONE of this is easy or will be resolved overnight. One obstacle at a time.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Jamaal.
Plenty of Afghan vets who have been there and done that.

Ba

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Welcome Janaal,

Visiting this site is one step on your long journey back. There will be many more.

Take some time to read threads and watch videos posted here. They'll help you see that you're not alone, but part of a Brotherhood / Sisterhood of thousands of warriors traveling the same road you're on.

Post often, and let us know what's on your mind. Control and the things you feel you've lost are not gone, just hard to find. They'll be part of your life again.

SD

 

[Spock]

Aloha bruddah...you're not alone. Are you on O'ahu? 808 Guard were policing Camp Victory when Jimmy & I were there.

 

[combatgoldfish]

Honestly, I found that reading
about it and having a support network (i.e. Other veterans, this place) provided me a good foundation.

I found the gym was a good outlet for anger on most days. One of the best things you can do is have a pet like a dog.

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome mate.

 

[bobbybob]

Welcome buddy

 

[vikingr12]

Actually I have found the gym and real physical therapy to be a good thing for me. Hurts a bit but when it's over, feels pretty good.

Drop a knee.