I Dont Know If I Have Ptsd But Something Feels Wrong.. I Need Input

[Jirulo]

I was a Marine for 10 years. I recently EASed and even before that I've noticed a change. I want to be clear that I'm not trying to sound whiny at all and I'm really hate pity parties. I just need some input from people more experienced than me.

I'm a POG so obviously I haven't seen near as much as most of the people here. On my last tour in Afghanistan I convoyed through Sangin and Sangin Valley. At the time nothing that happened bothered me, but over the last few months, I've noticed a change. I'm becoming increasingly anti-social, I have trouble sleeping, and when I see anything related to war (even as far as dramatic scenes in movies and music videos) I feel overwhelmed. I can't remember the last time I cried, but it feels like every time I see something related to war and loss, I can barely control myself. Throw in some angry mood swings/becoming frustrated at things that shouldn't bother me, and that's where I'm at.

Is this anything that you guys/girls have dealt with? Most of my old unit has left to other units and as a POG, most of the guys/girls I know have no basis for comparison

 

[Uze]

I'm not military so I'm lost on the abbreviations, but it sounds like it may be helpful to seek out some counseling. It's not a good idea to self diagnose or decide if you do or don't have an issue based on what strangers on the internet say. Certainly sounds like you're having a rough time, very sorry to hear that. No matter what it's called, there's people who can help you work through things. From what I understand the VA is pretty good with this sort of stuff. It's a big step to ask and share your story, sometimes that's the hardest part.

 

[Mugap]

I'm sorry things are so bad.

Comparisons are tricky, so is looking at lists of symptoms. They can only ever tell you a small amount, and can possibly lead you in the wrong direction.

A PTSD diagnosis takes a professional, and I recommend seeing someone so that you can get a diagnosis and - whether it's PTSD or something else - get the support you need and deserve.

 

[Epok]

First, thank you for your service. As the others have said, it is not a good idea to self-diagnose, but please do go see a professional. I don't have to tell you that the military is a little squirrely about PTSD right now, so you might consider seeing a civilian practitioner just to be sure that you can speak freely and get an unbiased diagnosis. My husband is military and he and we have gone to see people a few times, just to be sure there isn't something going on there. Ironically, I'm the one with PTSD and even I wouldn't try to diagnose him. Mine is not combat related, but I would like to say not to think that only those that were in a firefight or hit an IED are the ones who get PTSD. Actually, when you look at the criteria, which includes just the threat of serious death or injury, then all of you wonderful guys and gals have been in situations that could cause it to manifest. Even the guy doing KP in an internal room at a base like Bagram, where they receive mortar fire, could definitely get PTSD. Go see a pro and don't worry about being whiney or having a pity party. Just be honest and hear them out. If you had a gash on your arm, you wouldn't have hesitate to have a corpsman or medic patch you up. Go and see if there is anything else that needs patching and take care of yourself. Semper Fi!

 

[Pecu]

I do really hope you get some help with this regardless of if it is full PTSD or not. Remember that even if it isn't then you can still be traumatised and need help. And the earlier the better.