I've only just joined this forum, but would like to pass on my experiences to hopefully help any other soldiers in the same position.
My story begins a few years ago when I was in Iraq. We had a particularly bad tour getting multiple rocket attacks 3-4 times a day. Most mornings we were woken be the early warning alarms and multiple explosions going off around us. Day after day, week after week.
When I returned to civilisation I would wake every morning between 0300 and 0600 with a huge adrenaline hit. I'd sleep really lightly and when my wife would wake me up, I'd get the hit and I'd just loose my head with her. Anger which I could only just stop myself hitting her. Then when I'd realise where I was and who she was, I'd feel really, really sad. Then I'd feel really scared that some day I wont control the sheer rage and end up hurting her.
My wife is great, I dont think she really understands everything, but she knows I've changed and its not my fault.
I've had some treatment which helps me sleep now and if she wakes me I dont loose it. I havent finished the treatment, but that another story and another symptom.
JPB
My story begins a few years ago when I was in Iraq. We had a particularly bad tour getting multiple rocket attacks 3-4 times a day. Most mornings we were woken be the early warning alarms and multiple explosions going off around us. Day after day, week after week.
When I returned to civilisation I would wake every morning between 0300 and 0600 with a huge adrenaline hit. I'd sleep really lightly and when my wife would wake me up, I'd get the hit and I'd just loose my head with her. Anger which I could only just stop myself hitting her. Then when I'd realise where I was and who she was, I'd feel really, really sad. Then I'd feel really scared that some day I wont control the sheer rage and end up hurting her.
My wife is great, I dont think she really understands everything, but she knows I've changed and its not my fault.
I've had some treatment which helps me sleep now and if she wakes me I dont loose it. I havent finished the treatment, but that another story and another symptom.
JPB
