Just Need Someone To Listen

[Vette]

Hi! I am new here. My partner of 7 years have recently been diagnosed with Ptsd. It was a longtime in coming. I started recognizing the symptoms and finally talked him into getting help from the local VA. But that has been so difficult. They juiced him up on all these depressants that make him have no control over his body and call that helping. Why can't they see that the veterans dont need all these psychotic meds, but understanding and some realistic counseling. We are a little over 10 years into retirement and bam here goes the nightsweats, the nightmares, the not wanting to go to sleep because the dreams wont stay a bay. I'm sure everyone here knows and have dealt with theses problems. The further from retirement the more strategic his mind gets also.

 

[MurphyJB]

Hi, Vette.
Welcome to the forum. You'll find some great support here from amazing people.
I don't have any amazing words of advice....but hang in there.
I agree..the VA does nothing but use them as lab rats for medications. It does no good.

This forum has a sister-site [DLMURL]http://www.combatptsdforum.org[/DLMURL]
There are some awesome people there too.
Best wishes.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Vette,

Welcome the forum. There is a lot of information on this site, for both those with PTSD and the people that support them. Murphy had an excellent suggestion about checking out the combatptsdforum, and I hope you both benefit from being here.

Debbie

 

[Tinyflame]

Welcome Vette,

I haven't suffered from being in combat (or related) as your partner has, but I have and or still experience all of what you have described.
There's much information and many kind and knowledgable people here who will help and guide you in learning and getting support. You are not alone.

I can only say your partner must trust and love you very much to 'allow' you to convince him to come forward and seek help. You have to begin somewhere, please don't lose heart.

I wish you both much peace and healing.

 

[mysihba]

Welcome,
As a sufferor I certainly feel for ya. I agree with the meds for the most part. My experience has been they have been over prescribed, wrong ones prescribed (I'm not a vet of foreign wars)....and I've taken almost any one can name. The other side of the coin is that I don't think I would be alive now without the right med at the right time. In general the Vets do a bad job but think it varies a bunch with where one lives, etc. A few Vets I know are getting better care. The above applies to the rest of the ptsd/ mental healthy area outside the Vets. It sucks ! Pills are not the answer but the right one can be a huge benefit for symptoms that keep one from making any progress at all...or surviving. Glad to share my experience if it helps.

 

[jesse]

Welcome Vette. I'm sorry to hear that your VA is not very good. My ex finally started seeking help from his local VA and they are really helping him so I guess it must vary. Is there anyway he can get therapy from a therapist outside of the VA. I realise this is expensive so it may not be realistic for you. I commend you for staying with him through all of this.

 

[anni]

Hi Vette,

I was struck by your thread title because sometimes it is just that, isn't it? I remember when I first bumped into this site the relief made me cry- lots of someones listening. I can't add anything to the plethora of lovely, helpful replies you've already received so will just say 'Welcome'. :)

Take care,

Anni

 

[Ted Moen]

Hi Vette,

Welcome. The VA's a good thing, but they're way overloaded. I've been involved with them for ptsd since the 80s (Vietnam stuff). They are an excellent resource but you have to co-manage your own case and do some research to really take advantage of what the potentially offer.

Ted