My Introduction To The Forum

[CombatPTSD]

Hey everyone,

I recently joined and I wanted to get my story out there. I understand there is a specific PTSD site for combat veterans but I want to be involved with this forum because of the differences and diversity of PTSD. Everyone is different and I value that.

My story comes from the Iraq war. I was 19 years old when I went to war and I am a Medic for our wonderful Marines. Naive as any young one would be, I didn't expect to be a person having PTSD.

I went through the denial stage for awhile because I was the type of person to be strong and not weak... basically stubborn. In my head, I was the same person but to everyone else I was changed. It is normal for anyone to experience war to think that but now that I am wiser and older, my goals are to get help when needed and help whoever I can help.

I am trying to write a book about my experiences and I love to get involved with different groups. Today I also lowered my dosage of medication, feeling ready to move on and do what I have to do.

Seek it and it will become yours.

I hope this opens up a lot of discussion and a lot of friends to share and help each other with.

 

[Farine]

Hi CombatPTSD,
I'm new too! I still have that New Member *sparkle*. It makes sense that there is a combat section of PTSD because of the core of the issue is literally life and death. What you willl find is that 'life' is a wonderfully short word and yet it resists definition. If you are a domestic violence survivor, the physical requirements of 'life' maybe there. I'd compare it to a one house concentration camp as the best way to describe it. WHen you are pursuing your healing, there are benefits.

You meet incredible people. The most important people in the world to me are all survivors of something.

When you come across someone in pain, you have a meaningful contribution to offer.

After you come along in your healing some, you realize the definition of a 'bad day' has changed. This can be a place of consistent wisdom.

You raise your children with greater sensitivity and awareness.

You can spot the bad eggs easier.

You know which battles to fight, and which ones you are going to go all the way with.

Lastly, when you come across the concept of 'boundaries' and get them properly installed, you can tell all those emotional dumpers to go to hell.

 

[popeye]

I am not sure if this helps at all but do you remember the Ernest Movies. Like Ernest goes to jail. My favorite quote to explain my own PTSD is "I came. I saw. I got blowed up." I have met with alot of vets because my situation is very similar. Let me just say thank you for your service in our armed forces. And let me say thank for those men that you helped during your time there. I am glad you are here and I am eager to meet ya IRL.