New To The Forum, Looks Promising So Far.

[PsyGuy]

So I stumbled across this forum today after having another anxiety attack, it's the 3rd one this month.

I am a 15 year Army veteran, been to Iraq 3 times, Afghanistan twice, Philippines and other spots numerous times. My 1st deployment was in 2003, my last in 2007. I wasn't diagnosed with PTSD until last year but my family saw the changes in me almost immediately.

I have ruined my Army career, nearly lost my family, have pushed all friends away, and can't stand working in the civilian world. I went through therapy before I got out of the Army and I'm currently waiting on the VA to decide about about my health benefits.

I have read several of the posts on the forum and I think I'll definitely become an active member here, this seems like the right place for "self" therapy.

Anyway, I've rambled enough, just wanted to introduce myself, and I look forward to talking with more of you.

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome PsyGuy,

It is a pretty common story with all veterans. I myself returned from a deployment to East Timor in 2002 and was misdiagnosed. My family saw the change though. It was not until I returned from Iraq in 06 that I was diagnosed.
I was a Warrant Officer with 19 years and a bit and I lost my career. I can't work in the civilian world either, pushed all my friends away and my wife left. It has taken me 5 years to get a basic grip on things. I have a new fiancee and the world actually looks better now.

It does get better though mate. With the right therapy and medication (if you need it), you learn to manage your symptoms and lead a semi-normal life.

We are all here for you if you have any questions.

Welcome again,

Jimmy

 

[PsyGuy]

Thanks for the welcome Jimmy, I really do appreciate it. It's good to hear things DO work themselves out. It's been 6 years of dealing with this so I'm obviously not giving up hope, patience on the other hand, that's completely different.

 

[deborah l. boylan]

Hi PsyGuy! Welcome to the site! This may sound weird but I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who has screwed up their career. Maybe we should all form a support group for military career screwups.

I'm in the Navy, for now. Waiting to here if they're going to let me retire in 112 days or kick me out for being too fat. Which I might add was not a problem until I started on medication for depression and PTSD. First they deploy you, then they screw with you until you lose it, then they try to kick you out. Sorry, I'm a little touchy on this subject. Never been accused of being to fat to do my job before.

Things do get better over time, but I won't lie and say that things are perfect. My "normal" will never be the same again and that's something that all of us who battle the beast (PTSD) have to deal with. Having people here who understand really helps when the demons come calling. Patience has never been one of my virtues either so I quite trying to obtain it. I tell people all the time "I'm the fat crazy nurse, don't make eye contact." You'd be amazed at the reactions you get when people think your nuts! Oh well, enough about that.

You'll find that this site is a nice place to come and someone always has something to say. So come on in and set a spell.

Deb

 

[Jimmy1]

Patience is overrated mate. My tolerance has dwindled over the years too. I have none now, especially for whining, bitching civilians who are only worried about the price of gas and other trivial shit. There is more in the world worth worrying about.

Mate, you will see a lot of veterans on this here forum refer to PTSD as 'The Beast'. I think it a great way to refer to it. Its like an alter ego.

We are one big dysfunctional family here.

 

[Sarg]

Welcome, Psyguy! I'm the cranky old Nam guy of the group. Here to help and maybe learn.

Sarg

 

[PsyGuy]

Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone. It's been a long hard road but I'm glad there's people that can relate and work together to help fight "The Beast".