Newbie Here. Wife Of Soldier Going Through Ptsd

[Stacey85]

I'm really not sure where to start. Guess I'll start with the basics.

I'm married to a wonderful man, and we have 3 kids. 6, 2, and 1.

He's had 2 deployments back to back. First was Iraq, then Afghanistan. He experienced a lot there, but one thing in particular is haunting him constantly. He has opened up a little in the past to me about it, but it's really been getting bad lately. He's opening up a lot more, and finally letting me in to see how bad he's hurting, but I feel helpless.

He talked to his doctor, and she referred him to behavioral health. They can't get him in for almost a month. This just plain baffles me! All I read says the sooner you get help, the better.

Where we are they make a huge deal out of seeking help because of the number of suicides, ect, but he has to wait another month for help?? What can we do? What can I do? I found a number to help through the VA he is going to call later today when he has an opportunity, but what else is there?

I keep thinking if he finds people he can talk to, and relate to, that will help also.

Anyway, a big thank you to the creator of this forum, I'm so glad I found it because I had no idea where to turn.

Oh, and BTW my name is Stacey :)

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[Sandra]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[BigBear]

Hi Stacie,

Please encourage him to join here. As you need help, so does he! There are even special sections for sufferers that supporters can't see. That could give him a separation that he might need.

Also, Welcome to you! Ask as many questions as come to mind. We are typically very open...

Bear

 

[Stacey85]

Thank you Bear, I really appreciate it! I am in awe of how little support is here (where we are located) right now. We've had so many suicides, and murder because of PTSD, and here they deploy constantly, so PTSD is such a big issue here, yet he has not been able to find help yet. I really think it would be a great idea for him to join, and find people he can relate with. I will try to get him to join.

 

[ClairBear226]

Welcome, Stacey. Like we talked about last night, I'd start with the Army chaplain, and see if he/ she has any suggestions. They can be a great resource. Hang in there, and good luck.

 

[wife of]

Hi there,have replied to your other post.

Hang in tight there,I know a month must feel like a long time away,the silver lining is that you are getting help in a month,not sure about other countries but in the UK the waiting list for veterans to get help from the leading forces mental health charity is 4 months and getting longer.

In the meantime,read and learn as much as you can on here and get him to check out the combat ptsd forum if he is open to it.

Sue.

 

[Stacey85]

Thank you all so much! He has now joined the site! I am very proud of him for taking another step in the right direction on the road to recovery. I am very greatful this site exists.

 

[Elisacullen21]

Hi Stacey (beautiful name btw :) )
Big welcome to this site! :)

 

[Stacey85]

Thank you X2!

 

[chw52]

If the city you live in is large enough, I will make the suggestion of calling the local Fire or Police Dept. Ask if they can help you locate resources they may have available. Just ask if they have a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team. If so, they will be able to point you in a direction as well. Just a thought.

 

[pi314159]

Hi Stacey.

Welcome to the forum.

I hope your husband is able to get help soon.