Hello!
I'm a freelance photographer who covered Afghanistan since 2004. I returned to the US in 2010 but it has been a struggle and I am not adjusting well. While in Kabul, the bombings and attacks increased in severity but I adapted. Now back in the US, whenever I read about an attack in Afghanistan, I experience emotional storms. For years my anger has kept me isolated. Drinking did not help. The only way I found relief was to return to the conflict.
Six weeks ago, after a near violent incident with a roommate, I sought help. Angry outbursts for the past 8 years are not unusual. What was different this time were the patterns and triggers preceding my blow-up. I knew it was PTSD.
Searching for any PTSD therapy in Washington DC should be easy but for a freelance photographer, our resources are limited. We are not military nor belong to a large organization. Like most Americans, I have no medical insurance and my income is inconsistent. However, I needed help. That night after the blow-out, I did a quick Google search, emailing a therapist in DC who specialized in PTSD. He responded immediately. Impressive. It is a rough go but occasionally , I see blue sky between the storms.
I'm so glad I found this Forum.
- Janet K
I'm a freelance photographer who covered Afghanistan since 2004. I returned to the US in 2010 but it has been a struggle and I am not adjusting well. While in Kabul, the bombings and attacks increased in severity but I adapted. Now back in the US, whenever I read about an attack in Afghanistan, I experience emotional storms. For years my anger has kept me isolated. Drinking did not help. The only way I found relief was to return to the conflict.
Six weeks ago, after a near violent incident with a roommate, I sought help. Angry outbursts for the past 8 years are not unusual. What was different this time were the patterns and triggers preceding my blow-up. I knew it was PTSD.
Searching for any PTSD therapy in Washington DC should be easy but for a freelance photographer, our resources are limited. We are not military nor belong to a large organization. Like most Americans, I have no medical insurance and my income is inconsistent. However, I needed help. That night after the blow-out, I did a quick Google search, emailing a therapist in DC who specialized in PTSD. He responded immediately. Impressive. It is a rough go but occasionally , I see blue sky between the storms.
I'm so glad I found this Forum.
- Janet K
