People Think I'm Crazy

[19K30]

Well let's see I'm new to the sight. I live in this little podick town and everybody steers clear of me cause of what they think they no about me. Most of the time people say did you deploy and O I bet u got that ptsd thing no shirt happens all the time.

 

[dutchiedelta]

What can I say 19K30.
First of all I deeply hope Podick town is not typo cos it gives me quite a chuckle.

Second, welcome to the forum. It is hard to the outside world to understand PTSD.
It is not a mental disease. it is not a personality disorder i nthe classical sense.
It is emotional scarring in the worst way.

To brush it off by saying : Oh it happens all the time, is denial of a serious condition.
You might be able to educate people bit by bit. Only your own recovery comes first.

Hang in there and hoping you find support here.

 

[19K30]

Yes honestly I don't think the public really knows what happens everyday for the soldier that has this problem.

 

[dutchiedelta]

Welcome to the wonderful world of PTSD son.
Where the rest has no clue.

Maybe a browse around the forum will help you understand we all encounter misinformation and prejudice.
In case of doubt, this is the place to ask.

Since we all have our good and bad days, replies may differ but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

 

[Grizzly]

Welcome 19K30.

 

[FishNH]

Welcome brother. Its a bear to deal with everyday. Like it was said, some days will be better then others. But the people here are great, lots of info and wisdom. God bless.

-Dave

 

[OldDoorGunner]

Welcome brother, one of the old Nam vets here. Lots of good stuff here to read. YOU are not alone, you now have us, if you have questions just ask.......

J R

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome mate.

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome 19K30,

Yea there is a big PTSD stigma out here in civilian land. I get strange looks frequently through out the day. It's part of life now.
Whether I'm swearing out loud at the gas station having a shit day. Or stressing the f*ck out over x,y,z, infinity. I went through a big phase of questioning my judgement. Couldn't even trust myself if felt like.
Try to explain that at the VA...

Doc, "So it sounds like you are saying you are walking around like a loaded weapon."
Me, "Well...no....but.....yes?"

I live in a small town too. My family used to own a bar here. Plenty of stories of me and the bar's I'm sure.
I find something else to occupy my time with. Creating music. Playing Video games. Whatever.
Long as I keep my ass outa trouble. When the time is right, try to slowly branch out into the community.
Help build a deck for somebody, talk to the Nam' vets. If you see an opportunity to help someone take it.

Word will spread like it always does in these gossiping ass small towns and people may even start waving at you.

 

[atilla]

Welcome 19K30. Civilans need to be educated about the beast. Welcome to the jungle.

 

[Jimmy1]

19K30, you look pretty scary mate, it's like you have your porcupine quills out. Just saying.

When you think about it, really depressed people don't shower for days, wear the same clothes, lock themselves away, and if they do go out, nobody wants to go near them. Same with me, a two week growth, don't brush my hair, wear baggy clothing down the street, nobody will say hello.

Just an opinion.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome 19K30,

Small town or NYC - PTSD couldn't care less. The longer it goes untreated the smaller our world becomes.

Trust me on this one - 24 years drowning it with booze my social calendar was none existent. Then another in recovery for another 20 before it began to resemble whatever I thought was normal with a very small circle of family and friends. I'm 6 years into therapy and group and the pieces of the puzzle are beginning to come together. The beast wants you in a box and will settle for nothing less.

There is hope and it begins here as we all dealt with the shit to some degree or another. Keep reading and ask questions.

I live in this little podick town and everybody steers clear of me cause of what they think

Therein lies the problem - they THINK! Mainly about shit they have NO clue about... Very simply, they have to be educated.

They would not avoid a wounded Vet on crutches but remove the crutches, well I'm sure you get my point.

Ba