Recently Diagnosed

[Will1]

I was recently diagnosed with PTSD after referring myself to SARP (alcohol rehabilitation program). Turns out I have been drinking to run from my feelings. I believe them because I started binge drinking shortly after my return to the states. I did a 12 month IA tour to Iraq with the Army 3-3 ADA out of Fort Sill, Ok. Im active duty Navy right now with 9 years and some change and an E-6. I got back in 2010 and and have been self medicating in hopes to preserve my career, which didn't exactly work out. I am in no trouble, but am finding it increasingly difficult to deal with the anger, hypervigelance, insomnia, and nightmares. Especially with everyone trying to pick my brain about it since entering rehab. Im concerned about my career at this point and wondering what will happen next. Nobody seems to have any answers. I keep hearing meb board but I don't want to get put out with a family to feed. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Spock]

Welcome Will. You need to get a PTSD diagnosis and get into the Army Wounded Warrior program to gain some cover. Protect your honorable discharge at all costs but seek treatment as a priority.

Check out this recent thread:
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[Sleeping Dragon]

Will,

Welcome. You have a lot on your plate, all of which will take time to sort out. Dealing with post traumatic stess is the longest process of all, and the most important. It's also by far the most difficult.

Take things on one at a time. Anger management will continue to be a big problem. Don't let set backs throw you off track. Stay focused, and don't beat yourself up when those set back come along.

Keep posting here, and let us know how your doing. The thread that Spock recommended is definately worth a look.

Take care my Brother, and stay with us.

SD

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Will, another sqiud here. Your in the right place pull up a chair.

Ba

 

[Will1]

I appreciate the warm welcome. I just have anxiety right now because I am unsure what is gonna happen with my career. Like I said I don't want to be thrown on the street with mouths to feed. Its been a stressful month.

 

[Spock]

The WWBN can work with you for an internship while you go through treatment and med boards that can lead to a follow-on job as soon as you discharge

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Will,

When I was supervising maintenance crews it was extremely difficult to find craftsman. Industry just won't take the time to train the folks who keep the wheels turning. Experienced electricians, machinists, welders and those who can trouble shoot electronic control systems are extremely valuable.

Training and experience on Foxboro, Alan Bradly and Honeywell control systems is worth every minute of time spent learing those systems. Steamfitters and stationary engineers who can maintain boilers, air conditioning and refrigeration systems are always in demand. Some of your navy training may apply.

Let me know if I can help with questions on training programs.

SD

 

[Will1]

Thanks guys. Im an electrician. I know Boeng and Grumman would probably be happy to have me too. So is a discharge inevitable? That's the main reason I never reached out for help.

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome mate.

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Will,

My Chief Electrician was a former navy nuke sub guy. He was by far the best systems trouble shooter in the entire department. If you know controls, and can handle ladder logic and code industry will be very interested.

Don't limit your search to the defence guys. Production plants of all kinds are deeply into industrial control systems. Also, check with control system specialists like Johnson Controls.

However, I want to warn you about service work. Down time costs big money. The pressure can be intense. When you work with the tools as a tradesman all levels of management tend to leave you alone. If you move into supervision or middle management the pressure can be brutal. Keep that in mind as you talk with possible employers.

Good luck.
SD

 

[Will1]

I appreciate it buddy. I have to figure out what the navys going to do with me first, but that sounds like my kind of business. Being left alone and out of a supervisory role sounds real nice.

 

[Spock]

Will...sorry, I see you're Navy so go to the Navy WW Program Safe Harbor:
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No discharge is not inevitable just because you have a combat injury, the med board will decide if they can fix you and/or reassign you. That is a administrative process and is slanted based on the pending drawdown, needs of the service and your personnel injuries and skill. A discharge may happen based on the drawdown and politics but you can always fight it, the issue is how much will that fight prevent you from healing.

...So is a discharge inevitable? That's the main reason I never reached out for help.

I understand the stigma of seeking treatment for these injuries as it was a big deal for Military Intel folks since they didn't realize that PTSD could not be investigated for their clearance, only crime or poor behavior but not a diagnosis. Otherwise it is discrimination. Look at it this way, how good was your chosen way to deal with it? Self medication is very common but far more destructive and harmful to your career. You see seeking treatment is a far better option, the best option, most of us agree the ONLY option.

A PTSD diagnosis cannot be used against you or it is discrimination but people, especially bureaucrats, service personnel staff can be complete, reckless ego-driven dicks, likely since most of them were never in combat. Regardless, none of this BS and speculation is worth your sanity and health.

Your mission now is to seek treatment and focus on yourself so you can move forward. The system will sort you out as it needs to based on who is involved and what the current requirements are, they'll play by the rules or slant them to serve their purposes.

Your best option is to get a Care Manager/Advocate from Safe Harbor to insert themselves into your case on your behalf to limit your stress with it. Once in, you'll be in Safe Harbor for life as a Navy Wounded Warrior. They are basically your short-cut to getting to key decision makers and personnel staff.

Stay safe, stay strong...