US New Member With Soldier Son

[grower]

Thank you, Stacey. You know how I feel. I want to help him, but he's way off in another state, and he's not too talkative. I know they will never be the same, I just hope the good changes outweigh the bad. At least we can love them.

 

[Marine]

Hi Grower, I am diagnosed with PTSD and also a returning war Veteran. I didn't know what this condition was until people around me noticed something was wrong and sent me for help. It took a doctor at the veterans affairs, to send me to a counselor, who then pushed me to get help with many other doctors who helped bring it under control. I still go to all of them. Many war Vets have it and it is important people get them help because mine increased as time went by without getting help. At first, I started self imprisoning myself, then panic attacks/flash backs, lousy diet, long stares, and etc etc

You can try calling the WRIISC to do a free evaluation for returning veterans, get your son in the veterans health care system, then try talking to OIF/OEF counselors at various Veterans hospitals close to where you are located. Search for WRIISC on the net, it's the War Related Illness & Injury Study Center. They will probably point you to the right direction.

 

[grower]

Thanks, Marine. I talked to my son on the phone night before last, and asked him to get some counseling. He said, "They'll just want to put me in a padded cell. And that's NOT happening!" I said, have they put anyone else in your unit in a padded cell? He said no. I said, then they're not going to do that to you either. But he resists the idea of going to see someone about it. So, I asked him to at least check out some of the forums (like this one) on the Internet. Maybe he'll do that. I know he has a good relationship with his buddies in the Army, and that's good. But I think it would help to talk to someone who's already been through this and maybe come out the other side.