How do I deal with ptsd?

1. 38

   Rooster306posted 12 years ago

   How do I deal with ptsd?
   
   I am a former Marine infantry squad leader. I did 3 combat tours. I had a small amount of ptsd when I got out but I think it has been getting worse over the past 5 years. Does anyone have any experience with this?

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2. 0

   lambservantposted 12 years ago

   I have PTSD from a childhood trauma, not war. However it's the same issue - a trauma. PTSD is not something you should try to handle on your own. You need help. Are you near VA services? Are you able to work? Were you diagnosed? I have been doing research on the mental health crisis from vets and active military and have come across some wonderful people and organizations that help with military PTSD. Where do you live? I may be able to connect you with services. I live in the Pacific Northwest but also know someone in the midwest who has a special treatment. Let me know. You can email me if you want. I'd like to help in some way.
   
   Just remembered there is a Dr. Bill Tollefson here on Hubpages who works in the field of PTSD. You may want to contact him as well. http://drbilltollefson.hubpages.com/

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3. 50

   valery eliasposted 12 years ago

   While I have no military experience, I have had PTSD due to a traumatic event a few years ago. Have you been able to receive any counseling to help you? That might be a place to start. The counselor might also recommend a short duration of medication to help you.  I never received counseling myself, but was very kind to myself, and gave myself a lot of time to heal from the grievous injury to my psyche. Meditation may also provide you some relief. Do you have any resources available to help you through your military connections?

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4. 50

   Ericdierkerposted 12 years ago

   Damn, some of those wounds do not heal up all nice and tidy. Shit happens, really nasty ass shit happens. When one engages in battle and nasty ass shit happens it imprints on us.
   Just get over it. No, not the nasty ass shit but the fact it got imprinted on your pshycic. Believe me they are two different facts. You can live with what happened but you cannot live with it stuck in wrong places in your living being.
   Search and capture. Do not try for destroy. But capture that bad stuff and put it someplace manageable. Some danged place where you have the keys and not it. Lock it up but visit it and interrogate daily. Learn it, be it, defeat it. Stick tried and true with your training. Understand it better than it understands you. Be the master and not the servant.
   When things go south and it is just you out there and it. Tie your foot to a hold first and then engage. The hold will help you come back, and keep you grounded.
   As for me I like my big brothers and Christ for my hold. Pick it as you would a member of your unit and never leave it behind, it may be your sanity.
   I really do not know much but I do know that if we act like it is bigger and badder than what we have already concquerd it will defeat us.
   For me, several times a week I fight it hard wake up sweaty but victorious. I hope the same for you.

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5. 60

   Sheila Wilsonposted 12 years ago

   Struggling with PTSD can be extremely difficult. Here is some insight about how to deal with PTSD from what I've learned through my personal struggle with the disorder. read more

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