For many of us, we have ourselves, family, and friends who are suffering from hidden injuries related to the U.S. role of being the police officer of the world. 22 veterans a day are killing themselves, and approximately 98% of veterans self-medicate to cope with their problems. I would say that if you can talk to a vet or you as the vet can put your stupid pride to the side and LISTEN to someone other than your inner voice monolog than get help! The best route I have used as well as personally experienced is called EMDR training, do an internet search, which was developed in the 1950's for victims of any type of PTSD so that they could cope with their trauma and realize that management of the event is the key to being able to function better in life. The VA will not help you with this problem other than give out a lot of drugs and talk about peace-love-and kumbaya...who cares about what demons you, your children, your spouse have to deal with in daily life or when it is quiet at 0300, and you cannot keep the demons from coming out. Please also realize that when you submit a claim for PTSD, your information is then sent to DHS who begin the process of putting you on a potential domestic threat watch list and if you think it is not true, just do a internet search and you will be shocked. As a retired Light Infantry First Sergeant, I am not blowing smoke up your fourth point of contact, I am concerned about helping you and your family cope with you or your children who have served and have limited alternatives of the VA= dope and DHS or EMDR= NO DOPE and real coping skills for real results! Stay safe. Chris. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THAT YOU HAVE TO TURN OFF YOUR EGO AND ADMIT YOU MAY NEED HELP.
our VA vet centers offer EMDR. I tried it a couple times, but didn't benefit from it. The person given the EMDR was certified at the highest level. I tried another person, but still no noticeable impact for me. I know others swear by it. If not for the help I received from the VA,... well I think I won't go there. I'll just say I like the treatment given, better than what no treatment was leading to, and I like the meetings with other Vietnam vets. I am currently getting free acupuncture weekly. This seems to be helping. I think it is different things for different people. The worse thing is no treatment, or self medicating. "THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THAT YOU HAVE TO TURN OFF YOUR EGO AND ADMIT YOU MAY NEED HELP." Things were Ok, or so I thought, that is while I worked 60-70 hrs a week in two jobs and raised 4 kids. When my body would no longer allow for it, that is when the "issues" started. Took a good long time to admit it and seek help. "begin the process of putting you on a potential domestic threat watch list and if you think it is not true, just do a internet search and you will be shocked." How do I look into this?
Thank you for serving .............. I too count in the "us" category I will try to be polite and quick ................. its not pride for some, and there are also lots who have been able to turn down the "inner voice" yet cant escape the sweaty, heart pumping, middle of the night chills, wierd dreams, and yes - nightmares. I cant help it when my dreams are of me getting shot into swiss cheese; keeping me awake AFTER I am shot full of holes. I lay there for the rest of the night, unable to sleep and admittantly super cranky and pizzed off the entire next day. It would help if you could try thinking of those who may have been through more than you. I went for help ............. NOTHING and I repeat NOTHING stops the sweaty dreams and nightmares. You need to try thinking about the possibility that there ARE some veterans who actually will suffer for the rest of their lives, have stopped the meds, went through the miles of paperwork and days of drivel spoken to them about "taking controll after admitting to themselves" that pride or ego are the major driving forces interfering with a normal, post military life. Its not pride, ego, self inflation, etc ............... its the will to survive another frightening night, the desire to get through another endless night, and yes - sometimes the fear of losing whats been built up since leaving some foreign land where you last saw your dead or dying brothers. I am happy that you have yourself all figured out, I think its best that you focus on keeping yourself that way. Others might not have the same problems you have
Folks, None of us can change the past! We can change the future, I have utmost respect for "ALL" of you and everyone on this forum. The last thing we need to do is argue because there is "no" winner here. Lets support each other, and try to understand what each one has in there mind and heart. Everyones emotions are different just like everyone has a favorite color or food. I "can't imagine" what some of you went through, although I did have a brother who did 3 tours in country, and he would never speak of it, "just cry at times". My Grand Father is at the bottom of the ocean from WWII, and a brother who was discharged with a broken back, so I do understand things. This "is" a place to vent and talk, lets be a little lighter to each other, I think it will help
Thats on me Welder Dave ............ It was a long night, and I am still peeved at what I read. I agree with you about supporting each other ........... 100% I said what I had to and I will stop right here, going further wont help anymore.
