Posted on Mar 20, 2017
What was the first emotional growth experience you noticed after trauma?
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Those of you that have suffered from PTSD or currently working through PTSD, what was the first emotional growth experience you noticed after trauma? This was part of our last SAVL Group Support Meeting on SKYPE. Thanks for sharing for our veterans and service members suffering from PTSD.
Follow-on Questions:
How long did it take to see this first emotional growth?
Did others share in this experience or did you tell them about it?
Have you helped others with their post-traumatic growth? How?
Do your good experiences happen more and more often for you now?
Follow-on Questions:
How long did it take to see this first emotional growth?
Did others share in this experience or did you tell them about it?
Have you helped others with their post-traumatic growth? How?
Do your good experiences happen more and more often for you now?
PTSD
What Would You Do
Health
Experience
Victory for Veterans (VFV)
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 92
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Well I've never gone in to get tested for PTSD. I'm afraid to get experimented on by the VA. I've seen the damage they have done to my sister and other fellow soldiers. I don't know if I've grown, but I implement a lot of things taken from the military. Trust no one, question everything and keep moving forward. We discovered a long time ago the world was round. So if I fall, it's because I wasn't watching where I was walking. :)
And I think finding the reason to keep going is important as well. My kids gave that to me. Though I feel like I want to run away half the time... lol... giving up has never been something I was good at.
And I think finding the reason to keep going is important as well. My kids gave that to me. Though I feel like I want to run away half the time... lol... giving up has never been something I was good at.
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A1C Isa Kocher
without talking to a trained PTSD professional, you can't really self diagnose not any shrink with a shingle but a ptsd specialist and it doesn't have to be at the VA
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SSG Kenneth R Pingatore
They ask you basic questions about how you are feeling, give them honest answers only from the answers you give a determination of PTSD or not will be given, remember honest answers only do not hold anything back. Here in PA the VA councilors and Doctors are great and caring, I hold them in high esteem........Ping
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A1C Isa Kocher
when it comes to physical medicine, a VAMC [Philadelphia VAMC and Bronx VAMC] has saved my life twice, and the doctors were great, but the VA sabotaged my PTSD claim using illegal, libelous, perjurous means and methods and even some physicians denied me medical care upon seeing the diagnosis in clinics.
there are huge differences at different VAMCs and the VAMC changes over time - some treat us well with genuine treatments and some are pill pushing addiction pushing monsters - i've seen everything. only well treaine PTSD/CPTSD specialist have a clue what PTSD is - everyone else will see us as defectives and say things like "look forwarsd" "think positive" bull - obviously clueless. and drugs to treat depression are not treating the PTSD
PTSD makes us wary and the VA only exasperates that - it's an adversarial culture that is toxic to us
there are huge differences at different VAMCs and the VAMC changes over time - some treat us well with genuine treatments and some are pill pushing addiction pushing monsters - i've seen everything. only well treaine PTSD/CPTSD specialist have a clue what PTSD is - everyone else will see us as defectives and say things like "look forwarsd" "think positive" bull - obviously clueless. and drugs to treat depression are not treating the PTSD
PTSD makes us wary and the VA only exasperates that - it's an adversarial culture that is toxic to us
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SGT Gary Vaught
I have been having to go to doctor twice a year for many years. Not sure why but being a disabled vet I didn’t not want to lose my benefits so I go.
I ask my doctor and he said it was because of the medication I am on they have to keep an eye on it.....but for 10 plus years seams too much....
I ask my doctor and he said it was because of the medication I am on they have to keep an eye on it.....but for 10 plus years seams too much....
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I think for me my first emotional growth came in the form of asking for help.
To realize that we cannot do everything ourselves and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness is critical in any event. It took me about 2 years after getting out of the military to finally come to that stage in my life where I asked for help. I've tried to help others by sharing my story with them, by allowing them to share their stories with me and by opening myself to be there for them regardless of how others treated them. And I would say I'm happier now because of it all.
The events around what happened all those years ago still stay with me but I'm okay with that. Through the help I've received I've learned how to not only to live with the memories but how to thrive as well.
To realize that we cannot do everything ourselves and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness is critical in any event. It took me about 2 years after getting out of the military to finally come to that stage in my life where I asked for help. I've tried to help others by sharing my story with them, by allowing them to share their stories with me and by opening myself to be there for them regardless of how others treated them. And I would say I'm happier now because of it all.
The events around what happened all those years ago still stay with me but I'm okay with that. Through the help I've received I've learned how to not only to live with the memories but how to thrive as well.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SGT Ben Keen Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the RP Community! In my opinion, its valued highly Ben!
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SPC Douglas Bolton
SGT Ben Keen It is so important what you have just done. Sharing and suggesting people get help sends a message from someone who has been there and done that. Very powerful
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My first step was admitting thatI needed help, that was huge! after that and a really life changing prescription I got the first night of more than 3 hours sleep in 4 years. Now every day I just try to cope with the loss of memory for words and recent events. It's challenging to to find new ways to organize your day when it all used to be so easy!
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SPC Douglas Bolton
CPL Beth Allsop We all hear you! Stay strong and know that we all have your back.
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SFC (Join to see)
I struggle with that as well CPL Beth Allsop , and yes asking for help has always been the hardest step. Hugs my friend, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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CPL Beth Allsop
SFC (Join to see) - Thank Mary! I need all The help I can get sister. Glad to call you my friend
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Capt Christian D. Orr
Concur, asking for help is indeed the toughest, yet oh-so-crucial first step. Speaking myself as someone who got diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (G.A.D.) while I wad active-duty.
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