For those with PTSD, what kind of therapy do you get? What were your initial symptoms like, what are they now?

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 14:11:53 -0400

I am curious to see what the spectrum of PTSD folks are like, and are we shifting to the right. If you are not comfortable, by all means remain private. I go to individual therapy once a month now. At the start of my PTSD I had suicidal and racing thoughts, anxiety, depression, stress, hyper-vigilance, inability to sleep well, and anger issues. Now I am stable but I am numb, I believe to prevent me from me from sliding backwards. I noticed I don't care for hobbies like I use to, and this is the best I will be, but this is still victory.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 2:24 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 14:24:12 -0400

Good luck. Glad you're making progress.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 8 at 2015 2:43 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 14:43:09 -0400

Sir, for what it's worth - I think it's great that you can talk about it openly. I'm confident that the more you share, the more open you become, the better you will be able to handle those feelings. I'm curious if you are on any medication? Just a yes or no - not what kind or strength - won't mean much to me anyway - but I do believe that PTSD is manageable - and I also believe that most will not have to be on medication for the rest of their lives if they get the proper encouragement and counselling required to adequately address the anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. I don't pretend to advoke that there is a cure for the more serious TBI - I believe this is a long way off - just wanted to make that clear.

I have interviewed many veterans diagnosed with PTSD and I know some who are now completely stable and do not take any medication and require only monthly recurring support meetings. Some might call this a "cure" - that's debatable, but I feel if you can manage without medication and you can learn to have solid relationships and control your feelings - you are doing pretty good. :-)

Hopefully you will become less numb and still remain stable and once again enjoy hobbies, life, and people!

God bless you and thank you for your service, Sir!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 8 at 2015 3:28 PM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:28:57 -0400

CPT, I found it helpful to logically process those areas I have control and those I don't. Many symptoms have faded and become less intense, especially insomnia and anger issues.

Response by LCpl Craig D. Pfautz made Jun 8 at 2015 4:34 PM

LCpl Craig D. Pfautz — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:34:52 -0400

IN THE BEGINNING IT WAS SLEEPLESS NIGHTS, ARGUEING W/ FAMILY & LOVED ONES.
JUST BECAREFUL NOT 2 OVERMEDICATE, I KNOW 1ST HAND,THATS ALL I DID THE 1ST YEAR I WAS BACK.
GLAD 2 SAY IM NOT REALLY AFFECTED ANYMORE
BUT DONT ASK MY WIFE!!!

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 9 at 2015 1:03 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 13:03:28 -0400

I suffered from many symptoms originally, including: hyper vigilance, easily startled, frequent nightmares, intrusive thoughts of experienced traumas, anger, stress, avoidant behavior an dos on. I took part in a 2 month long inpatient program, a support group, individual counseling and more over the years. I am off all medication and in control of my PTSD for the most part, but still suffer all the same symptoms...I have just learned how to live with it.

Response by 1LT Richard C. made Jun 9 at 2015 1:43 PM

1LT Richard C. — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 13:43:05 -0400

It took me a while to admit that there was something 'not right' about the way I was acting and responding to my surroundings. My wife was on it right away and asking if I didn't like having the family over. I would excuse myself from group events, have trouble sleeping, etc.. I hit up the VA for some counselling, and talked through a few issues. Tried the journal bit.

As others have said, I have learned to live with it. Of course in my jobs/hobbies, I am continually re-exposing myself to conditions and situations that bring back memories. Then I have bad dreams and move on.

I don't enjoy the same hobbies I used to have, but I look forward to the opportunity to find new ones. Now its just finding the time.

I think for me, finding the small moments to enjoy life have helped more than anything. That first cup of coffee, listen to the birds, the aroma of baked bread, hearing about my daughters day. I have a dog who provides a lot of joy and love. These moments seem to reduce the anxiety/pressure I used to feel.

I think that some of the times I feel the best is after chatting with buddies in person or online. I think its a big part of why I keep clicking back to Rallypoint and Facebook. Having that special feedback from cohorts has really kept be coming back for more.

Best wishes to you and keep us posted on progress.