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PTSD
Health
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Medication, group therapy(with the right people) avoidance, guns, and more meds.
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CPT (Join to see) I'm working with a great program SALV (or) Virtual World Solutions d/b/a Sponsor a Vet Life that works with veterans that have PTSD. I posted a discussion looking for volunteers and their families to attend a FREE HIPPA compliant Pilot Program that could be very beneficial and is totally confidential and will not affect your VA Benefits. Here is the discussion/post. Please feel free to reach out confidentially to: [login to see]
Please feel free to connect to Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM and Ilene Morris
Here is the post:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/have-you-heard-that-virtual-world-solutions-d-b-a-sponsor-a-vet-life-is-looking-for-virtual-assistants
Please feel free to connect to Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM and Ilene Morris
Here is the post:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/have-you-heard-that-virtual-world-solutions-d-b-a-sponsor-a-vet-life-is-looking-for-virtual-assistants
Have you heard that Virtual World Solutions d/b/a Sponsor a Vet Life is looking for Virtual...
Here is another Great American and Civilian Supporter on RallyPoint that is making a difference in the life of our Veterans. Virtual World Solutions d/b/a Sponsor a Vet Life is helping veterans with PTSD through their unique immersive, interactive virtual environment.Military spouses are needed for volunteer work to start, which will result in subcontractor paid work within a few months. They mainly need administrative help. The work will be...
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SFC Joseph McCausland
This was an amazing experience... I watched a VR demo and was absolutely" blown-away.! Â My company Military VETS will be using this "technology" to teach veterans how to start, run and sustain a successful business. Â Thanks so much IJ.... "You Rock"
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Let me tell ya, working for the VA doesn't even get you the help you need unless you hunt down real care for yourself. My VA where I was employed kept veterans & workers in the dark on what was out there. I suffered for years & my employer made me feel worse. Wait times were terrible even for having problems like I did. Best thing that happened was hitting a crisis moment & being sent to another VA a few hours away & getting real help. They did more for me in 2 months than 6 years at the VA where I worked. That was the thing the good VA really impressed upon us in their PTSD program was to get the proper help you need from a good source even if it is outside the VA system. The Coatesville VAMC near Philly, PA is the top rated in the US for combat PTSD treatment. Cut many of my pills & taught me coping mechanisms & what to expect from my condition. Makes it less depressing. My out-patient care now I receive from non-VA services. They started preparing for troops returning from combat years before the VA ramped up. I also get a much better selection of medicines from the non-VA market than the restricted formulary of the VA. Yes, I have co-pays & private insurance. It is a struggle but at least I am getting good care, not cheap care like at my local VA. Before being medically retired as a VA employee, even the director there stated the facility has sub-standard care. I thank God for the Coastesville VAMC for helping me, allowing me to express my darkest thoughts without judgement or risk of being locked up, & for teaching to cope instead of dope up on VA issued drugs or illicit drugs.
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SSG Michael Scott
I hear you bother. I too was getting too stressed working at the VA. I told my supervisor I had PTSD. That was a waste of time. One day, I was working, and I walked into the
out patient mental health clinic. No one was in the room, except one woman dressed in her Middle Eastern attire with the burka. I said "WTF"!!!!!!!!!!. I felt like the VA Medical Center is not senstive enough to realize that could be a trigger for a Veteran. Also, VA staff not being educated about working with Vets with PTSD. I resigned, take a pay cut, and find another job that was not as stressful, poltical, a bunch of red tape.
out patient mental health clinic. No one was in the room, except one woman dressed in her Middle Eastern attire with the burka. I said "WTF"!!!!!!!!!!. I felt like the VA Medical Center is not senstive enough to realize that could be a trigger for a Veteran. Also, VA staff not being educated about working with Vets with PTSD. I resigned, take a pay cut, and find another job that was not as stressful, poltical, a bunch of red tape.
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We all have faced things, the key to dealing with the is find an outlet to vent the emotions, via tangible or intangible means. For me it was poetry to vent the intangibles, an firearms training for that tangibles.
Here an example of poetry...
See (By John O’Donnell)
See what you are and what you want to become.
See where you are and where you want to go.
See who you are and who you have been.
See if you are and if you are not,
See if you can and if you cannot...then ask why?
See through today and into tomorrow,
But don't make tomorrow's debts today’s burden.
See yesterday and the day before,
But dwell on the pain no more.
See Integrity as the sword and honor that sheath,
then fight the battles with only your belief.
See your failure and success as one piece of fruit from the same tree, then smile and breathe without ever calling for retreat.
See that the strongest walls are not of plaster and stone,
but are the ones made of skin and bone.
See hope through pain, and laughter through tears,
then step forward toward the years.
See their hand touch yours, and your hand touch theirs,
Then realize that’s the “what for”?
See their heart touching your heart and your heart touching theirs,
Then know that there is so much more.
See death and see life,
And allow both to be your guide.
See war and see peace
And never fear the days in between.
See serenity through acceptance, courage, and wisdom
And count all three for reason in your kingdom.
See your effort in every day,
See your truth in every moment.
See the right in all things, reason, and time,
then count the seasons as they pass you by.
See you through your years' as the man that claimed each day,
And then just wave and smile without a word to say.
...and me spending some personal time at the range.
Here an example of poetry...
See (By John O’Donnell)
See what you are and what you want to become.
See where you are and where you want to go.
See who you are and who you have been.
See if you are and if you are not,
See if you can and if you cannot...then ask why?
See through today and into tomorrow,
But don't make tomorrow's debts today’s burden.
See yesterday and the day before,
But dwell on the pain no more.
See Integrity as the sword and honor that sheath,
then fight the battles with only your belief.
See your failure and success as one piece of fruit from the same tree, then smile and breathe without ever calling for retreat.
See that the strongest walls are not of plaster and stone,
but are the ones made of skin and bone.
See hope through pain, and laughter through tears,
then step forward toward the years.
See their hand touch yours, and your hand touch theirs,
Then realize that’s the “what for”?
See their heart touching your heart and your heart touching theirs,
Then know that there is so much more.
See death and see life,
And allow both to be your guide.
See war and see peace
And never fear the days in between.
See serenity through acceptance, courage, and wisdom
And count all three for reason in your kingdom.
See your effort in every day,
See your truth in every moment.
See the right in all things, reason, and time,
then count the seasons as they pass you by.
See you through your years' as the man that claimed each day,
And then just wave and smile without a word to say.
...and me spending some personal time at the range.
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I try to pretend I don't have it. It works sometimes. Not always. When I get to a certain stress level I crash though. I can't get help for it though. It's not service related, it's not war related, no one takes it seriously. Nevermind the fact that I've been an EMT since 16 years of age and have seen the war on our streets - just last month I lost 3 people and one ended up as a murder. I just take it day by day, week by week, and keep it to myself. Works alright.
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Before I ever knew what it was, I could never come to grips with the anger, hyper-sensitivity and all the others things associated with this condition. After some time, I began to research this condition and realized that it was more about how our minds goes about protecting our bodies by closing off events that we cannot find a decent answer to. I then did more studying on the subject and realized that the best thing that could ever be done for this condition is simply conversation. I wrote a book titled "The Veteran's Thirteen Stages of PTSD" and got it published on Amazon. The completion of this book helped me greatly because it made me face all those things that I had suppressed and didn't even know it. Now I am clearly aware, this condition will never go away but it is also something that I will never let control me. I served during Beirut, Lebanon, Grenada and Desert Storm combined with learning that a couple of U.S. Military Installations had contaminated drinking water which some within the government knew about but failed to warn us. I served from Sept 1980 til April 1991 and still have issues resulting from this. I have learned that like all other things, PTSD is only as strong as you allow it to be and nothing or no one will ever have that kind of control over this Marine. I have established a Suicide Prevention Group on Facebook and created A Twist of Faith, Internet Radio Show which also allows me to reach out to as many people as possible and share that we are and always will be the main decision maker in how we will reach our destiny.
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
That is a big problem Corporal Manns and for some reason, the VA can't seem to get it!
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MSgt Manuel Diaz
The government knew, the medics called it combat fatigue back in the brown boot army. Alternative titles: battle fatigue; operational fatigue; shell shock
Combat fatigue , also called battle fatigue, or shell shock, a neurotic disorder caused by the stress involved in war. This anxiety-related disorder is characterized by (1) hypersensitivity to stimuli such as noises, movements, and light accompanied by overactive responses that include involuntary defensive jerking or jumping (startle reactions), (2) easy irritability progressing even to acts of violence, and (3) sleep disturbances including battle dreams, nightmares, and inability to fall asleep. Although persons in combat differ widely in their susceptibility to combat fatigue, because of hereditary factors and previous training, most cases result from exposure to physical hardship, prolonged and excessive exertion, and emotional conflicts. The emotional conflicts usually are related to loss of comrades, leaders, and group support, together with other precipitating events in the battle setting. Most individuals are best treated by being kept near the front lines and given rest, food, and sedation, provided they are permitted to stay with their units. U.S. armed forces in the late 1960s claimed to have nearly eliminated the occurrence of combat fatigue, attributing their success to practices such as frequent troop rotations, regular hot meals and other comforts for troops in combat areas, rest and recreation leaves away from the war zone, quick evacuation of wounded and good medical care, and application of psychiatric techniques to whole units as well as to individuals. Despite these claims, however, the Vietnam War, especially after 1969, produced a large number of American veterans with behavioral and drug-abuse problems.
Now and then Tequila n beer with vets at VFW
Combat fatigue , also called battle fatigue, or shell shock, a neurotic disorder caused by the stress involved in war. This anxiety-related disorder is characterized by (1) hypersensitivity to stimuli such as noises, movements, and light accompanied by overactive responses that include involuntary defensive jerking or jumping (startle reactions), (2) easy irritability progressing even to acts of violence, and (3) sleep disturbances including battle dreams, nightmares, and inability to fall asleep. Although persons in combat differ widely in their susceptibility to combat fatigue, because of hereditary factors and previous training, most cases result from exposure to physical hardship, prolonged and excessive exertion, and emotional conflicts. The emotional conflicts usually are related to loss of comrades, leaders, and group support, together with other precipitating events in the battle setting. Most individuals are best treated by being kept near the front lines and given rest, food, and sedation, provided they are permitted to stay with their units. U.S. armed forces in the late 1960s claimed to have nearly eliminated the occurrence of combat fatigue, attributing their success to practices such as frequent troop rotations, regular hot meals and other comforts for troops in combat areas, rest and recreation leaves away from the war zone, quick evacuation of wounded and good medical care, and application of psychiatric techniques to whole units as well as to individuals. Despite these claims, however, the Vietnam War, especially after 1969, produced a large number of American veterans with behavioral and drug-abuse problems.
Now and then Tequila n beer with vets at VFW
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Cpl Dr Ronnie Manns
So true MSgt Diaz and what I have learned is the connection obtained in basics and units means that even if a soldier does not make onto the battlefield, the notification that someone they knew, trained with or from their units has left his/her all on the battlefield is enough to induce this same type of rage, sensitivity and sleep disturbance.
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The Veterans Crisis Line has helped to keep me from doing some very stupid things and I highly recommend them to anyone in crisis and/or in need of damage control. Journaling also helps me, by doing this I can track ups and downs on a fairly consistent basis. I also take my prescribed medications as directed, while I fully admit they are not or may not be the most effective means of coping they do help some.
I would also like to recommend the book Don't Kick the Dog by Randy and Susan Walker. While this book is related to depression, it can also be helpful in dealing with other problems such as PTSD as depression can become a part of the larger issues.
Best wishes to all.
C.
I would also like to recommend the book Don't Kick the Dog by Randy and Susan Walker. While this book is related to depression, it can also be helpful in dealing with other problems such as PTSD as depression can become a part of the larger issues.
Best wishes to all.
C.
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I have experienced sleep anxiety on a regular basis since 2004 during my first deployment to Iraq. It was worse during my second deployment in 2008. Doctors say I don't have PTSD, but I still can't go to sleep or stay asleep without bring exhausted. I served from 1986 to 2013, AC, RC and IRR. I saw many things that stick with me and don't watch movies from current conflicts or read books from the period. Not sure if I have anything, but my nights are worse than my days.
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LTC Gavin Heater
It is also important to note than military and civilian deaths are not the sole property of combat zones. I have seen horrible and deadly accidents, including investigating them in "peacetime." Stress is not just combat related.
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LTC Gavin Heater
All Post Deployment Medical Interviews and all Annual Physicals with my VA Primary Care have discounted PTSD. I sought counseling and responsible sleep aids, and made some progress, but it was short term. I have not pursued a VA claim. All treatment was post deployment related.
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Not well! I'm an old retired soldier. It is my son who bothers me most. He had 4 over a year each tours in both zones. After his 3rd my son didn't come back. It was a different person. His unit sent he and his military wife back over again (#4) for another year. He cut all ties with his family and of course we worried constantly. was with the 101st for his 10 years in.
My wife and I begged him to get help with his feelings and he did reach out. He was given counseling, drugs and medical support. In the middle of all of this he and his military wife had been estranged and divorced. The unit informed him he was going to be deployed again. deployed again.
I was in shock and disbelief that they were going to send him back again with his issues. The medical staff didn't stop him from being deployed.
He called me and told me he had 2-3 more years of his current enlistment and he was told he was going. I told him son you need to get out of there. I don't want you to do something stupid or ruin all these good years of service but look at all your options and call me back. He did and through a saving grace his high level clearance was due for review and he couldn't deploy until this was completed. He refused to sign his clearance paperwork so the Army chaptered him out under honorable conditions.
He moved back home with me and was doing fair. I begged him to go to the VA for a review if he wasn't feeling normal. He finally got a job and was doing well. Another employee was harassing him every day and he tried to hold his temper. The employee tried to hit him with a forklift and the war came back quickly. Both were fired on the spot. This dropped him back into extreme depression. He said Dad I just lost it on this guy. I blacked out and was trying to kill him.
I finally was able to get him to go for a VA evaluation. We have been driving all over the state having tests done to determine what issues he may have. We have been doing this for 3 months now and still don't have a ful review of what his injuries are. He has been diagnosed with 3 issues so far and it will be another month before they determine all of the results.
I'm Pissed!!! Knowing he had issues the doctors at Fort Campbell should have flagged him from deployment but then again that would have gotten kicked out also. We are both 101st Alumni and always sill be!!
My wife and I begged him to get help with his feelings and he did reach out. He was given counseling, drugs and medical support. In the middle of all of this he and his military wife had been estranged and divorced. The unit informed him he was going to be deployed again. deployed again.
I was in shock and disbelief that they were going to send him back again with his issues. The medical staff didn't stop him from being deployed.
He called me and told me he had 2-3 more years of his current enlistment and he was told he was going. I told him son you need to get out of there. I don't want you to do something stupid or ruin all these good years of service but look at all your options and call me back. He did and through a saving grace his high level clearance was due for review and he couldn't deploy until this was completed. He refused to sign his clearance paperwork so the Army chaptered him out under honorable conditions.
He moved back home with me and was doing fair. I begged him to go to the VA for a review if he wasn't feeling normal. He finally got a job and was doing well. Another employee was harassing him every day and he tried to hold his temper. The employee tried to hit him with a forklift and the war came back quickly. Both were fired on the spot. This dropped him back into extreme depression. He said Dad I just lost it on this guy. I blacked out and was trying to kill him.
I finally was able to get him to go for a VA evaluation. We have been driving all over the state having tests done to determine what issues he may have. We have been doing this for 3 months now and still don't have a ful review of what his injuries are. He has been diagnosed with 3 issues so far and it will be another month before they determine all of the results.
I'm Pissed!!! Knowing he had issues the doctors at Fort Campbell should have flagged him from deployment but then again that would have gotten kicked out also. We are both 101st Alumni and always sill be!!
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