If you have PTSD/TBI are you able to truly get help and fully embrace the program without a support group?

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Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 6 at 2016 8:06 PM

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That is a great question SGT(P) Eric L..
SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT Jinger Jarrett how would you answer Eric Larson's question

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 6 at 2016 8:08 PM

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SGT(P) Eric L. I have gotten the support at the Hampton VA Medical Center for the PTSD support. I went to two sessions and going to more this year once every four months. The VA has been helpful and resourceful.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2016 8:13 PM

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By "without a support group" are you talking about group thereapy in the VA?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 6 at 2016 8:25 PM

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Without going to into detail the vast majority who go to group therapy will be better off because of shared feelings and thoughts.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Mar 6 at 2016 10:40 PM

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SGT(P) Eric L., with the combination of many years of one on one therapy, and a balance of medication, I have just begun group therapy. My doctors were of the opinion that, due to my occasional outbursts, I was not ready until just recently. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences, and my feelings, with my brothers and sisters.

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Mar 7 at 2016 12:50 PM

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I have attended group therapy in the past and it was very helpful until I found out they were talking about me when I wasn't there. What they were saying wasn't nice. It turned me off of the idea until recently I looked at going but it's too far to travel.

Response by MSG Jeffrey Williams made Mar 8 at 2016 8:09 AM

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I don't respond well to groups.....frankly, I an not to fond of people in general.... But, I have been one on one with a great VA doctor for a couple of years and it has helped at lot, especially with external events like the deaths of my grandson and father throwing me in a tailspin and causing some setbacks.

Response by SSG Michael Reece made Mar 8 at 2016 8:22 AM

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The more you're able to share and talk about your condition, I think the better you'll be. Both individual and group programs are beneficial. You just need to find out what works best for you. Support groups are nice but the healing starts with you.

Response by Cpl Joe Farris made Mar 8 at 2016 8:43 AM

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Support group helped helped me.

Response by SP6 Ron W. made Mar 8 at 2016 9:19 AM

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I have PTSD but not TBI. I found group counseling helpful by being around those who had some of the same experiences but only for awhile. I found individual counseling & medication management the best for me. Now, my VA only has individual counseling for emergent situations.

Response by PO2 Neal Chaves made Mar 8 at 2016 9:25 AM

2016-03-08T09:25:05-05:00

Group therapy with other vets can be very valuable. Prior to 1982, no troubled vets were diagnosed with PTSD, all received one of the DSM "mental illness" diagnoses, as did I, several different ones in fact. I went along with the drug "treatment" for eight years and it nearly killed me. Fortunately, I was able to locate and pay for myself some advanced therapies and psychologies and recovered completely within a few months. I have taken no prescription or over the counter medications in over thirty years and maintain excellent physical and mental health with only diet, nutritional supplementation, exercise and active life-style.

Because of my experience with drug-free therapy, the VA will not allow me to participate in group therapy with other vets. Anyone interested may e-mail me at [login to see] and I will be glad to send you my personal narrative with many links to helpful resources.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Mar 8 at 2016 9:31 AM

2016-03-08T09:31:04-05:00

VA north Texas healthcare 4500 s Lancaster has a support group that is a drop in group for TBI we meet on Tuesday at 1300 it does help because TBI aaffects many different aspects of how you are now vs how you were. The changes it causes with behavior and personality that you may not understand it helps in dealing with the changes and the frustrations that TBI causes. You have to be registered in the Va system and referred to tbl polytrauma unit but once your there then you can get into the group

Response by PFC Alan Lane made Mar 8 at 2016 9:39 AM

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I need a support group.

Response by PFC Joseph Everett made Mar 8 at 2016 9:49 AM

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I have been diagnosed with PTSD I am a Vet but my PTSD comes from being in Iraq as a civilian and working corrections would group help me I am in away afraid to go to counseling because of what other vets may say because mine isnt the same as theirs if that makes sense

Response by SSgt Liam Babington made Mar 8 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-03-08T10:05:11-05:00

It is possible....but you need to be ALPHA MOTIVATED!! With that said Inam quite remote and have had to develop my own support....more like plug into programmes already existing near me!!

Response by SGT Tony Muro made Mar 8 at 2016 10:42 AM

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It really depends on you. I tried going to support groups, but I didn't find my rhythm there. There is always a guy who hogs up all the time by telling his story, then interrupts everyone else that is sharing with his expert advice. One on one worked great for me.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Mar 8 at 2016 10:44 AM

2016-03-08T10:44:17-05:00

There IS a FIGHTER out there against PTSD, MST, and Suicide Ideation without counseling, or therapy or meds. Google Repetitive Behavior Cellular Regression. No BS here - its working all over the world over the internet - NO APPOINTMENTS!

I know it worked for me and my brothers and sister in arms as well over the last 3.5 years.

Check it out!

Response by SGT James Korman made Mar 8 at 2016 10:53 AM

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Support groups vital to recovery from PTSD/TBI, VA Coatesville, PA has 12 step PTSD program. Anonymity & privacy vital to all recovery

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Mar 8 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-03-08T10:53:30-05:00

Not me or any of my clients that I have helped. Please Google REpetitive Behavior Cellular Regression and check me out. We are helping Vets and their families globally. Good luck!

Response by PO2 Lance Pofahl made Mar 8 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-03-08T10:59:41-05:00

I have therapy, and then I have group (support group). The support group helps me, and I can only tell you about what helps me... The thing is, it helps to talk about it, and a group of people with similar experiences helps you to be able to talk about it with people who know what you are going through. With that said, I found a support group that is not affiliated with the VA, but one that is still primarily veterans.

Response by Cpl David Hagen made Mar 8 at 2016 12:16 PM

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Yes and No. The group therapy thing was just huggy-feely buddhist-type crap, and about half of both of the groups I was in were there to milk the system, and the therapists could tell and didn't care. I have a support group, my friends, family, and church. I've talked to them about stuff, and work things out that way.

Response by SSG Marilyn Kelly made Mar 8 at 2016 12:28 PM

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I have not done a traditional group therapy. I have and still attend individual therapy to include 10 weeks of prolonged exposure. However, last year I added a Yoga for Veterans and Equine (horse) therapy for veterans. The yoga class consists mainly of men from the Vietnam era. These men have been so welcoming and more supportive than I could have ever imagined. The equine therapy is a good mixture of all eras, family members and both male and female service members. I would encourage you to look outside of the traditional therapy box into some alternative therapies to complement any traditional therapies you participate in.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Mar 8 at 2016 12:36 PM

2016-03-08T12:36:06-05:00

The key is to be honest with yourself - then find the kind of group that is appropriate for your needs and wants. Like everything else - we need to advocate for ourselves. There are many groups trying hard to help, many doing it so they make money, and there are a variety of government programs. Finding our own niche and not letting others pigeonhole our specific needs is critical. Good luck! By the way - I was in a men's group I left because they were being superficial.

Response by SSG Vivian Pearson made Mar 8 at 2016 1:35 PM

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I carry civilian medical insurance through my employer and do not qualify for VA medical. Civilian doctors do not really understand PTSD and being a female my Dr just laughed and said "how did you get PTSD"

Response by SP5 Caleb B made Mar 8 at 2016 2:07 PM

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I don't know to be honest. I'm still trying to figure out if I have a legitimate tbi, the va neurologist diagnosed me with it. But, since I never was close enough to mortar round fire and other things I don't have documentation to support why I should get compensation from the va for one.

I guess an MRI would be the next course of action.

Response by SP5 Caleb B made Mar 8 at 2016 2:08 PM

2016-03-08T14:08:52-05:00

Excellent question.

I don't know; I'm still trying to figure out if I have a tbi or not. A va neurologist diagnosed me with one despite not having an mri

Response by Sgt Mark Jennings made Mar 8 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-03-08T15:13:03-05:00

I say no. The problem for the most part is isolation. You need to get in touch with folks that have done what you have done and feel what you are feeling. We are not alone... but often we choose to be.

Response by LTC David Zimmerman made Mar 8 at 2016 5:17 PM

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Eric,
I am not a fan of support groups. I've been to three. Maybe I've been unlucky. All were for PTSD suffers but one was a group put together to go through the ACT program.

Each of them were filled with individuals that were individuals that were not in any combat zone, posers, or worst, non honorable discharged degenerates trying to get a disability check. I couldn't last more than 2 meetings in 2 of them and the third just one.

My advice, get the people that love you, your wife, kids if they are old enough, and parents in counseling or educated on PTSD so they can support you. I have a good counselor but without support your loved ones, it's much together. Check out the Vet Centers too. Try out groups until you find one. I just haven't found one yet.

Also going to Association meetings,DAV, VFW, SFA, 82nd, 101st, you are with individuals that can help you.

Hope it helps.

Response by AN Stephen Johnson made Mar 8 at 2016 8:58 PM

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I had PTSD for 15 years after I got out of the Navy. I told no one--not even my parents I did everything I could to hide it. Acting silly was my way of coping with it as strange as that may sound. Jesus one day enter my life and He alone help me through it.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Mar 9 at 2016 12:31 AM

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Sp4 Byron Skinner. I have booth of these conditions and everybody has to handle it the best they can, it will never go away. For some groups and support programs help, for others its meds that work the best. One thing about either treatment you can't stop either. If you start groups you have to stay in them for the rest of your life as with Meds. I know I will be 70 this year.

Response by MSgt Jeffrey Glick made Mar 9 at 2016 5:26 AM

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I like the CBT Cognitive Behavior Therapy treatment I receive. I also attend support groups at my request I like them because they can understand what I am going through

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Mar 9 at 2016 11:32 AM

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With the stigma attached to those with PTSD, and the horrible Treatment by the VA? No thanks.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Mar 9 at 2016 3:10 PM

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A funny side story to a not so funny issue.Everyone in my group were Vietnam and Korea veterans. To prepare us,we spent the first 15 minutes with eyes closed and complete silence.All the while playing Oriental music in the background for " relaxation ".At the start of the third session,all hell broke lose.Seems the music finally got to several old vets.The young, lady in charge, ran out of the room and we were never called back for any sessions.

Response by SSgt Chris Frey made Mar 9 at 2016 6:28 PM

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Hands down would recommend a organization saveawarrior.org it probably saved my life for ptsd and tbi.

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made Mar 12 at 2016 2:33 PM

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I have PTSD it really got "bad" in 2008 after I came back from my 2nd tour in Iraq ( 4th in the Middle east) and up until about 4 months ago I tried to deal with it by myself. I ended up being a "shut in and piss off at everyone and everything from my siblings to idiots in the government, I was losing my temper at a drop of a hat. The final straw for me was when I pulled my pistol on my brother. THAT when I realize that I needed help. I'm not in a group as of yet and I don't know if I ever will be, but I am talking to someone at the VA and to a friend of my that was in Beirut. I'm not good about talking about my feelings. But talking to someone does help.
A support group can help, so can talking one on one if a group isn't your thing. The thing is do not try to deal with it by yourself, it won't help and it could end up badly.

Response by LCpl Daniel R. Casey made Apr 7 at 2016 4:23 PM

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This is B.S. Originally the executive order dealt with stop loss. It all B.S. And I don't mean bachelor of science. If you were injured in combat or training you are entitled to full health care and benefits until recovered to full duty. That's pay, benefits and compensation! We are trained to fight that's what we do. Stop playing game vab. Nuff said!

Response by SSgt Chris Frey made Apr 15 at 2016 12:47 PM

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For everyone here I struggled with ptsd and was pretty suicidal until recently I attended an organization called saveawarrior.org I highly recommend it.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Apr 21 at 2016 6:21 PM

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Sp4 Byron Skinner. The simple answer is no. It was only about a year ago that medical research determined that the shock wave for an explosion has an effect on the human brain. They are still investigating what the effect of explosives that are a composition mix such as Composition B which as all of you know is a blend of 80% RDX and 20% TNT with about a 1.5% paraffin by volume that acts as a binder to stabilize the TNT. The shock waves for the RDX and TNT are in different parts of the energy spectrum and pass through the human body at different velocities and at different energy levels. If an 11B can figure this out why can't the medical research establishment?

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 21 at 2016 11:21 PM

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