What are YOU doing to help yourself with PTSD?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 08:45:36 -0400

I see article after article about, "What is (insert name) doing to help Soldiers with PTSD?" Has it occurred to anyone that the individual also has a responsibility to help him or herself? It occurred to me. Perhaps it would be helpful if we shared information with each other of how we can help ourselves.

Here are some ideas, there are a lot of references to "YOU and YOUR":

DEVELOP SELF HELP STRATEGIES

Have a personal support system. Your battle buddy great, your spouse, your mom/dad. Someone you can call when you're feeling stressed.

Exhibit self control. It is NOT ok to NOT stop your impulses to react in a negative or hurtful way to a given situation. Yes, you can do this, you have the power to choose your reaction. Don't let yourself yell or become angry over things your children, spouse or other do. Don't treat them as if they were in the military and didn't follow directions or make the right decisions.

Give yourself permission. You CAN give yourself permission to cry. If that means you have to pull over to the side of the road until it subsides then that's what you have to do.

Get back to being involved in YOUR life. Don't shun family gatherings, join a intramural sports team... Do the things you used to enjoy, go to a movie, your favorite coffee/doughnut spot, go to church.

Make YOURSELF responsible for YOUR behavior.

Don't use alcohol or drugs to help YOU forget. You're not going to forget and it's a temporary fix to a permanent problem.

If YOU feel that there is nothing left to live for GET HELP. Call a crisis hotline.

Join organizations that will help.

DEVELOP SELF HELP STRATEGIES.

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/cope/

Self-Help and Coping - PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Information on managing stress reactions and what to expect following a traumatic event, including the self-help tool, PTSD Coach Online.

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Sep 28 at 2015 9:01 AM

SSG Michael Hartsfield — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 09:01:13 -0400

One, stop pretending that I can handle it with one arm tied behind my back and blindfolded. I talk about it with my wife when I start getting...agitated and I see my therapist regularly. Two, I push through the rough spots, don't allow myself to think that I'm alone with this, and remind myself it's not abou "begin hard."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 9:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 09:08:34 -0400

I have been coping, without drugs or treatment, for the last few years. I took it upon myself to seek spiritual guidance and let the power of God work through me. I know, these sound like corny statements, but it has worked and continues to do so. I still have it, and it is likely to never go away, but I know it is my responsibility to myself to control it so it doesn't control my life.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 28 at 2015 9:16 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 09:16:30 -0400

I only talk about my problems with fellow vets. They understand and know when to push and when to pull. I've noticed that some civilians shy away when you mention P, let alone finish the TSD. And they always seem to think and ask the "magic question". It pisses me off faster than anything I can imagine. Why do they (some) think I had to hurt someone just because I'm hurting? Isolation is one of the worst things. It makes your mind the prison, and you won't escape that.

Response by SN Alex Tufail made Sep 28 at 2015 10:19 AM

SN Alex Tufail — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 10:19:34 -0400

I don't approve of the idea of "coping" I'm a human being who is very capable. I just tend to feel down and depressed. Yes, I will sit and not move for days on end, but when do get up and function again I complete every task and play catch up for a few days and then I'm back on track, and building myself up to where I need to be.
I don't believe in support systems either. There is no one I genuinely feel that I can talk to, because my issue isn't something I can express verbally to any human being. I just hate waking up on some days, and on others I wish I could fall off a cliff. On most days I just really want to be outside and climbing. When I lose the desire to engage in activities I love I force myself to engage so that I can keep myself going.
Being able to give inspiration and motivation to others is a great feeling and that keeps me going.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Sep 28 at 2015 11:24 AM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 11:24:05 -0400

I recognize that there is a Monster in me that has to me monitored and guided, for that reason I make sure that I take my sleep medications because I need my free thinking mind to supervise and guide the Monster. I practice Power Breath Meditation during the day too.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 28 at 2015 12:03 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:03:00 -0400

I looked for the light in the dark and found it, maybe it found me. I looked for the confidence to take control over my thoughts for over a year and found it. None of use have the illusion that beating PTSD is easy. I was hospitalized 4 times, made stupid mistakes with the Army and my family. I was destroying everything I loved including my career. The key is finding that light in the dark.

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Sep 28 at 2015 12:26 PM

PFC Robert Falk — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:26:10 -0400

Confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255 or call [login to see] and press 1

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 28 at 2015 1:41 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:41:15 -0400

Ma'am, all of these are great points - the most important is to have a confidant (a personal support system - in the AF we call this person a Wingman) to be able to help you! Nobody should try to fix PTSD/TBI on their own - nobody should HAVE too! Thanks for posting, ma'am!

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 28 at 2015 2:30 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:30:28 -0400

Have any of you guys who are dealing with PTSD been to the VA for their assistance?? The VA in Palo Alto CA working with Stanford Medical Center had a program to help with PTSD. And from what I understand other VA Medical Centers also have PTSD treatment programs..

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 2:34 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:34:41 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, Great post and thanks for sharing. I don’t have PTSD and I can’t truly empathize with others that have PTSD, but I can sympathize with service members and their families that have to deal with the outcomes of having PTSD. The main thing that I can do for myself is to keep myself knowledgeable about possible symptoms of PTSD and knowing the many outreach and support group professionals available for service members that need the support. I want to remain a responsible leader on this topic and be able to help any Soldier, peer or leader if the time needs be.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Sep 28 at 2015 4:01 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:01:21 -0400

The only answer I have for this is "The best I can..." Sometimes it works great, sometimes not so great... Sometimes I remember my support system, PBT, CBT, life skills, counseling, resilience etc and all is great with the world; and sometimes, I wish the world would just go the **** away... I quit drinking, quit smoking, eat healthier and I feel great, and sometimes, I feel dirty, weak and sick... The Lord really is my shepherd so I do not want for anything, but sometimes, I want is not typical or understood... Sometimes just knowing and doing all of these things isn't enough, but I must admit and acknowledge, not knowing would/could probably be much much worse. I appreciate reading your posts on PTSD here as they solidly remind me that I've come a long way, but also instills the reality that I still got a ways to go... :)

Response by CPT Tamara Brewer made Sep 28 at 2015 8:17 PM

CPT Tamara Brewer — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:17:47 -0400

Photography and Art. Creative therapy on my own.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 29 at 2015 12:55 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 12:55:26 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member This is a little off track, but those who aren't doing anything right now, especially if they are still serving or if they are a veteran and they want to try something different. Please take a look at this Group Page:

If they are interested in getting demonstration they can reach out to me at: [login to see] or that can connect with Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM Action4Vets, also a part of Virtual World Soltuions d/b/a Sponsor a Vet Life.

Veterans and Active Duty, along with their families will be sponsored for free through thsi program.

https://www.rallypoint.com/organizations/sponsor-a-vet-life-virtual-world-solutions-d-b-a-sponsor-a-vet-life

Virtual World Solutions d/b/a Sponsor A Vet Life | RallyPoint

Discover veteran friendly jobs at Virtual World Solutions d/b/a Sponsor A Vet Life and connect with military members and veterans working there now.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 29 at 2015 1:29 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:29:11 -0400

I've taken care of myself. I understand my demons and keep a handle. Believe it or not, M.A.S.H. has helped. I've watched the show and can relate to many of the situations. I've also got a VN Vet with whom I spend time with when I can. He listens when I talk, I listen when he talks. We also have lots of quite time with a Jim Beam in hand.

Response by PO2 Brandon Boucher made Sep 29 at 2015 2:09 PM

PO2 Brandon Boucher — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:09:44 -0400

I am helping myself, by being of service to others. When I'm in alignment with my true purpose, GREAT things happen in my life. I have tried numerous therapies for dealing with PTSD...nothing has worked as well for me as Meditation. Since I began meditation my quality of life has improved, I'm less angry, less triggered, and much more grounded and centered in my life. I met my amazing wife and have helped other Vets implement Mediation into their daily lives, and I've seen a vast improvement in all the ones that it works for.

It is why I serve those who have also served!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 30 at 2015 10:37 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 10:37:00 -0400

There's an old joke - "How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? One - but he really has to want to change..."

The point being that recover can never happen unless the person in need of healing takes those first steps towards recovery.

To sit and say "woe is I" and do nothing, makes one as complicit as all the failures of the system...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 6:05 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 06:05:31 -0400

There's a program called Evolution in Landstuhl for Active Duty stationed in Europe, that I recently "graduated" from. It is an 8 week outpatient treatment for PTSD. I was very skeptical before going but it was very beneficial. Very difficult but very rewarding.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Dec 20 at 2015 5:28 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 17:28:03 -0500

Thank you CPT Private RallyPoint Member. I have problems with rage-and then the subsequent tears. I call 1-800-NOW-PRAY; for a prayer. Sometimes they will even make up a special prayer for me; and that is ever so heartwarming. I just ask them to pray for peace; for me.

Response by SFC Jim Mergott made Dec 20 at 2015 8:29 PM

SFC Jim Mergott — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 20:29:23 -0500

Well I like to think that I don't have PTSD. My family would argue with me about this for sure. Here is how I deal with any stress I might feel from past combat situations. 1-accept that hind site is always 20/20.Even if you did the right thing. 2-accept the fact that whatever happened , happened . It is what it is.3- accept the FACT that as a leader there will ALWAYS be someone who has a problem with your desisions wrong or right and finally realize it is time to move on and continue with the present situation in your life.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Dec 20 at 2015 11:24 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 23:24:52 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Thank you,Ma'am,for posting.As i stated in another thread,your post are always interesting and enlightening.

Response by PFC David Ryba made Dec 21 at 2015 7:24 AM

PFC David Ryba — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 07:24:31 -0500

I help other vets with Veterans Media Services. Veterans helping veterans. Best medicine one can take.

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Welcome to Veterans Media Services. Here you will find links to our veterans multimedia productions and photos of veterans events and activities. You will also find links to various veterans groups and organizations. Please feel free to stop by often. We will be updating this site as new information on veterans activities and new productions become available.If you do not have access to your local PEG TV station or the PEG station in your area...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 1:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 13:41:41 -0500

taking my meds, going to church, trying to spread the gospel, seeing my social worker almost weekly and trying to seek friends on here, but no one has responded yet to me.

Response by SSG Donald Blackwell made Dec 21 at 2015 7:10 PM

SSG Donald Blackwell — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 19:10:47 -0500

Living life is already difficult without the stigma of a title. I retired in 2003 and never knew that I had PTSD, although I had an incident while on recruiting duty in 1994 that lead to me leaving my tour early. I reported to mental health for about 6 weeks and they knew I had PTSD; however, they failed or neglected to even place it in my official files. So, if the US Army at that time kept it from my official files, I can only imagine what it would do to soldiers now. I understand what stigma is associated with PTSD and live with it daily. After returning as a contractor in 2010, from Kandahar, Afghanistan, I was in such a state that I decided I had to get treatment at all costs or lose my sanity. My treatment team was amazed at my progress after 6 months and many will tell you that they believed, I wasn't going to make it. I was tattered and frayed - mentally. I lived outside the wire between the red zone and amber zone at night and worked in the red zone by day. I witnessed kidnappings, explosions, shootings, and wondered many times when was my time going to be. I survived until 1st vacation term and resigned.
I endured 6 months of outpatient PTSD and personal recovery programs, almost as if being at the VA hospital was a full-time job. The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Groups also helped twice a week. I joined a group that was sponsored by the Hampton VAMC (Virginia) which was comprised of veteran-to-veteran facilitators who had been seen and suffered from PTSD or other mental health illnesses. This gave me a feel of brotherhood and that there was someone who knew what I was dealing with in my life. This helped my healing process go smoother.
I recommend to any unit, group, or team to develop your own recovery group to assist and lead to service members to self-recovery through open dialogue. If someone does not want to deal with a mental health professional, at least they can talk with others who have or may want to get through this process of self recovery with people they trust. Maybe, if the military create training to aid soldiers in this process and model it like combat lifesaver training, we can recover a portion of the generation of combat soldiers that witnessed war at its worse.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Dec 22 at 2015 2:50 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:50:59 -0500

I take my medication as prescribed. I do my yoga, going to the chiropractor and acupuncture. I also educate myself about PTSD and try to stay in tune with current event treatments of PTSD. I have gone to a PTSD Support Group and I have also gone to CPT-Cognitive Processing Therapy. It did help too. There is also Sponsor a Vet website, all kinds of resources. I also have a WRAP-Wellness Recovery Action Plan too. You as an individual need to know what your triggers are. Positive Self Talk, deep breathing, reading warrior ptsd self help books. Make the Connection. Reading poetry about the Vietnam War from a soldier who was with the 101st Airborne. I have wife, my two sons, and my two labs. My Christian Faith in Jesus Christ plays a big part too.

My son was watching the Soldier's Silent Night on his I-pad and he began to cry. I asked him what was wrong? My son stated, "The soldier is alone, and he is lonely, he has no bed to sleep on except the floor". Once I heard my son say this about his feelings, my heart melted. I explained to my son, there are some people who make the decision to satisfice and to fight for the values and principles of what
America is about, and what it stands for, and fighting for our Christian faith too. I told him, I made the choice to do that and I have the physical and invisible scars to show for it. My son came to me and gave me the biggest hug. I fight for them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 9:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 21:37:12 -0500

To everyone here.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 1:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 13:37:16 -0400

Tried drugs, tried therapy, tried counseling... The best thing that I have found that works for me is staying busy, and spending every free moment on hobbies or work. It's the down time that gets me... the less I have, the less I feel it coming back.