As an EMT and a Disabled Vet, I can speak (some) from either perspective - IMHO, one of the big obstacles to folks getting help for PTSD is the stigma, however unfairly attached, to asking for help. While that may be the single most intelligent step in the process, it leaves you with a 'tag' (no pun intended) - after all, it's called a DISORDER.

I'm glad that folks are waking up and realizing how bad this can be. It's nice to see the powers-that-be becoming more pro-active in helping folks through it.

These are some things that helped me through some of mine. If anyone has some other helps, post 'em up so we can try to help ourselves help each other too.

1) "Right" or "wrong" for having it doesn't matter anymore - I have it.

2) The smartest thing I did, no matter how bad I have it or how long it takes to help, is to admit I have a problem. That puts ME in a better frame of mind to look for/accept help.

3) Friends and family count now more than ever, even if they don't understand. I accept that they mean good for me even if they occassionally and unintentionally flub showing it because they don't know what it's like because they haven't had the experience(s) I have.

4) Telling your friends/family what you feel like in certain situations is a good thing to do - they can help spot possible 'triggers' that you may not see.

5) I'm not weak for asking for help - I'm SMART for talking about it and asking for help when I need it.

I can finally talk (some) about mine. While in the 82nd, I witnessed a horrible parachute accident (a plane was out of position and flew through a drop of jumpers), and I was IN a parachute acccident (which is why I am a Disabled Vet). I was a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT on 9/11 working a train wreck (on a line that fed/left a major chemical plant) here in Texas that we thought might be related to what we had just seen on TV in New York (I was ordered to be one of the first into the train because of my HazMat & Confined Space training at the time). Toss in some messy accidents and scenes I responded to, and yeah, I've got a few that I can still see.

My case is milder than some and worse than some. Guess what - degree doesn't matter - PTSD is PTSD. I can function in day-to-day living, but when I say something is getting to me, don't argue, just accept it and help me.

Talking AT ALL is progress, even if you can only go for a minute, or for one honest feeling. It will vary from person to person. Props for trying.

I feel better knowing I can talk a little here from time to time if I need to. I hope some of you others can feel a little safer too with this place.

Now for a personal plea for all you others out there reading - we're taking a BIG chance opening up where strangers can read. DON'T BLOW THIS FOR US.
Please. And thanks. Maybe some of what you see here can help you or someone you know. We won't mind that a bit.

--TAG--

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After 35+ years, I long since gave up trying to figure much more out than he wants to share. Ha. I'm sure I know more than I realize, just by knowing him.

We've been engaged in long, difficult conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan...I just hope we're prepared, as a nation, to help those returning with the hidden scars that they'll inevitably carry. We obviously didn't do such a good job after Vietnam, as the statistics for homelessness and incarceration for that group show.

Sectionate; Good info, I know as I also deal with it after my service with the Rangers. I served from 82-89 and didn't share anything with anyone until I met my wife 10 years ago.
The mind is powerful and strange, 2 years ago, about the anniversary of my capture, my mind went sideways, my body bruised and bled in all the places it did during that time, I remember none of it but y wife actually called an ambulance and our friends as it scared her. It hasn't happened since to that extent, I get irritable at anniveseray times (deaths of friends, other significant events)
Believe it or not, MilSim paintball is cathargic for me, I relive certain emotions but, because it is paintball, I can re-write the endings. I do not pretend to understand why it helps, but it seems to.
At least I am comfortable with being strange....

And being comfortable is a great place to be

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Amen brother.

Comfy is good - I feel ya, bro.

--TAG--

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