|
how to fix my mind
I've been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan a couple of times. And sence about 2007 or so I've had a lot of issues with people and life in general. I can't sleep, I go days up to a week at a time without sleep. I've been seen by docs a lot for issues. I've been on more medications then I can remember. Nothing seems to really help. I've set in councilors for hours. I feel like it's just really to annoying to go back to the docs. I can't stand being around people, and anytime someone says something to me all I want to do is stab them. This makes work difficult. If I close my eyes and try to sleep I wake up in about an hour and feel like I'm back on patrol or on fire, or that I'm about to die any second again. So then I can't go back to sleep. I've seen a lot of lives end in seconds, and have almost lost my own on a couple times. I wonder why I'm here everyday. It's just getting to be to much to deal with and I don't know what to do anymore. All I wanted to do the every time I deployed was hurry back home, but I noticed each time I went the less I wanted to come back. And I really don't want to be here right now either. Is this ever going to fix itself or am I just slowly getting crazier?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
This surely sounds like PTSD with the possibility of other issues factoring in as well.
You mentioned seeing a number of doctors and taking several medications but I didn't notice you mentioning involvement in any type of support group. The fact that you can use such groups to find some people to lean on that have been in a similar situation can be amazingly helpful.
I don't know if you are religious or not but taking some time out to pray about it could help. Another more mental option is to invest some time in learning how to meditate. Studies have proven this can alleviate stress and help relax the body in many ways.
I really admire the fact that you are admitting to these issues rather than bottling them up inside, which can literally and figuratively destroy a person.
The truth is, what you have been though and seen is so extreme that in order to come to terms with it and move on in a productive and healthy manner, the process is surely not a quick fix. And I doubt anyone can tell you with any real idea how long it might take for you to "recover" if you will. But hold out hope, take steps like the ones above to keep moving toward your goal and as the famous college basketball coach Jim Valvano once said, "Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”
]
It sounds like you are suffering from PTSD. PTSD is relatively new to the field of Mental Health and is not as once was thought to be just another form of battle fatigue. Since it is new there are not a lot of doctors and psychologists
Who are truly qualified to work with sufferers of this illness. That doesn't mean there is no hope.
Several years ago the government asked a company called Magellan Health Services, who are the largest provider to mental health services in the country. They were asked to identify and credential those health care providers who are truly trained to care for people suffering from PTSD; especially veterans such as yourself.
What you need to do is call directory assistance to see if there is a local office in your state that you can contact for help in contacting a provider who is trained in caring for those suffering from PTSD. If there is no local office than follow this link to their website.
I was unable to find a toll free number for them but the following phone number is to their headquarters in St Louis if you need it. (314) 266-0437
From one veteran to another, Hang in their buddy. Give these people a call I am confident they can help you.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
]
I'm not a medical professional, nor am I a licensed psychologist or anything of the like.
From the very little I know about mental health problems and such, I do know that sometimes you just have to keep trying to seek out different professionals to help you. It sounds like (and again, I'm NOT a doctor or anything, so take this at face value) you have the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and there are going to be professionals who specialize in treatment of PTSD, specifically with war veterans.
As far as going about finding this professional, I think google is a good start. Just type in your state/area and also psychology specialists or something, and some options should appear.
I know you said that you have sought out doctors and taken all sorts of meds and that it hasn't worked, but (again) from the (very) little I know about mental health, it's important not to give up because the most common solution to PTSD or other mental health disorders may not help everyone, and trying new medications according to what your doctor prescribes (that means duration, amount, etc.) is crucial to helping you find peace.
Stay strong. There are people who love you and I truly hope you find the help you need, and I'm confident you will. Take care.
--Jack
(22/m)
]
More Questions: |