So I fought in Iraq, but now I'm back and I fill out of place, What should I do to get back to my normal self?

Question

Fought in war. I feel different why?

Answer 1

This happens to all of us. You have looked into the face of the abyss and have been forever changed.

You are now back in the US and trying to understand people who have no clue as to what really is important. You also probably miss the feeling you get when you are surrounded by people who you can literally depend on with your life.

These things will pass.

Answer 2

Hiya, my son is the army and the biggest thing he feels when he is home on leave is that his views on civilian life have changed, he doesnt like the fact that most civvies are lazy loud mouth slobs. He totally enjoys the discipline and routine that the army gives him on a daily basis and finds civvy street pretty grim because there doesnt seem to be any respect anymore. So, you'll find that people that you thought were friends havent moved on in life whereas you have grown into some one who has been given an avenue to follow in life, it is pretty hard though, my man who was infantry took a while to get back into the civvy way of life but found that writing a journal kept him going.

Remember your routine on a daily basis mate, the time that you got up and had breakfast etc and if you can stick to it and then take a day off sort of thing........... take one day at a time hons.

Also try speaking to people that have been there and take time to remember things that you have gone thru, both good and bad.

The very best of luck, take time my friend, after all you werent turned into a soldier over night, it took weeks of training and that cant be done over night hey??

You are different, you have grown and experienced things whether good or bad which no one really understands unless they have been there.

Crickey, typical woman, i ramble on. Anyway best of luck and hang in there!!

Answer 3

Doubting also, but do seek some help adjusting if you feel like you need it, and you probably do at some point, it's only healthy.

Are you staying in the military? If so I'd train up & try for something bigger, like Ranger school or something. You can apply for a Army flight contract. There's lots of stuff.

If you're getting out, you probably do need counseling or to join a guard reserve unit for a while. It's alike the cool down lap after you run your *** off. You need to step back in slowly. Civilian-wise, I'd be looking at getting some more education with those benefits & on with my life of making some cash so I can retire on a damn lake somewhere. You know what ti is you love, just take that motivated service you just got done with & apply it to accomplishing your goals. Good luck!

Answer 4

This modern society has forgotten that war is a profane space and that transition back into the sacred space of peace is something like rebirth -- just as bewildering and potentially traumatic.

You need to find a shaman from a more primal culture. Many American-Indian tribes have urban shamans you can find through the local native American community. If he is good, he will gladly help you through your transition. Sweat lodges help, and learning how to meditate. Group therapy with fellow vets is very helpful.

Good luck. It is a painful transition; but you have taken a giant first step by asking for help. The universe will respond to your request, have faith in that for the time being...

Answer 5

Reconnect with your family and friends. Do things that give you joy i.e fishing,swimming,play sports. Go to the local Veterans Of Foreign Wars to talk to those who understand what you have been through. Living in a war zone means being always on alert even during your off time. If you take a life no matter the reason,it leaves a mark on you. Check into counseling if you have nightmares. Peace.

Answer 6

Dude You Are Different, We All Change,Nothing Stays The Same,Appreciate The Job You Guys Are Doing And Have Done,Just Take It Slow And Easy,Hell You'll Be Alright,Nothin Stays The Same...

Answer 7

Do you get this feeling like home just isn't home anymore? Do you feel sometimes like you belong back there with "your family", but at the same time you are tired of war? Do you sometimes watch people doing things that are fun to them yet they seem pointless to you? The best thing you can do is don't TRY to fit in. You have matured far beyond your peer group. You have seen and done things no one who hasn't experienced them will ever understand. You will NEVER get back to your "old" self...that guy doesn't exist anymore. Instead you must get comfortable with who you have become. Going back to school might be a good idea. Develop new interests and hobbies. Watch out for depression and at the first sign go to the VA for counseling. Avoid anything that interferes with personal growth. Avoid alcohol or drugs. Stay physically active.
That's about all I can tell you. Been there, done that. Thankyou for your service and WELCOME HOME!

P.S. Just one more word of advice. Contrary to what scott o said, it would be better to avoid argument and dissent about the war. Anti war vets can sometimes seem like your brothers but they are a prime target for subversive types that will try to use that camraderie you feel with other vets to influence your way of thinking and destroy your pride in yourself and your country.
Stick with VFW or American Legion vets if you choose to socialize with other vets.

Answer 8

The sleep patterns take time to go back to normal. Give it about six months to a year. Back in training you're going to be a lot more relaxed about things since you know what is important and what isn't.

Try not to spend all the money you saved. But definitely go and buy some of the things you were daydreaming about. Just not all of them.

It's fine to hang around civilians when you're on leave and stuff, but remember when you talk to them, no matter what they say, they don't understand. You're better off talking to vets (make sure they're real) and talking to the guys in your unit.

If it's that bad when you get out, go in the guard or reserves.

Answer 9

Let's say that I decide to believe you that you fought (and if you did, you should be very proud of yourself, but surely you can understand the amount of pathetic attention-seekers who would come here and make claims like that. Aren't those people dispicably ignornat?), I would have to say that it's because now you have to re-learn to integrate yourself into non-violent society. It's only natural that going from having to be on edge all the time, fighting for your life, wondering if you're going to leave to eat another day, to being in a safe, comfortable environment with people who love you, is going to be very difficult.

You just have to keep reminding yourself that you are not in enemy territory any more, but don't let your guard down so much that you get surprised by something more mundane (like a car accident). I would suggest writing down your feelings, and then re-reading them later. It might help you organize your thoughts.

(That's what I do. I'm a recovered Manic-Depressive/Insomniac. It really helps me to better understand myself. )

Answer 10

i dont think you'll ever feel the same way. You've been through something that not a lot of people go through, you've seen a lot more than any of us will ever see. Its ok to fill out of place for a while, just hang on to your friends and family and catch up on all you've missed. Its ok to feel different because your experience is something that im sure has made you stronger and the same time grateful for what you have.. Thank god you're back here safe...
ps. Thank you thank you, thank you