I was in Iraq for 16 months. I didn't see combat but a year later I still suffer from nightmares and anxiety.

Question

Can any one explain this or help me find a way to make it go away?

Answer 1

Maybe you should talk to the chaplain or your PA about getting seen by a psychiatrist.

I spent a total of 2 years over there and did see combat (Army medic) and 2 years later still have nightmares and freak out at loud boom sounds. It's hard, but the thoughts will dissapate with time.

Good luck and thank you for your service!

Answer 2

Iraq is a frightening place to be and the daily stress you experienced will cause the nightmares and anxiety, it is called delayed stress syndrome. You need to talk to a Counselor and get some help dealing with the anxiety and nightmares. Good Luck.

Answer 3

You need to rebuild your peace reserves. Consider who are the most peaceful people around? Kids, of course. That is why they laugh so much and sleep so well. So consider what kids like and do the same things. Once you lighten up and build large peace reserves by laughing often like a kid and enjoying what kids like, you will find yourself with less nightmars and anxiety. Kids can be abused but still sleep well and be happy so you need to invest your thoughts in that dreamy place where they are:
watch movies like Shrek and Over the Hedge many times and just enjoy the humor; in time your humor/joy threshold will fall to the level where you will in fact enjoy these. I love still watching them after many times and I still laugh. Especially watch them with a kid and review the funny scenes. Kids love to watch and talk about the funny scenes. You should collect jokes, learning at least one new one per week from places like Jay Leno or Readers Digest. Then review them regularly. You just need to lighten up! You are too serious in an adult way. Take kids out for ice cream--often. Listen to an AM radio show that is funny; some are. Read kids books like those by Shel Silverstein or Bob Grahm. Spend time with puppies or dogs; kids love pups or dogs. Watch kids and do what they like; they have enormous peace reserves you need to gather by doing the same things.

Answer 4

Some folks are cut out for this nasty business and some aren't. Don't sign up again when they dangle that re-enlistment bonus in front of you.

Time heals all. This will pass as long as you have the will power to move on and replace the nightmares with newer, better experiences. If you feel you need help, many posts here have good advice of speaking to a professional. Thanks for your service!

Answer 5

Get a sleep study done. My husband didn't really see combat either, but he has nights were he will be completely asleep, but keeps me awake because he will rock back and forth, flinch and even scratch himself since he got back. He refuses to get a sleep study done. I would get some counseling to from a chapln or a pastor in your church. You don't have to see combat for the war to effect you. I have a combat patch just for being in a combat zone and I never fired a weapon.

Answer 6

Go to:
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1

And do a search for a local 'Vet Center.' Call them, explain what is going on and make an appointment. When you go - make sure that you take your DD-214 with you.

My experience is that the psychologists at the vet centers have shorter waiting times for appointments and have more experience in dealing with PTSD. (Psychologists at VA hospitals are not as good and civilian psychologists are totally clueless.)

Remember that 'Combat PTSD' is an injury and not a disease.

Answer 7

I wish I could help you in some way. To stop these awful nightmares and anxiety. But truthfully I have never dealt with this.
So I hope this helps you feel somewhat better...

Thank you so much for putting your brave heart on the line, for serving our Nation. I am so proud of you and all soldiers fighting against terriorism & helping to bring this war to an end. :You have a sweet spirit that is held in deepest HONOR, by we Americans. The things youve gone through, seen and are still dealing with..leaves us in awe and extream gratitude. We will never be able to Put our thanks into big enough words. May God bless your life & your families with extra blessings forever.

I do hope you can find help, to stop the problems your dealing with. Thanks again for everything!

Answer 8

You should go see a psychologist. What you are suffering from is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Answer 9

go to a therapist. you could be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is actually very common in returning military personnel. There are Army clinical psychologists trained for this kind of work. many of them have bee overseas themselves.

find your nearest Vet clinic, that's my advice.

Answer 10

Sounds like Post Tramatic Stress. Don't be ashamed to see a therapist.