i was in Iraq 2 times. a year later i am a civilian and having bad nightmares?

Question

and really bad anxiety as soon as night falls. they gave me xanax seems to work but i dont want to rely on pills. as soon as night comes im constantly looking behind my back checking locks. keeping lights on. I feel like a big p*ssy. and my heart is pounding. and i will just sit up in my bed all night with no sleep. What can or should I do? Please serious answers only

Answer 1

i feel for you, you need to see a really good doctor that understands post traumatic disorders. or do you have a friend or family member that you can talk to when your feeling "bad". Have you tried over the counter sleeping aids? Dont feel like a pus*. Your human and we all go through crap like this. If you ever need a friend I'm here : ) take care

Answer 2

Thank you for all you've done while in the service. I can't even imagine what you're going through right now. My heartfelt advice (take with a grain of salt) is to recommend that you get two books that helped me with panic/anxiety attacks I used to have a few years ago. "Don't Panic" by Ried Wilson and "I'm Ok, You're Ok" by Thomas Harris. Both books will help you understand that what you're dealing with is fairly normal (human instinct in overprotective drive) and how "cognitive psychology" can be used to help control your feelings. If nothing more, education has always been the key to freedom. The more you know, the more we're able to cope in this sometimes overwhelming world of ours. Hope this is somewhat helpful - take care.

Answer 3

you are not a pussy at all!! you really need to understand that first of all. there are some ppl like me who would try to run if i had to go over there. so what you did was very courageous! i really dont want to sound like a smart *** but maybe you should try counseling. i had a friend come back from iraq with similar things going on and it helped somewhat but not all the way. i guess there are going to be some things that only time can heal, if it is healable.

Answer 4

I would talk to a psychologist. I have 3 friends which served in Iraq, all 3 eventually ended up talking to a psychologist. The diagnosis was Post dramatic stress disorder. One of my friends will not take prescription narcotics- so he sees his doctor more often. After about a month of therapy, he seems a lot more "collected".

You are anything BUT a P***Y- you risked your life for America- Thank you!

Good luck, and thanks again!

Answer 5

Have you gotten in contact with the Veterans Administration? There may be a hospital near you with support groups for PTSD. Also you could contact the local Amvets Chapter; it should be in the phone book. They might send someone to talk to you about how to get help. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

First of all, let me personally thank you for serving for all of us who haven't and protecting us.

I think your problem is very typical of anyone who has served during a war. The things you saw and went through we can only imagine in our wildest dreams. I think talking to a therapist about everything you saw and went through will help you. You've got to get it out and not keep it bottled up. Maybe for the meantime, till you get things worked out alittle, sleep with the t.v. on and the small light and noise will help your mind to relax so you can fall asleep. Best of luck to you and God Bless!