how do i get treated for ptsd?

Question

i got back from iraq in december of 2005. i saw quite a few things that disturbed me. i have seen the military doctors and they tell me that i have ptsd but on my military records they deny any sign of it, i feel that the army is completely disregarding my wellbeing as a human and strictly treating me as a government machine like i have been trained to be. i am on celexa now and still have temper problems and become very impatient at everyday things. my wife and i are struggling for a way to compensate for my condition...military is not helping, please give knowledgable advice. [e-mail]

Answer 1

I would definately raise some hell about not getting treatment for something so common for people in your position. PTSD is treated with counseling, lifestyle changes, support groups, support from family and friends, exercise, and proper diagnosis (there are three categories: acute, chronic and delayed onset). Also, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy are helpful too.

You should not drink alcohol or take street drugs, this will make matter much worse. If you do have a problem with these, get help.

Write some letters to senators, congressmen/women, higher mucky mucks in government and especially the media. This is not right that you are not getting the help you need and I am sure if it's happening to you, it's happening to others too.

Being on meds does not solve the problem and are only meant for a short period of time, you don't want to be a zombie on pills, that is why you need to get the help you need and work on it.

Hang in there, with proper help, you will see improvement. Take care, I'm glad you are home.

Answer 2

celexa not working you need a mood stabalizer you are starting to have out burst of anger issue. have yr wife check you in screaming and yelling into an adult psych unit that will get the ball rolling. not the military unit an adult psych and a county hospital. LOL ! Free advice From a psych Nurse Go get em. Actually be sure to tell them your anger makes you want to kill someone. that is call Homocidal Ideation You will Sure get help then. Also be sure to keep it up tell them when you get mad you see all the things that happened over there and you can't sleep you get sweaty and angry sometimes wake up with dry heaves shaking ect.

Answer 3

First, I'd like to thank you for your time serving our country. I can't imagine what it would be like to see some of those things that you did. But, regardless of what the Army says on your records, you can still see a therapist and a psychiatrist, and get professional help with this. If you have trouble with the cost, most areas offer sliding scales, based on your ability to pay. Good luck, and God bless.

Answer 4

Try; the veterans administration: www.va.gov.
The National center for PTSD, 802-296-6300, www.ncptsd.va.gov

You probably are eligible but you can find out for sure at the VA website. Reservists and National Guard veterans are eligible for two years following discharge.

The Disabled American Veterans and Amvets can give you help and support.

Answer 5

The best way to help cure PTSD is to talk to a therapist. I know it can seem kind of stupid, but it really does help. Professionals know what to talk about to help you heal. If for some reason you can't get to a therapist, you might try talking to someone that you trust about what bothered you. It should be someone you don't mind being somewhat vulnerable around so maybe your girlfriend or family.