My husband is in Iraq. And lately he has been having very erratic behavior. He says that he is not depressed and everything is fine. I know he is not. How can I get him some help while he is in Iraq and when he is home when he wont even admit that he has a problem?
2007-08-17 17:53:12 · 7 answers · asked by yuma yuma 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
As long as he's in Iraq u can't do anything. Even once he gets back u can't make him do anything he doesn't want to do willingly. U could mention it to his CO, but he will probably be very upset w/ u, it can limit his promotions and possibly get him dismissed from the service all together, so I wouldn't recommend it. This is one of those things he needs to do on his own, although u can encourage him. There are treatment facilities on post w/ programs specifically for PTSD. And there's always a plethora of psychologists he can see. I would try calling militaryONE Source. The number is on the TriCare website. Keep in mind though, it might not be that he has PTSD. If u sense something is wrong it could just be the fact that he is in Iraq at the moment! People change while on deployment...
2007-08-17 18:51:27 · answer #1 · answered by elk571 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a vet with PTSD also and its hard cause no one wants to be labeled with psych problems , it does limit the promotion possibility's
Ive been out 2 years and just a week ago went in for some kind of help after being ran around for 2 days about when to call for appointments and a few other pita ( pain in the ***) problems i got a few meds
that's all, so it still makes me feel like nothing has happened
only thing you can really do if you feel he might hurt himself is contact your rear de chain of command or better yet the FRG ( family readyness group) and talk to either the first Sergent's wife or commanders wife about what you think about your husband or what he has been telling you if you ask they will get through to top or the commander, and they will get some help for him one way or the other
the wives will act faster than the military, no doubt and god bless
damn my eyes truly have gotten alittle watery typing that last line
2007-08-17 18:12:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Most TMC's (troop medical clinics) and hospitals in Iraq have attached Combat Stress Units, who have people to talk to. PTSD is something that is diagnosed after a person comes back from the war, normally months later. It is called Combat Stress when they're still downrange. There used to be a huge stigma attached to having these kind of "problems". The army has drastically changed it's outlook on this. Someone who visits Combat Stress can talk about whatever problems they're encountering...problems with relationships, money, things they're experiencing in Iraq. If he feels comfortable, he can ask his PL or Commander how to find Combat Stress, or he can go to his medical unit or TMC and ask them. You can't force him to do something he doesn't want to, of course, but tell him you're concerned and ask him to go talk to these people. After he comes back, if you're still active duty you would go through your medical treatment facility. If he gets out, go to the VA.
2007-08-17 20:02:46 · answer #3 · answered by cait 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it takes time, lots of it. Im sorry he has to go throught that. dont try madication, it will just make it worse over time. he can get disability money, iim sorry I cant be more help but thats all I know. I dont have ptsd but my friends and relatives have and the ones on meds are much worse
2007-08-17 18:21:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He needs to see the medical unit supporting his unit. Also, a session with his unit's chaplain won't hurt.
P.S.: Men who have been in combat don't want to talk about it. He will open up to you when he's ready. Don't push him. With all due respect, military men are not great fans of Oprah, Doctor Phil, et. al.
2007-08-17 18:05:09 · answer #5 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you can't. HE has to want to get help. All you can do is maybe contact the Chaplain over there and let him know your concerns.
2007-08-18 01:10:57 · answer #6 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, thank you for both your husband’s AND your sacrifice to our country. I too have family who have served and are currently serving in the military. I know the difficulties that are part of the separation and waiting for them to return.
The ways these things are handled have changed over the past couple of decades. The current military culture works at trying to provide for both the deployed member and their family’s mental health needs, with special focus on the stresses of deployment. Even though he is still in Iraq, you can get help to learn how to help him and deal with your own stresses. Your home duty station has resources like your Family Support Center, Base Chaplin and Clinic with Mental Health Services and your PCM.
The thing about PTSD is that it can occur at any time. Even if he is fine over there and fine when he returns, it could hit him months down the road. So it is a good idea to learn how to recognize the symptoms and what you can do.
Below I have copied an excerpt from one of the things that was given to my husband and his guys when they returned from Iraq this past January. They list PTSD symptoms and resources. A PDF version of the complete resource and other helpful information/resources can be found at http://www.centerforthestudyoftraumaticstress.org/ . See the Fact Sheets’ link.
I hope this is helpful for you both.
* Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that results when traumatic experiences (such as combat) lead to lasting symptoms: nightmares, flashbacks, and unsettling memories of the trauma. Other symptoms that are experienced and can be noticed by others include excitability, nervousness, over anxiousness, hypervigilance, and avoidance of people or social situations that can remind a person of the trauma experience. Symptoms of PTSD are serious and require medical attention, but there is good news. PTSD is a treatable problem and combat veterans can recover. But, left untreated PTSD can lead to problems in day-to-day living, both for veterans and their families.
* Depression is different from normal human unhappiness. Depression is a deep, unchanging, prolonged and painful sadness that does not respond to attempts to help a person "cheer up." It includes a loss of interest in things one was previously interested in, including family, hobbies, friends and work. Depression typically leads to changes in individual functioning (difficulties with appetite, sleep, concentration and enjoyment of activities once a source of pleasure), as well as a loss of a sense of wellness and self-esteem. There are excellent treatments available for depression.
Seeking Help
It is often difficult for veterans with combat related emotional or behavioral problems to seek the help they need and deserve. People often feel ashamed and view their suffering as a sign of personal weakness - something they can ‘snap out of’ or ‘tough it out’. Family and friends can help by pointing out that emotional problems are no different from medical problems, and must be diagnosed and treated like any medical condition (i.e. a cough, sore throat or sprained or broken ankle.) It is also important to let the person know that their health affects the health and well being of the entire family and should not be neglected. The good news is that medical treatments today are very effective for helping with these problems. Our military supports help-seeking, especially early on before problems worsen and interfere with quality of life.
Resources
Many resources are available to veterans through the DoD, Veterans Affairs (VA) and community agencies. When appropriate, service members and their families should seek out help from health care professionals who have experience in the treatment of combat stress related problems. Sometimes a chaplain, a good friend or a trusted member of your unit can make it easier to arrange for the right kind of help. Service members living in more remote locations (such as National Guardsmen, reservists or those who have left active duty status) should reach out to VA or local (TRICARE) healthcare providers in the civilian community where they live.
For additional information see Internet websites:
http://www.militaryonesource.com/skins/MOS/home.aspx
http://www.battlemind.org/
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/helping_a_family_member.html
http://www.centerforthestudyoftraumaticstress.org/
Warning Signs
Symptoms that require medical attention include:
* Strong desire to avoid other people that continues for weeks or months after return
* Increased jitteriness or jumpiness that does not go away after return home
* Headaches or unexplained changes in personality or thinking
* Unsettling memories or flashbacks to uncomfortable wartime events that continue after coming home
* Sense of sadness, guilt or failure that does not improve
* Angry outbursts, irritability, family arguments or physical fighting that is out of character and continues
* Changes in alcohol use - drinking more and more often; guilt about use, inability to decrease or stop use, or family member concerns about use.
* Risk-taking behaviors - reckless driving or other risky activities that have health consequences
* Thoughts of death or a wish to no longer be living (this is serious. Family and friends should call a doctor or 911 immediately).
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
Tel: 301-295-2470
Fax: 301-319-6965
www.usuhs.mil/csts
2007-08-17 22:59:59 · answer #7 · answered by D G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋