depression in iraq?

Question

ok i am currently in iraq and i was talking my my mom who is a doctor and she says she believes i am deveopling atypical depression and i need to go see a doctor, i mentioned combat stress and she said no you need to see a real doctor and not a military one. what should i do?

Answer 1

It's been widely reported in the American media that military doctors are not treating soldiers with depression or mental and emotional disorders. Instead, they're simply sloughing it off and sending these kids right back into combat. I would urge you to seek private professional help. If you can't leave Iraq, then at least arrange to talk to a qualified mental health professional over the phone. This insane 'war' has taken a toll on American soldiers that we won't recognize for years to come - perhaps even decades (just as we failed to see it in returning Vietnam veterans). I urge you to get professional help. Don't let military physicians tell you "it's nothing". Few human beings can deal with the stress, anxieties, and horrors associated with 'war'.
It astonishes me how many people on this YaHoo forum casually sit at there computers and talk about killing and "blowing their brains out" without ever having any first-hand experiences with such carnage. It affects people for the rest of their lives, and - for those of us who sit here on our computers and callously suggest that killing other human beings is some kind of 'war sport' - I can only say, "Don't be so selfishly brazen! You don't have a CLUE how this affects soldiers. If you really want to find out, than have the balls to shut off your computer, give up all your creature comforts, put down the remote, get your a*s up off the couch, and enlist!" -RKO- 09/06/07

Answer 2

First, get yourself a copy of "On Combat" by LTC Grossman (www.killology.com). Have a chat with the chaplain (even if you aren't religious.)

And realize that civilians cannot understand the things you're experiencing. A mom and civilian doctor cannot appreciate it. She is being that right now. (Yes, she does have your best interests at heart but that doesn't necessarily mean she's correct.)

If you need to see a military doctor after talking to the chaplain that's fine but there are no "civilian doctors" for you to go talk to, but if you feel you must, ask around the next time you're around a bunch of contractors. Talk to their doc. It's the closest you'll come to a civilian doctor. It's also the closest a 'civilian doctor' will come to being able to understand.

In fact, if she is unsupportive of the war and your part in it, she could very possibly be a source of the problem you face. Send her a copy of the book as well.

Answer 3

Well, for as long as your in Iraq, the only docs you can see are military, in my opinion, it all depends on what feelings you have at the moment, more than likely you can be experiencing combat stress, combat stress can be a variety of things, extreme fatigue, fear, home sickness, that's just some of the things that come with the Field of being in the military and being in a combat zone, but it all boils down to combat stress most of the time, the only time it may be otherwise is if you have some sort of problems back home in the states.
But i do advise seeing a doc before the problem escalates.

Answer 4

well first I would want to listen to mom (plus shes a doctor). However she is a little biased considering where you are, she may be trying to get you home (not that I would blame her). Look at your symptoms, and go to the military doctor first (chain of command), and have him make a recommendation. You are in a very stressful environment, you are way from family and friends and home. That in itself is depressing but livable and a normal reaction. Being actually depressed is a completely different thing and much more serious. Either way go now to a doctor before the condition worsens. Although I do not support the war in Iraq, I do support our troops out there risking their lives upholding our governments decisions. Thank you for being one of the brave, and I hope you get a resolution on your symptoms.

Answer 5

Go to combat stress because they are real doctors trained in dealing with the stress of combat. You mom need to be informed that some of her collages are prior military doctors and most modern ER procedures came from the battlefields. I would venture to Guess they have more experience than you mother and two of her best choices in dealing with combat illnesses. and by the why is she a MD or a a specialist in behavioral medicine
Bottom line Go to Combat Stress it is not like you can go down town and see a local Doctor

Answer 6

fact of the matter is the civilian docs have no wheres near the experience that the military docs do,when it comes to dealing with combat related stress.the civilian sector is simply not researching it because its the V.A's responsibility, and not the local docs. I underwent treatment for supposed high blood pressure via the family doctor,but he still recommended contacting the V.A because they were better better prepared to deal with the emotional stress that we have gone through,and because it can be treated as a service connected ailment, the V.A will foot the bill ( or in some cases cover majority of the cost ) for any necessary medications. this also includes counseling if it is deemed necessary. you will not get a better fitted medical care at your local doctor.also it is apparent that your mom,really hasn't got a clue. a military doctor is actually more proficient at medicine than the civilian counterpart,and can improvise when needed.i don't know of any civilian doctors ( and my family has dealt with a lot of them ) that can match a military one for experience,sorry but it is the cold fact

Answer 7

Unfotunately in Iraq, the only docs you have to see are military. That being said, I agree you should talk to one of them if you are showing any signs of depression. Speak to your immediate supervisor about how to go about this, but don't wait as it may take some time to make happen.

Answer 8

Absolutely you should seek help.

If you have access to non-military docs I would say that that is a first choice but if you don't then at least get help with the military ones.

As a someone who has experienced combat you are at very high risk for developing PSTD, violence, depression, suicide and drinking/drug problems. It is a shame how we are failing to care for those who have served. But please get help, it sounds like you need it now and you will continue to need it when you get home.

I wish the best for your safet and well being, both mental and physical.

Answer 9

People don't like extreme change. It could be high heat in New York causing riots, extreme cold and weird light patterns in the artic circle which causes "artic madness," and some develop home sickness just going on vacation or summer camp. You should just get more homely iteams.

Answer 10

he's scuffling with in a conflict it particularly isn't getting to any extent further suitable. consistent with possibility he hates the armed forces now. I advise, his acquaintances are loss of existence time-honored there. additionally, examine publish nerve-racking rigidity sickness. that is starting to be a important subject precise now. consistent with possibility you could seek advice from somebody approximately this, like if there replaced right into a "armed forces club" or something. shop up the programs and letters because of the fact he desires them. reliable success and that i desire he gets residing house competently.