On an upside, his violence has subsided and he's much more pleasant to be around. I believe being away from family and going to Iraq really put things into perspective for him. On the downside, he has been showing signs of PTSD and it breaks my heart.
He was never a heavy sleeper, only getting 5 to 6 hours a night before he left, but now he only sleeps 3 to 4 hours a night. Ontop of that, he has taken a second job. It seems as if he's trying to stay occupied so that he doesn't have to sort out what is in his head.
He also no longer attends family get togethers when he used to attend them all the time. He says he is done with them and does not want to be bothered about it.
Lastly, he is terrified of large crowds now. We went to a dinner theatre when he got back and in the middle of it he began weeping and had to leave. He also refuses to attend the college football games in which his nephew is starting.
I just need some advice please. He feels one million miles away.
2007-09-14 05:25:25 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
The military has a program to help those returning, to separate the trauma from the emotions.. it has worked well for many. The only problem is, they have not found a way to get rid of those emotions. There is a way to accomplish that part also but, one would have to look to find it.
The military has acknowledged this problem and offer the program to those in need. May want to check into it.. just to get your father back closer to normal.
2007-09-14 05:46:41 · answer #1 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you describe in your dad is common to PTSD and there isnt much you can do about it other then give it time and accept your dad just the way he is. In time, and with a little understanding and support from the family, he will adjust and learn to work around the problems he has. He is not able to "deal" with whats in his head because its too fresh.
2007-09-14 06:48:48 · answer #2 · answered by petra 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call your local mental health facility, check the yellow pages, and ask for brochures on the treatment of PTSD, when you get them.....leave them where you are sure dad will find them.
2007-09-14 05:35:50 · answer #3 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋