PTSD is real, seek out treatment.

[Paintslinger16]

This is for you guys that served but also for anyone that has experienced PTSD, seek treatment, call a battle buddy or even get the diagnosis if you haven’t, you all have the VA, or family doctor, the point is please do something.

So most all of you won’t know this, although I never served in the military, I spent 21 years working at a Army Base. Fort Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division. I worked for the DoD, specifically DLA, The Defense Logistics Agency, I occupied a position that was classified CEW, Civilian Expeditionary Workforce, meaning I was deployable anywhere, but mostly they needed us In Afghanistan.

My 1st deployment was 2015, I was slated to go the Bagram, my Battle Buddy, was Krissie Davis, on Day 37 of our 180 days in theater, the worst happened. Another IDF attack, the C-RAM wasn’t able to detonate the incoming rocket and it struck my truck, it was chaos and it was devastating.

I spend 4 years in therapy, I don’t talk about it that often, recently the Army dedicated a building to Krissie at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. The Conference Room inside was dedicated to SPC McGinnis, KIA, Iraq he was awarded Medal of Honor, the Bronze star, and a Purple Heart.

https://www.dla.mil/AboutDLA/News/Ne...issie-k-davis/

Before the dedication I spoke with public affairs, here’s the story, Thank you all for your service.

https://www.dla.mil/AboutDLA/News/Ne...-ptsd-is-real/

[maggot]

Wow, very powerful story. I can't imagine what that was like, or what you go through. Thank you for sharing.

The reason I clicked in the first place, is that I've had to get help for the first time last week. A series of events the last couple of months left me broken and unable to cope with the anxiety. I now understand that ANYONE can be affected by mental health issues, it just takes an event to trigger it. One day at a time.

[Paintslinger16]

One thing I discovered or just never thought about really, therapists go to therapy. They need to go it’s basically required.

[Carp]

I'm glad you were able to share... And "Thank You"!

[ryan]

Thanks for sharing this. I served with C/1/26 and A/1/26 in Baghdad during the troop surge of 2007. Ross McGinnis died shortly before our arrival and there were pictures up of him at the Apache house in Adhamiyah. I remember the folks saying he was nominated for the CMOH, and I’m glad his family was able to receive the award oh his behalf.

2007 in Adhamiyah was pure hell. I have some scars from there myself, and in the spirit of your original post will share that several days ago I finally decided to do something about it and seek treatment. Take care of yourself.

[Slapshot Vrref]

I spent time in Adhamiyah COB APACHE, myself 07 -08 3rd ID 3/7Cav . Yes I also have "scars" from there as well as time in Afghanistan 2012 -2013.
I've been in therapy for multiple things since OIF. The best thing I can tell anyone is to get help, don't let it build up , it will ruin your life. I've lost freinds and a marriage to the effects of PTSD , depression and the list of other things .
Also keep a buddy check on each other , when you think of them that's the time to reach out, not just on certain days, do it randomly. You never know when that call , text ,or email might change someone's day for the better.

[Paintslinger16]

I am going bump this for our veterans, Fort Drum lost 3 soldiers to suicide this weekend, first time in 20 years the Post is mostly all home, call your battle buddy.

[Falcon16]

That was a hell of a read, thanks for serving and clearly PTSD is a bitch. I'm glad you sought out help

[Paintslinger16]

Been a minute and something happened on another forum, so deserved a bump for anyone that needs a reminder.
The VA actually has a hotline number 988 press 1

[Impactfour]

Thank you for sharing about your struggles. Examples of people like you with the strength needed to be vulnerable and honest enough with yourself and others to get better are what so many people need to nudge them in right direction.

[DocsMachine]

Yep. Found out a few months back that an old paintball buddy took his own life.

I don't honestly know if he properly served (excuse the term) but I know he was a contractor for I think three years. Nonmilitary personnel who would drive trucks or convoys for resupply, etc. At the time, those contractors were being paid something like $200K, tax-free, per year. He figured (I'm guessing a bit) that if he could do three years, he'd be more or less set for life.

As I understand it, second or third hand, he survived at least one rocket attack, and his convoy was involved in at least one IED. No major injuries himself, but... yeah.

Worse, at some point here in the States he was the victim of an armed robbery, involving a shooting. Spent upwards of a year in jail before it could get sorted out. (Perp had a mile of priors, which his attorney managed to keep out of discovery- you can imagine how that went when it was finally discovered.)

Don't know much more than that, or what finally drove him over, but it really didn't matter. No idea if he was doing therapy, either, though I kind of doubt it.

Yes, seek help. Today.

Doc.

[Paintslinger16]

I met some people that literally lived there as truck driver or construction type contractors that already had like 12 years in making that money living away from family 11 months a year, many from here, but Australia or Bosnia, and the UK. The amount of back breaking labor by third world countries was just as big and they would only make a couple bucks a hour, the whole place was quite the contrast

[magfed sniper]

I did OIF 3&4. I had a buddy, a roommate for years, like three different houses we rented. I got back and got out and he was just starting rotations to theater. Anyway, I took a .50 deagle locked and cocked out of his hands how many times when we were roommates.
He moved out of state and got married. Had two kids, then he kills himself. He just finished SGM school. Heartbreaking.

[Jimmydee]

I’m currently in week 3 of a 5 week residential program for PTSD and trauma therapy. The program up here I’m in is https://ptsdrecovery.ca, the 3rd week is to come home and see how what your learned and incorporate it in your daily living.

I go back Monday for another 2 weeks at the residence. There is only 4 of us in this session, it’s actually nice to have a smaller group.

I am not in the military rather have 14.5 years in Law enforcement all front line policing. Im currently on my 5th post, served in 2 provinces and 1 territory and 5 moves.

i still love this work and job but I’m finally coming to terms that I can’t do patrol anymore despite living in a nice small quiet town, compared to my other posts that have been busy.

Support the thin blue line!

JJDee

[BigRed]

Support the thin blue line!

JJDee

I appreciate the message that has been posted here. The exposure for those suffering from PTSD and getting help is the theme this thread. I have never served and don't claim to know the by those who have.

I do feel that a political style slogan doesn't belong here.

[eld_catharsis_1968]

Another bump. USCG 2016-2022. Had all kinds of shit happen operational and otherwise, still actively in therapy after starting almost two years ago. The VA can really suck but it's getting better. Utilize the resources that are available, you may have to work harder for them than you should need to but they will be worth it. Get rated for any health stuff you have going on and don't feel guilty about it. There are too many veterans out there living hard lives while not claiming compensation and healthcare which have already been set aside for them. If you're a GI Bill student and have a disability and/or a disability rating from the VA, make sure to use your university's DAS office for support. They'll give you accommodations to make your success as a student much easier. r/veterans and r/veteransbenefits on reddit are super helpful communities. Hang in there!