ptsd Maybe An Unusual Ptsd Question...

[Wolfhound88]

Hey all,

I have a question that I wonder if some others may be dealing with, or have dealt with...

As I mentioned before in another post, after dealing with a lot of things over the years, (two divorces, complete separation from my family, anger, isolation,depression, anxiety,etc) I finally decided to reach out to the VA. They scheduled my C&P for January 14, which I went to and now of course I'm waiting to hear the results.

But my question is this...Did your C&P for PTSD make things WORSE??? I really think mine did...A lot of things came out during my C&P, and I lost it I think 6 or 7 times and just completely broke down. I guess things that I had become numb to over the years came out, and now I feel like I'm getting even more isolated and depressed, and in turn it has greatly affected my work over the last couple of weeks. To the point that I'm starting to get "talks" from my supervisors that I never did before. (Granted, I've only been at this job for 7 months)

Have any of you seen this?

Thanks.

[mariorivera830]

Hey Wolf, welcome and I'm sorry to hear about your afflictions. Thank you for your service and this is all quite normal.

I went through 3 jobs before I decided to get help. Well, before my wife made me get help. She's my rock.

My advice to you is to actively seek help for your condition. DDon't give up on getting what you deserve from the VA.

This one is important. Do not mix them up.

At the VA: be brutally honest. Don't exaggerate. And use your worst days as your examples.

At home/work: fake it until you make it. And find something to keep your mind busy. Keeping a list of things to do that are small enough to keep you from getting bored with them, but large enough to keep your mind occupied with them. Try to work in family piece by piece. Start with one and confide in them. Then start to grow your "inner circle". It's been 11 years and my circle has grown to my immediate family and three friends. I know it's not amazing, but it's been alot of hard work.

That's worked for me, not saying it's the end all be all, but it's worked for me. Especially at work.

Good luck on your battle and remember that anything worth doing is never easy. We're all here for each other if you need us.

-Mario

[Patrick428]

Wolfhound88,

Dealing with PTSD is not an easy because this is a memory-based disorder. It is not the event itself that causes PTSD reactions, but your current thoughts that cause them. Having been a C and P examiner for the VA, I can say with reasonable certainy that very few veterans came into an examination without being anxious or upset. It is difficult, if sometimes impossible to dredge up traumatic memories especially to a stranger, and at the same time under pressure for the purpose of a claim. When memories are brought up, it's like being stung by a bee. The pain will stay around for a while until other things begin to occupy your mind more readily. Eventually, the reactions will fall off until the next trigger brings them back.

We often hear of the "new cure" on the block, but PTSD has no cure. The best anyone can do is work on Quality of Life issues which may include relationships, other mental problems associated with PTSD, occupational, and social interactions. You will find working on these areas will lessen the impact of PTSD allowing you the ability to stabilize your environment and improve your self esteem.

Patrick