ptsd Advice?

[USCG CWO4]

I don't really need help with the VA, but I don't really know where else to talk about this. I have been seeing a shrink for over a year and I take meds and see a counselor. I pay for it all, instead of going thru the VA. Although I did see a VA shrink this past summer after a failed suicide attempt and a stay at the VA hospital. My counselor feels that I suffer from PTSD and I should see someone for that, who specializes in it. But that would mean I would have to foot the bill myself cause the insurance company won't pay for two counselors. I already have depression and severe anxiety.

I just saw her again today and am having a bad day. I feel like I cannot participate in VA groups because i was never in battle or had someone shoot at me. I have seen lots of dead people and watched people drown and die. I have had to cut down people who hanged themselves and had someone kill themselves because of things that I did,. All these things haunt me everday. I have almost ruined my marriage, but my wife has been nothing but supportive. I don't want to let them down.

I hate my job and it seems meaningless to me, alothough I do show up most days. I am rambling and I am sorry. My question is, has anyone seen a PTSD specialist and is it worth it? NOt sure if I should try someone new, I don't want to start from the beging again with a counselor.

Thanks

Bob

[agcgonz]

Hi Bob.

Go to the VA or to the closest Vet center. they have a free programs for PTSD patients. They can also do the PTSD or anxiety workup. If its service connected submit a claim to the VA.

Anyway hang in there bud. everyone is hear to listen--I too have these feelings its not worth it anymore--- then I read some of the others post and I'm ok at least today.

[Navy04]

Sorry to hear about your misfortunes bud. I was medically retired last year after 10 years in the Navy, spent 5 in OIF/OEF. I live in East Texas and go to a Small VA for PTSD Trauma. I hate going to treatment and I am usually the youngest Veteran in the whole VA, as I am only 31. It is very hard for me to go to treatment, it hasn't made me better but I do like being able to talk with people that understand what we have been thru. Always remember this bud, only 1% of the Population in the US has ever been in the Military Period, and only 1% of that has ever had a special job or seen dead guys. So, I don't care if you are in the Air Force or Coast Guard or whatever. You are a very special person, as I am just beginning to believe about myself. Good luck to you and God Bless your family. You don't be ashamed to ask for help. I have severe PTSD and I have struggled for a long time, and I finally decided to seek help. Take care and please keep us posted.

[USCG CWO4]

Thanks Navy04 and agcgonz, I am waiting to make a decision on what I am going to do until after my surgery (having my knee replaced). All these things are difficult to talk about with people who don't understand. I do have my claim in for depression. Its an FDC that has been under review for 7 months now....so much for the speed of FDC's.....lol.

[Wolfhound88]

Brother...go get help for PTSD and make a claim with the VA for it, NOW. I was in the same boat as you for over 20 years. I was 11b in Panama and for a long, long time I never even questioned why my life was so shitty after I got out. Failed marriages, no contact with my family anymore, anxiety, depression...I just never thought that being down there made any impact on my life. Especially considering there were so many other folks...WWII Vets, Vietnam Vets, OIF/OEF Vets that I KNEW had gone through so much more than I had.

However...There is no doubt that being there changed the course of my life. It wasnt until about two years ago that I randomly took a PTSD checklist questionaire that I found somewhere, and BINGO. It was a complete match for PTSD, which made me reach out to the VA, who recently confirmed it. Now I sit and wait for my rating. I should have done this 20+ years ago. I truly think it could have made a big difference in my life.

Do it now...the WORST they can do is deny...and then you appeal. :)

Stay well brother!

[john999]

Getting therapy after Vietnam saved my life. Once you get rated for PTSD the VA can't charge your insurance. I would just walk through fire to get your ptsd rated by the VA. If you have made suicide attempts the VA has to treat you. Not everyone in PTSD group is a combat vet. We are all vets now.

John

[Pete53]

Early on I got a lot of help from group that was free and community based. If you see a social worker they can help you find some. I am familiar with East Texas I know that it can involve travel. I went to a Vet Center Group for 5 years and got a lot of help. I am not a combat Veteran but after awhile there are issues that come up that can help.

In my opinion a good group is much better than seeing a Doc.

Good Luck