quote:

Originally posted by Strambo:
Good luck and thank you! Though I've been a life-long soldier, thankfully, it is not something I have had to deal with personally.

All the training I have gotten on it says that it is short-term and treatable. (Or perhaps more correctly put; short-term if treated).

This is a problem in the military because it is also a label (that can be sometimes worn as a badge of "been there done that") and a permanent disability rating...

I wish you the best of luck, we need you around.

My youngest grandson (medically retired) has a major case of PTSD which the VA has been farting around with for months! I think they finally have decided to do something about it. I am not in the loop as the MRS handles it with him and the VA.

I can assure anyone that PTSD is not a fun thing to experience, whether personally or with a family member. It has been several years now and the VA is FINALLY getting their heads out of their collective asses.

Most people think of PTSD as something that only soldiers get. Thanks for the reminder that there are others out there who are susceptible to the disease.

I am glad to hear that you have put yourself on a path to recovery.

If you read the reference I posted, you will see the research they have found to reprogram your brain and erase the bad memories caused by the chemical imbalance.

I was diagnosed with PTSD. It affects me in this way:
1- If I see a car crash, no matter how minor, I get lots of bad scene memories that rush through my head.
2- When sleeping, the sound of a siren will immediately wake me.
3- I replay calls, events, or decisions on an endless loop in my head, even years after they occur.
4- I have dreams about foot and car chases.

All the above used to make me wonder if I was nuts. But I have done a great deal of reading about PTSD and how it occurs and to who gets it. Looks like I am part of a big club!
So... The passage of time and focusing on other, more positive aspects of life have helped me to put my LE career in the rear view mirror. And I have "come to terms" with things in my past and now realize that I did the best I could, when I could, with what I had.
I know that others, especially our combat Vets suffer from PTSD far worse than mine. I hope the VA gets up off its ass and does a better job helping our Vets, no matter which war they served in.

Like a couple others have said, please look into EMDR, its life changing stuff. I know it sounds a little crazy but I have first hand experience and it really works. It's also a VA approved treatment.

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public...ed/emdr-for-ptsd.asp

I held a Deputy in my arms as he cried. "I can't do it anymore". We almost lost a good man. He finally realized he needed help. He is on the road to recovery.

Get help, get all you need. Don't be macho.

You are NOT alone. Many first responders have PTSD to one degree or another. I'm glad you had the courage to seek help. After 26 years of LE work, I learned what worked for me. Exercise, hunting, camping, hiking and concentrated family time work wonders. Thanks for your service. It can get better. I haven't had a work related nightmare in almost 10 years.

You have HELPED so many people who have had better lives because of your efforts. You really need to think those calls too. I know it's not that simple, being a healer is tough.

I had a major incident that had been preceded by many bad ones. It was bad. What followed was worse. This was all new back then, no one really knew what to do. Tough it out and don't talk about it was the general rule. Another one of us on the scene that day cracked. That initiated some steps by the department, a debrief, etc.

I did finally go see a counselor. I remember it being a very large woman, right out or college telling me all of this textbook crap. She'd never seen it, done it, smelled it... Didn't have a clue but to quote a text book. I recall a lot of anger then just walking out and never going back.

Don't do that....

You are not alone. Everyone reacts to stress in different ways, and you are not weak for realizing you have a problem. Seeking treatment means you want to get better, and that's the first step. Good luck in your recovery.

Good Luck. I know what you mean some calls are hard to get out of your mind. Been doing it (as a volunteer) for more years than I care to remember. Sounds like you are getting a grip on it and getting the help you need.

I'm glad that you have recognized the need for help, and getting it. There are always cases and calls that, for good or bad, stick with us. We are, after all, human too. Try to remember the good ones, the ones where YOU made the difference. We unfortunately consider those the norm, and not the fortunate blessings that they are. I certainly wish you the best.