Charlie...I've just joined here and am uncertain about all of this. But what I can tell you is that I have a whole family of Marines that have dated back to Vietnam, so the PSTD does exist. My eldest brother is still working with the government as what I can only say is mercenary work; and my best friend is over in Afghanistan now training locals how to fight through a private company - he was Special Ops Marine Corp. It does stink that the government doesn't take care of people that risk their lives to keep America safe. I have heard of grass root-type organizations that are REALLY up in arms about not treating military for illnesses of all types. So hang in there...I'll keep you in my prayers and know that someone knows you're okay.

Well I am not associated with the military but i do feel extremely angry about the injustices down to our Veterans.War is a heart breaking business.Typical humans are not made to,do and think the way war makes them do.Then come home try and live a normal life again.There is help out there don't stop fighting for your rights.

I would like to personally thank you for your service. I pray that you will be treated with the respect that you deserve.

that is a sad sad story.... if our government can't take care of those whom have served and now need help, it is so very wrong. well, charliek, we won't abandon you or kick you out...PTSD is a very misunderstood condition and i'm sorry you have it...you're in a good place here, maybe you can help us also understand it from your perspective. many blessings..

Oh Charlie I am so sorry. God bless you that you made it this far. No seriously, I am greatful that you are here and that you are getting the support that you need. That is terrible. I don't know that much about the military unfortunately. I wish you health, hope and love and we are here to give you some. Peace to you Charlie

Try to get in touch with your local Veterans Representative and get an appointment. They will know what resources are available to help you, and they will help with the paperwork. Good luck.
xxx tiamo

I'm so sorry and saddened to read this. it's disgusting that they are ignoring PTSD and not giving you the help you need. especially after what vietnam taught us all about PTSD after time spent in combat!!

*hugs* i wish i could do more to help.

call an AMVETS rep Now!!

Charlie, I don't know if this will help or not but I just got back from Baghdad in May and was diagnosed with PTSD and major depression. I work for the government and now they are trying to fire me because of behavior related to my illness. I have been in and out of the hospital since August. It really sucks the way you, as a soldier are treated and it sucks the way they treat the civilians they send over there. They just leave us to rot. Hang in there, I am starting to get better and I have found out who my my true friends are. Although I lost some people I thought were my friends as a result. And to answer your question, yes I think they use us as their tools and then cast us aside when they no longer need us. But you have this community and a lot of good therapists and doctors out there who can help. Go to them, let them help you. They are helping me and others like us. Charlie you will get through this.

Charlie, my husband just got back from Iraq in April, showed the signs and started up with a doc through the VA. We are both Marines, so I understand where your coming from, but please...go to the VA and get the help. They wont abandoned you. YOU have been through a lot, and deserve to be treated like a human not a robot. So please get the help, if you need anything or any help please let me know. I am sure I can get you all the information you may need. But first things first, go to the VA...
Take care.

My husband is a VietNam vet 100% disabled due to PTSD and it's sidekicks - Alcoholism, heart disease, and unemployability. Go to a VA Hospital and sign up for a Primary care physician. Have the hospital that you were in document everything and fax it to VA.
If it was a VA Hospital, they already know what's going on, so you need to talk to a Patient Advocate. They have offices inside the VA Hospital. If you aren't getting what you need, contact your local VFW. They have advocates that fight for veterans' rights.
You have an illness that is just as real as if it were cancer. VA knows this. Just keep fighting to get what you need. DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tell your primary doc you need to see a phychiatrist. They will help you.
My husband fought his PTSD for years. Made my life absolutely miserable, but I love him and we got through it. You can too.
He now receives disability from VA and disability from Social Security.
My son just did 5 years in the Navy as a crew chief on the fixed wing aircraft that delivers mail, personnel and supplies back and forth from the ship he was on (Nimitz).
He isn't having a really good life right now either. He has told me that he is either going to have to go for treatment or go back in the Navy, where things are familiar to him.
God Bless you for your service to our country and to each individual that enjoys freedom because of your sacrifices.

Charliek...Welcome to DS PTSD Community...This is a GREAT place to be.

I am sorry you were treated like that. So not right.

I feel so terribly bad for all the men and women that have/are serving in the war that are coming back with PTSD....it's like it's becoming an epidemic for all the soldiers...and something needs to be done about it...not look over it. It's real.

I think the VA IS FINALLY taking notice of PTSD and is doing lots and lots of research on PTSD right now. I try to keep up with the VA website, as their research can help us in the civilian community as well.

I suggest you do as some of the others suggested, go to the VA center. There are a few other Military Vets on here...and some that are fresh from war....I encourage you to talk with them too. I'm sure they will help you along the military way to get help.

I don't believe a mental ward is the right place to treat PTSD, but if one is suicidal, that is the safest place to be.

They have outpatient therapy and intensive outpatient and inpatient residential programs available. There was also an article about Cognitive Processing Therapy that was released from the Cincinnati VA a few months ago that showed that the Processing therapy worked better than Behavioral therapy.

With the right meds, right therapy and a good support system....you can begin your Journey to Heal.

Don't give up...help is out there...Find it and start on the road to recovery.

We're here for you too.

Here's some DS members that I know of that are Military Vets...look them up...they'll help you!

Kellybugster
Dirty3rd
Milkywayexpress
Rangersniper

---I'm sure there's more, those are the ones that came to the top of my head!

Good Luck!

I just wanted to say I'm sorry you are going through this. I can't even imagine what you have been going through. I can only hope that you will get the help you need and they won't just use meds. I never served in the military but I have 2 good friends who have sons in Iraq. I sure hope this doesn't happen to them. I'm really sorry you have been treated this way.

Most difently get ahold of the Veterns Affairs ppl they help so much..

My hubby a Vietnam Vet went to one about compensation for ptsd , ocd and other things and these ppl helped him so much...

It takes about four to six months to recieve anything for this but its worth the wait in the end...

So get ahold of the Veterns Affairs ppl nearest you or have somoene that can help you do this if your in some mental place and can't do for yourself as they can go though the red tape quicker then anyone else can...

Good luck in getting a much deserved HONORABLE DISCHARGE and thank you for keeping us free...