Posted on Nov 2, 2013
Did anyone know that many war veterans return to combat duties to relieve the symptoms of PTSD?
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PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a disorder many of our vets suffer as a
psychological response to the fears and memories of combat.
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Posted >1 y ago
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My PTSD group had 12 soldiers in it. 4 said they want to deploy again. That adrenaline is a drug they want.
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I know older post, but bummed only 2 responses! PTSD is rough, I can't seem to make lasting solid progress overall, time not helping that's for sure! Yes I wanted to go back to combat because I loved being "Doc" and the trust the line grunts entrusted to me :). Nothing since can try to replace that, and now 10 yrs later I'm often sadder, more isolated, etc. Losing my Identity as an NCO and medic worst, VA and others strongly urged to leave medical field due to triggers, flashbacks, etc. Hard to reinvent yourself at 40, lot of ppl do, but I'm all over the map! Thanks, needed to vent that ;)
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SSG(P) D. Wright Downs
I am 72 and never did reinvent myself. I was always under-employed and eventually was not able to work. It was not a good move when I used rubber bands and marbles to let the idiot know he was not a leader at the VA where I worked. I immediately went to mental health and asked for help because i have a problem suffering fools and the PTSD was making it worse. As an E6 I had filled an E9 slot for 6 months in the Army. I was on th E7 list when I had to take a medical. Because I was a woman the civilian world wanted me to be an admin person…read secretary...and I was accustomed to having them work for me.
I found that volunteer work was the way to go after I got my SS disability. It kept me busy and I had things I could do. I did some freelance work with photography, too. I have a knack with dogs and worked with trainers. I had trained my own GSDs since I was a teenager. I could set my own schedule and not be overwhelmed. I spent time with veterans. We, my husband and I, joined a shooting club for recreation…a lot of veterans and others with the same interests there, too. It took a while and it wasn’t easy. However, having the contact with the veterans was the saving factor. There's a great Vet Center nearby, too. Just go and have coffee there and chat if that is what you want to do…mine has a pool table, too.
Remember that regardless of the era in which you served, there are many who have the same problems and have experienced many of the same things. Vietnam vets, Cold War and the Desert warriors all have common issues associated with the military. We are brothers and sisters and readily help each other. Good luck. We all have your back if you let us.
I found that volunteer work was the way to go after I got my SS disability. It kept me busy and I had things I could do. I did some freelance work with photography, too. I have a knack with dogs and worked with trainers. I had trained my own GSDs since I was a teenager. I could set my own schedule and not be overwhelmed. I spent time with veterans. We, my husband and I, joined a shooting club for recreation…a lot of veterans and others with the same interests there, too. It took a while and it wasn’t easy. However, having the contact with the veterans was the saving factor. There's a great Vet Center nearby, too. Just go and have coffee there and chat if that is what you want to do…mine has a pool table, too.
Remember that regardless of the era in which you served, there are many who have the same problems and have experienced many of the same things. Vietnam vets, Cold War and the Desert warriors all have common issues associated with the military. We are brothers and sisters and readily help each other. Good luck. We all have your back if you let us.
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This would not surprise me. Many Vietnam veterans who got out of the military returned because they missed the camaraderie or fellowship with those who had experience the same things. This appeared to have been a carthesis of sort. Talking is so helpful and the solders and Marines I knew could talk about their experiences. This may be what is happening with the combat veterans of the recent wars.
Just having been through what I had been through in the Cold War in Germany with the terrorists and bombs and then going to civilian life was difficult. I automatically checked out my vehicle, looked at the gas gauge, drove home different ways, avoided taking the same routes to frequently traveled places. Walking in strange places I was totally aware of my surroudings, alert for sounds, ...and it took nearly 20 years before I was diagnosed for PTSD.
I still miss the military and I am old. I miss the challenges. I miss being in charge. I miss not knowing just what is going to be the surprise of the day.
Just having been through what I had been through in the Cold War in Germany with the terrorists and bombs and then going to civilian life was difficult. I automatically checked out my vehicle, looked at the gas gauge, drove home different ways, avoided taking the same routes to frequently traveled places. Walking in strange places I was totally aware of my surroudings, alert for sounds, ...and it took nearly 20 years before I was diagnosed for PTSD.
I still miss the military and I am old. I miss the challenges. I miss being in charge. I miss not knowing just what is going to be the surprise of the day.
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