Posted on Jan 25, 2019
How is the VA's help with PTSD? Did anything really break through and work?
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I'm going into the VA soon. I've already spent time at the VA for observation for suicidal tendencies, and depression. The medication they've tried just dulls your emotions. I'd like to do counciling, but I wanted to hear from others' experiences. Had anything really helped.
PTSD
Combat
Stress
Suicide
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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The VA didn't do shit for me but things are different all over. I found out the best therapy for PTSD is to stay busy and work. Throw the meds away unless you absolutely need to be dulled. The worst thing is sitting around on your ass at VA counseling sessions. It is hard to keep a job if you are spending time at a VA center going throught tests and evaluation. Vent with people you know that were deployed with you. Get a job and work as hard as you can. Working is what will help you more than any pills and spending too much time at the VA. PTSD will never go away but you can learn to deal with it. Opinions vary
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Thanks for all your responses. I'm looking into a new job where I can be close to support more.
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Hey Donald. It’s great to see folks asking for recommendations on treatment. It shows a willingness to listen and explore options. Those two constructs will continue to aid you in your healing. Keep learning about PTSD as well. Knowledge is power.
You can find some really good therapists at VA, but the cream of the crop do their work at Vet Centers. Those are also VA places, but operate much differently that the rest of the Medical Center. You’ll be able to find one close to wherever you are and can be seen as often as you’d like.
My humble suggestion is to go speak with a therapist at your local Vet Center. Keep an open mind. You are trying out a new relationship in an unfamiliar place, so you may feel vulnerable and scared. That’s okay. If your therapist seems like a good fit for you, keep going. If not, talk to them about how you’re feeling and that you might want to try someone else. Take my word here, they aren’t offended.
So long as you keep an open mind and make sure to communicate with your therapist (and psychiatrist!) honestly, you will make progress towards your goals. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient.
I don’t know you but I believe in you, brother! I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2007 and have been following the advice I gave you since then. Sustained happiness is possible.
You got this.
You can find some really good therapists at VA, but the cream of the crop do their work at Vet Centers. Those are also VA places, but operate much differently that the rest of the Medical Center. You’ll be able to find one close to wherever you are and can be seen as often as you’d like.
My humble suggestion is to go speak with a therapist at your local Vet Center. Keep an open mind. You are trying out a new relationship in an unfamiliar place, so you may feel vulnerable and scared. That’s okay. If your therapist seems like a good fit for you, keep going. If not, talk to them about how you’re feeling and that you might want to try someone else. Take my word here, they aren’t offended.
So long as you keep an open mind and make sure to communicate with your therapist (and psychiatrist!) honestly, you will make progress towards your goals. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient.
I don’t know you but I believe in you, brother! I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2007 and have been following the advice I gave you since then. Sustained happiness is possible.
You got this.
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