Coping after your time in the service.

2014-08-03T12:44:40-04:00

I enlisted in 85 and entered service in 86. ETS'd in 92 after Desert Storm. Served in an Infantry unit that saw combat several times. When I got out, I put all the experiences in what I call my foot locker in the back of my brain and never discussed even serving until 5 years ago. When I brought all those memories front and center, it disrupted everything I know as life outside the military. Today I spend my time going to Vet Centers and trying to stow it back where I left it years ago. Curious if anyone is dealing with similar issues? Thanks for reading. Hooah

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 4 at 2014 2:08 PM

2014-08-04T14:08:54-04:00

Baggage like ours is hard to stow. What we've been through inevitably becomes part of us, our make up and our being, especially if we've been to a combat zone. Just like first responders, there is no expectation that we should put it all behind us. I've found that by embracing and leveraging some of it, Life can be easier. Seeking help outside the sphere of military influence has been rewarding for me. I too started at the Vet Center but when more civilian matters related to my experiences took precedence, I found a civilian counselor, who I've been with for 8 years now had a better way to "translate" what was happening. They are the person that taught me to use some of the bad mojo to move forward.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 2:28 PM

2014-08-04T14:28:39-04:00

CPL David Riopelle Spencer Though I do not have deployed combat baggage, my baggage train is full. I developed numerous ways to deal with my train before it derailed. If you need someone to listen to you, or if you want someone to talk with, feel free to message me and we can set up a call.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 4:28 PM

2014-08-04T16:28:33-04:00

I've been back from Afghanistan for 8 months now and I'm still surprised when something bothers me. Just yesterday I was having a conversation with a girl at the hotel front desk and telling her a few stories about working in the combat hospital and caught a massive lump in my throat. You forget a lot over even a pretty short period of time and it takes you by surprise when it pops back up. The dreams stop and you go on with your life, but boy are there triggers.

Response by SSG Joseph Dienstag made Aug 5 at 2014 5:30 PM

2014-08-05T17:30:01-04:00

When you find the way to deal with it that works for you, then you wont have to try and keep it locked up. What can be hard at times is knowing that you only feel 100% at ease when your around others who were there. Call any time or drop by any time bro. My door is always open to my brothers.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Aug 5 at 2014 7:07 PM

2014-08-05T19:07:34-04:00

Many of us put it in a box and avoid opening it ever again - sadly it's not always our choice when the lock pops open with 'hello' to everything we crammed into that box.
Work to find a way that is successful for you to alleviate the type of actions you've described. I've heard it said many times the service is just one huge dysfunctional family. We do the best to take care of our own.
Hang in there and reach out when you need to.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 7 at 2014 11:45 AM

2014-11-07T11:45:01-05:00

CPL David Riopelle Spencer Just checking back to see how things are going and if you've managed to find some solutions that work for you.

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Jan 4 at 2015 8:34 PM

2015-01-04T20:34:33-05:00

Combat stress is dangerous when untreated. I have issues because of my four back to back deployments. I must see a psychologist each week. Like you I spent years putting my "feelings" in my ruck. Eventually, after 22 years with 4 years of deployments my support systems was gone. In my case, sleeping four hours a night going to pt at 4am each day and working to 6 or 8pm each night. Once all this full throttle lifestyle stopped I had to face my "feelings". My wife got fed up with my fighting in my sleep and angry out bursts I had to deal with things. Thanks for your service brother. SSG RET