How do you deal with the darkest part of PTSD?

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:57:14 -0400

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 7 at 2016 2:58 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:58:04 -0400

You look for the warmth of the light.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 7 at 2016 2:58 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:58:29 -0400

bourbon and conversation with my wife

Response by SGT Stacy Moody made Apr 12 at 2016 9:19 AM

SGT Stacy Moody — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 09:19:58 -0400

I find my smile.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Apr 13 at 2016 10:17 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 22:17:45 -0400

I volunteer at places that have nothing to do with my military service to get me out of the house, around other people, engaged in other non military related conversations and out of my head. I also use secure messaging on myhealthyvet to let my provider know I need to come in and talk. I also have a few friends that share the need to phone a friend or chat via Facebook messenger. Lately, I have purchased a few long term carrots: tickets to a couple of concerts that were months off to be shared with a friend who is battling a very serious health condition. We made it to Garth Brooks and Zac Brown. I have other friends who will go on a road trip to anywhere and the time in the car with conversation and companionship with sunlight is priceless and does more than any pill could ever hope to do.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 10:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 22:31:01 -0400

With medical/BH treatment. http://www.wrnmmc.capmed.mil/NICoE/SitePages/index.aspx

NICoE - National Intrepid Center of Excellence

A four-week program where a team of providers works closely with patients and their families to develop a tailored treatment plan that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Apr 13 at 2016 11:04 PM

SSG Jeremy Kohlwes — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 23:04:48 -0400

Your Battlebuddies! That's how.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 14 at 2016 11:03 AM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:03:35 -0400

The life cycle of PTSD.
1. Black and white
2. PTSD hits it, goes all dark
3. It goes grey
4. Hopefully it goes black and white again

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Apr 14 at 2016 8:51 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:51:32 -0400

Talk to others

Response by SrA Leah Murchie made Apr 15 at 2016 10:34 PM

SrA Leah Murchie — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 22:34:07 -0400

My daughter I live for her. I know God gave her to me for many different reasons. My dad killed him self back in 2003 and I have never got over the pain of not having him here. My daughters name is Elayna which means light I didn't know that when I named her but she has been a light to me in the very dark places. We are not put on this earth for ourselves and if we ask God to work in and through us He will give us strength and purpose. When you have been in that very dark place you can understand what its like and reach out a hand to pull someone else out of it.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Apr 17 at 2016 12:30 PM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 12:30:27 -0400

Research Repetitive Behavior Cellular Regression (CR) works while the client is in their own home on a computer on Skype with a CR Practitioner (in 11 countries including 23 US States). The process is simple and consistent - we help you find a lost memory in your childhood that is the driver of your PTS. Check it out for yourself or call our headquarters in Asheville, NC [login to see] .

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 17 at 2016 12:59 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 12:59:33 -0400

In the darkest times when I was depressed, numb, anxious, and had racing thoughts, I did this. I went to the mirror and talked to myself. I said Joe you love the parents, wife, kids, dogs, the country, and my football team. Joe you are a good looking guy <insert puke face>, people like you, you are a good leader, and the family love you. This allowed for:
1. Love to kick in
2. Broke the racing thoughts
3. Tricks the brain into being more positive
4. Helps you become stable

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 9:30 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 21:30:49 -0400

When it is the darkest; the mind fuck that you can't control, I lay down. Soon my 120 pound Golden Retriever will waddle in and lie next to me. I don't let anyone else know how I feel, but the dog does. He is a Savior. He isn't a trained PTSD dog, just some rescue dog that knows when I need a buddy.

I don't go dark too much since I have 5 good friends that we talk or do something every week. We work out, go shooting, and hang out. The best thing we do together is visiting local JROTC and ROTC chapters to answer questions about our different branches, tradecraft, mentor them on enlisting, and going to college.

The VA is a very somber place. We all see first hand the best and worst of the military. I love talking to the older vets. Between Appointments I will sit in the cafeteria and eat with some of them. Today I sat with a Navy SEEBEE that was stationed in Burma during WWII. He actually remember knowing my Uncle, who served there as a JAG officer. It was great.

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made Apr 25 at 2016 11:28 PM

SSG Dennis Grossmann — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 23:28:05 -0400

I had a long list of things to say that I do, but all I really do is hold it back. My wife and 6 kids are the ones who keep me breathing. Buddy check 22 failed for me. Showed how much influence I actually had. Every month I have zero checking on me. It's all good for now.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2016 4:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 May 2016 16:53:54 -0400

I can tell you what didn't work for me ... Withdrawal inward and liberal doses of alcohol. That was a self prescribed treatment plan after receiving my Doctorate in Dumbassaology from the University of Stupid.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made May 7 at 2016 9:36 PM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Sat, 07 May 2016 21:36:48 -0400

Check out Repetitive Behavior Cellular Regression™ (CR). It stops the driver behind PTS without counseling, or therapy, or meds, and no office visits...

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 10 at 2016 8:40 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 10 May 2016 20:40:58 -0400

Give it over to God

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:32 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 21:32:40 -0400

Not sure what you define as the darkest part of PTSD. But I would encourage every combat Vet to seek out assistance thru behavior health.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made May 10 at 2016 10:55 PM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Tue, 10 May 2016 22:55:20 -0400

CPT Joseph K Murdock TSgt Hunter Logan SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas I have been going to a Central Texas Vet Center combat PTSD group twice a month for many years. I have also complete the three phases thru MH at Temple VA hospital. I try to avoid those things and situations that trigger flashbacks.
Because it never truly goes away and is a part of who we are.

It is important to have friend we can trust and believe in our demons.