PTSD symptoms years after deployment?

SSG Steven Dowell — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:58:34 -0400

I deployed to Afghanistan OEF 11-12. I obviously didn't have it as bad as some other veterans such as my father. But just wishing this past year I'll have random spurts of insomnia and my brain will convince me that someone is watching me, in my house, etc. Am I the only one who has experienced this?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 10:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 22:10:19 -0400

I have little episodes of insomnia from time to time, but I can't say for sure they are from Iraq in 07-08. I have been on some swing shifts in my civilian job since then, so that kind of stirs the mud in the water for me to say PTSD causes it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 10:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 22:30:40 -0400

No. I didn't experience symptoms until I retired, too much time on my hands. Didn't get diagnosed until I went to the VA to get a prescription refilled during an interview they dropped the bomb! I never suspected. i should have, after three wives, outburst of anger, seeing what i called shadow people, faint smell of diesel fuel and only sleeping for 1/2 hr to 2 hrs a night, the list goes on. Let someone know what's going on with you. New studies show that the earlier PTSD is discovered the better chances of dealing and managing yourself.

You may not have PTSD, it could be that something else is just stressing you out. The only way to know is to talk to a pro. Don"t wait please do it soon. Good luck and Blessings.

Response by SGT Joseph McBride made Jul 26 at 2015 11:10 PM

SGT Joseph McBride — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:10:45 -0400

If you are having sleep issues I would see about them doing a sleep study on you so you can maybe check something off or be able to look into it so you can see about getting it taken care of. You are experiencing signs of PTSD will the feeling of being watched. I really would go and talk to someone about this. If you need help with this or someone to talk to, you can talk with me.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 27 at 2015 1:04 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 01:04:06 -0400

No. Seek help. Get well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 2:11 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:11:21 -0400

Don't take it lightly, seek help and get the help. PTSD doesn't have a time table

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 1:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:25:29 -0400

Many times symptoms don't begin until years later. I don't experience insomnia, but I wake up multiple times throughout the night startled. Luckily no other effects as of yet, and I'm crossing my fingers that nothing else manifests. Have a sleep study conducted. They may be able to answer some questions. Also talk to someone about feeling like you're being watched. That should help give you a rational line of thinking to engage in when you start getting that feeling. Unless you're actually being watched; which in this day and age I'm pretty sure everyone gets watched to some degree or another.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 27 at 2015 4:11 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 16:11:44 -0400

I think we all land on our feet in different locations.

Response by SFC Darrell Woods made Jul 28 at 2015 7:32 PM

SFC Darrell Woods — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:32:01 -0400

Yes you need to go get help. I ignored symptoms of PTSD shortly after I retired. I am now building a new life sence I have got it under control.