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Trying to teach my boy to ride his bike today. I pushed him down a grassy hill much like my father would have done with me. He fell (of course). Got up and was crying. Now please fellas don't judge me. I come here confidently looking for help. My Temper (derived from large problems with PTSD) took hold. I went from the loving helping understanding father that I am, to a name calling agree and somewhat violent person. This isn't who I am but the more and more it goes on and the more help that I get, I feel like this is the route that I find myself traveling down! This scares me, not only because this is my son...but this is my best friend in the world. Its not that its him, its that I find myself falling to violence more and more recently. I've been to the VA with no help given. I've talked to my extremely understanding wife and she helps me out tremendously...but I feel it deep down inside and I am afraid its going to get out of hand and the net time it isn't going to be a little temper tantrum. Some one please help me out! Advice is needed!!! I'm just a regular guy that wants a regular life!!!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 25
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It took me over 30 years to figure out that my short temper and lack of tolerance was an issue related to PTSD. I wrecked a marriage, lost jobs, and was generally unpleasant to be around.
Due to issues at work, I went (was sent) to a private counselor (Employee Assistance Program) and she diagnosed me with PTSD. Then I was able to go through Military Order of the Purple Heart and they got me into the VA system. American Legion, VFW, and MOPH can all help you with the filing and they have advocates who's purpose is to get us into the system.
In Idaho, we have Veterans Service Representatives in every county that also can help.
I hope this is helpful to you. I really do feel your pain.
Due to issues at work, I went (was sent) to a private counselor (Employee Assistance Program) and she diagnosed me with PTSD. Then I was able to go through Military Order of the Purple Heart and they got me into the VA system. American Legion, VFW, and MOPH can all help you with the filing and they have advocates who's purpose is to get us into the system.
In Idaho, we have Veterans Service Representatives in every county that also can help.
I hope this is helpful to you. I really do feel your pain.
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CPT Todd Ellis
I have gone through the same, short temper pissed off easy and did not know why. It took me a while to get to the root of the problem. I feel for you brother.
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SSG Jeremy Siebenaller kudos to you for seeking help on RP. As you probably already know the guys and gals here on RP are with you and are willing to help. I know of one organization that may be able to offer you and your family professional counseling for free. Please get in touch with The Soldier's Project as they not only offer help for the service member regardless of discharge family members can take advantage as well. Unfortunately violence is part of how PTSD can manifest itself. As to addressing it pay careful attention as to what sets you off. I know this is a difficult topic but here on RP I feel that there is an open door policy when it comes to PTSD. If you need to talk or need help we are here for you brother. Stay strong!
http://www.thesoldiersproject.org/about-us/chapters/
http://www.thesoldiersproject.org/about-us/chapters/
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You have recieved alot of good advice from everyone on this. I can say that my experience with PTSD has been ruff as well but after almost 2yrs of talking with a couselor and continued medication to help with the anxiety I am getting better at getting through my days without having issues. I would encourage you to continue to push tha VA for help they have been flooded with requests from people that may not need to be there so it takes some time to get the help that you need but once you are able to get it you will be glad that you did. In the mean time look for the help that you need outside the VA and keep receipts so that you might be able to get some of the money back. Once you do start coouseling make sure you give it time to work and go into it with an open mind and be honest with the person you are talking with. It will make you feel better and it will allow them to help more. If you do not feel comfortable talking with the first or second couselor keep looking for one that you can be comfortable with. Like Maj Petrarca said I felt the most comfortable talking to a woman I think they they tend to be more empathetic than men and we as men do not like to look weak infront of other men.
If they put you on medication TAKE IT! To many of my friends that have gotten out then saught help and they refuse to take the meds that they are given. The medication once it is dialed in for you helps but it takes time to work and to get it dialed in. Make sure you take it as they tell you to and tell them if it is having side effects or if it works to well so that they can adjust the dosage for you. I am currently on sevral different pills a day and when I forget it is noticable with in 24 hrs so they do work. I hate taking them but to have my family not be terrified of me and to be able to go to walmart with out a panic attack from the crowds is worth it.
I hope this helps and if you need someone to talk to feel free to contact me at [login to see] .mil or [login to see] and I will give you a call.
If they put you on medication TAKE IT! To many of my friends that have gotten out then saught help and they refuse to take the meds that they are given. The medication once it is dialed in for you helps but it takes time to work and to get it dialed in. Make sure you take it as they tell you to and tell them if it is having side effects or if it works to well so that they can adjust the dosage for you. I am currently on sevral different pills a day and when I forget it is noticable with in 24 hrs so they do work. I hate taking them but to have my family not be terrified of me and to be able to go to walmart with out a panic attack from the crowds is worth it.
I hope this helps and if you need someone to talk to feel free to contact me at [login to see] .mil or [login to see] and I will give you a call.
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The meds I take handle the symptoms to some extent but I have found that meditation really helps. A book I recommend your reading is "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" From Mind and Life XII: Neuroplasticity: The Neuronal Substrates of Learning and Transformation. This book is an amazing source of information on the benefits of meditation. Hope this helps!
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SSG Jeremy Siebenaller
Things are going well (Other Than LSU needing to get their shit together) Still have outbursts as expected still have shitty thoughts on the best of days and still no sleep on most days. Nothing out of the normal (for the new normal) and nothing that has gotten me into serious trouble. I am daily reminded (by my wife) how amazing life is and how lucky I am to have her here by my side! As we wait for the next couple months to float by, and impatiently await Thanksgiving to get here so I can meet My very first girl! Good luck to the rest of you, I'm going to be out of comms for the next little bit. I'll keep you posted! Thanks for all the help that you've all given not just me an my family, but eachother! It really is amazing to see how we can all come together!
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