Posted on Nov 3, 2019
What advice do you have for seeking help for PTSD late in life?
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I'm not sure how to correctly ask this question concerning PTSD. Up first, I am a Vietnam ETA Veteran, ( Non Combat ), I grew up an Army Military Brat! As usual, my family move around a LOT! My Mother & Stepfather raised me until I was 17 years old, when I met my Biological Father. My Mother & Stepfather were not active Alcoholic's all my life. When I met my Biological Father, I went to live with him & his Family. He was a newly Commissioned 1st Lt. He served in the Army, tail end if WWII, Korea, Discharged from the Army,joins the Air Force untill he received his Commission to 1st Lt. In the Army. I found out that my Stepmother was not asked about, but Told, that I was coming to live with them! Also I found out that there marriage was in real trouble! All of that plus a long list of other things, I didn't feel like I belonged there either!! I didn't want to go back to my Mother & Stepfather's, due to the aforementioned Alcohol problems. So, I got permission from my Mother to drop out of High School & join the Army. That was Feb.1965. Served 3 years active Duty, Non Combat, then 3 years inactive Reserve. Shortly after I was separated , Feb. 1968.,:I had a mental break down! Was in. VA hospital for approximately a year. I was interviewed be a Young Woman at the Denver VA for PTSD. She got very defensive when I asked her if she had any Military Background. She answered NO! The interview went down the crapper from that point!! I learned that I did indeed suffer from PTSD. BUT, NOT FROM COMBAT!!!!
NOW, my real question, dies anyone have any suggestions as to any follow up with this???? Another additional issue, I'm coming up fast on my 73 Rd Birthday.
Should I just "suck it up" and continue to " fight this problem??? PLEASE, Serious Replies Only
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
NOW, my real question, dies anyone have any suggestions as to any follow up with this???? Another additional issue, I'm coming up fast on my 73 Rd Birthday.
Should I just "suck it up" and continue to " fight this problem??? PLEASE, Serious Replies Only
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 14
If you have a problem go get it treated. Sounds like you are ready for a positive change and to accept the treatment. I think that is a huge determinant in its success. If you had a problem with your kidney, would you go to a doctor for help? No different with PTSD. Go get yourself some help and improve your life.
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You can get PTSD from virtually anything that your mind views as a traumatic event. If you are having problems with PTSD then it can't hurt to seek treatment for it. I know someone who grew up in a hoarder house and now she has anxiety when she smells scents that remind her of the house. She also has nightmares from having to go down to the basement to wash clothes. You don't have to be in combat to get PTSD.
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I'm not sure that I can diagnose PTSD from your story - that takes a mental health professional.
Start there. Get diagnosed.
Where you go next depends on how intrusive this is to your life. Maybe it will take coming to terms with the past. Maybe it will take finding tools to deal with situations currently. Maybe you need to make peace with people in your life.
Speaking for myself, it is a journey, not a magic wand. Be prepared for setbacks along the way, to go with the occasional victory.
Good luck finding your way.
Start there. Get diagnosed.
Where you go next depends on how intrusive this is to your life. Maybe it will take coming to terms with the past. Maybe it will take finding tools to deal with situations currently. Maybe you need to make peace with people in your life.
Speaking for myself, it is a journey, not a magic wand. Be prepared for setbacks along the way, to go with the occasional victory.
Good luck finding your way.
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