What are your experiences with PTSD support groups? Would you recommend any group in particular?

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Posted 9 y ago

For over two decades, a number of us in the the mil/vet community have been asking the same thing with little success. Now we as Americans, vets, and mental health providers can clearly see the need remains and many in our general population continue to ask for unbiased peer support groups for their areas.

We all need and deserve a nationwide, locally focused network of peer support groups for all those impacted by PTSD and other conditions.

With all the monies out there and the now thousands of charities existing, surely we can do actually more with less and more effectively at all levels.

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SGT David Ortiz-González

9 y

Awesome response Sir! That's exactly where I wanted to go with this discussion. Are peer based support really that more effective than the ones provided nationally?I dunno, maybe it's the level of camaraderie and respect we have for those who have served. My goal is to slowly merge the bond that exists in local support groups to a grander scale.

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CAPT Michael W. Langston, PhD, DMin

9 y

I agree 100%. Well said!
R/ Chaplain Langston

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SGT David Ortiz-González

9 y

CAPT Michael W. Langston, PhD, DMin - Thanks Sir!

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PO2 Kristy Williams

Posted 9 y ago

I saw a VA counselor and she was amazing. She set up a support group for us in Greenville,NC. It was nice to talk to other veterans who had been through what I had been through. We were in different stages of dealing with it. I was deep in the self destruction stage and pushing everyone as far away as possible. No, my PTSD is not combat related and honestly it's always bothered me that everyone assumes that only combat can give you PTSD, there are horrors that can happen to a young female in the military who has never had to watch out for herself and was dumb enough not to. Anyways....

I think the most important thing a veteran or active duty military member suffering from PTSD is admit there is a problem and seek help. I don't know if she still works there and for the life of me I can't remember her name. But there are good people in the VA, working hard to help us. They are just overworked.

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SGT David Ortiz-González

9 y

Thanks for sharing!!

I often try to clarify the same thing about PTSD but sadly combat is associated with it more than any other life situation.

Would you suggest that the groups be separated by combat vets and others life situations? Or would gender also be better for those participating?

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PO2 Kristy Williams

9 y

I would suggest it be experienced based. Combat veterans can better relate to each other. Rape victims can better relate to each other. I can't speak to combat PTSD but as to the other I know it's about having what little power or control you had in your life stolen. And mine was still very connected to the military, as I was on base and he was a member of my sqadron. I felt safe allowing him to walk me to my room. I felt I had allowed this to happen.

The best help is going to come from a professional and then the group. Seeing it through other victims eyes and knowing they are there with you and know exactly how you feel is very calming for the mind and spirit.

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SGT David Ortiz-González

9 y

Again, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm sure that your story can benefit many others that might be going through a similar situation.

Thanks for the great input. I will definitely keep this in mind whenever we create our support groups.

Best of luck!

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PO2 Kristy Williams

9 y

Thank you. You too

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SFC Craig Dalen

Posted 9 y ago

There are many good ones to choose from.

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LTC Stephen Kubiszewski

9 y

Where is info listed? Thanks

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SFC Craig Dalen

9 y

There are many listed on social media and within military towns and installations.

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SGT David Ortiz-González

9 y

LTC Stephen Kubiszewski - I participate and mentor on one on Twitter called #PTSDChat. They meet online every Wednesday @ 9pm EST

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CSM Charles Hayden

Posted 9 y ago

SGT David Ortiz-González PSTD support groups I do not know about. An Alzheimer's Support group, that I 'happened' to be told of, was an immense help.

A support group of folks w/ similar problems can be helpful. As Dave Ramsey always says, "shop around", please, see how you fit in!

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SGT David Ortiz-González

9 y

I like that one! Appreciate the comment CSM.

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CSM Michael J. Uhlig

Posted 9 y ago

Be careful what you ask for SGT David Ortiz-González, I recently spoke with a professional and was told combat Soldiers seeking help nowadays are a rarity which really befuckled me up a bit, but hey, whatever floats your boat......they told me most are pre-military aged young people and spouses with problems in the military community 9i found that very hard to believe)......I am not able to recommend any group other than the FRG, as the ones I have been around were actually functional support groups and supported and took care of the families when we were deployed/training.

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SGT David Ortiz-González

9 y

I appreciate the comment and the heads up CSM. As a Behavioral Health Specialist I always try to encourage those in need to seek professional help. I too received great support from our FRG while deployed. If run properly, they can make a huge difference. Once again I appreciate your input.

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