What Is Some Advice You Would Give Those Experiencing PTSD?

2016-01-05T13:07:16-05:00

Let's say this person just hit rock bottom, what would you say, if nothing at all?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 1:45 PM

2016-01-05T13:45:49-05:00

1) Do you need me to take you to see someone?
2) Do you want to sit and talk?
3) What do you need of me to help you?
4) Tell me what you need.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-01-05T14:02:05-05:00

Don't give up!!! Find someone to talk to!!!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 2:51 PM

2016-01-05T14:51:45-05:00

knock him out and drag him to the counselor !!! ops ... that is a very very bad move...

just be around the person, and tell him not to be afraid of asking help.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 3:39 PM

2016-01-05T15:39:09-05:00

I'd offer to them that they are definitely not alone in the fight...that their comrades in arms still have their backs. I'd let them talk...I'd listen. If they couldn't talk...I'd tell them what I'm facing. Most importantly, I'd want them to come away knowing they're not "damaged"...they've just seen more than most people and can come back from the dark places to live in the light-stronger than they were or ever could be before.

Response by Sgt Joe LaBranche made Jan 5 at 2016 3:55 PM

2016-01-05T15:55:08-05:00

If your VA or any veteran organization offers Group Therapy, attend a session. If you like it, keep going. Veterans share their feelings and experiences. Very seldom does the topic of combat come up. Sharing how and what you are feeling and listen to others makes you realize that thete are others out there with the same feeling. You are not alone or strange. You also learn about coping skills that are effective for others.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jan 5 at 2016 6:41 PM

2016-01-05T18:41:13-05:00

I'll have to defer to Cpl Hank Goff, USMC. To summarize: Find a purpose & just keep fighting. His story, and his words, are pretty powerful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgYUJ-l9UhA

Hank Goff receives the Disney Spirit Award

Hank Goff receives the Disney Spirit Award Hank Goff wins the 2015 Disney Spirit Award which honors college football's most inspirational figures.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jan 5 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-01-05T20:05:40-05:00

I'd let this person know up front that there are thousands of SM's who aren't here with us anymore. We owe it to them, their families and ourselves to live a fruitful life. I'd offer my hand in support and let this SM know he's not alone ever. And work together to find ways to help each other out. We all learn from each other, and can teach the other new coping skills. If you are your Brothers and Sisters keeper, they're never alone no matter the distance. I am and am only a phone call away or a PM. I'm here for you the same way you're here for me. I don't want anyone to hurt themselves on my watch if I have a chance to help them. It could also help me. But should you have the desire to do harm to yourself, don't worry about it, I'll so everything I can to beat your ass for you, and be the first one you see bandaging you up. I'm Ali and should you want to hurt yourself you will be Romo. I am currently Combat Lifetaker qualified. So If I miss the vein in your arm, I'll find one to get it right

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Jan 5 at 2016 11:29 PM

2016-01-05T23:29:36-05:00

Everyone has their own battles and experiences, my best advice is live each day with the determination to not let it overcome you, learn your triggers and persistently try to find ways to overcome them. don't feel ashamed to let the emotions out.

Response by SPC Ryan Desmond made Jan 6 at 2016 8:00 AM

2016-01-06T08:00:15-05:00

One day at a time and NEVER be afraid to ask for help.

Response by SSG John Caples made Jan 7 at 2016 6:36 PM

2016-01-07T18:36:33-05:00

Live one day at a time, minute by minute, and second by second, and so on and so on that's how I deal with it. Have him/her reach out to suicide crisis center and to a mental health provider.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jan 9 at 2016 12:06 AM

2016-01-09T00:06:24-05:00

I would start with advice to myself. Two things I consider most important: be present and listen. Has someone trusted you enough to tell you? Assure them that in your eyes, they still have worth. Allow rambling conversations early and let trust and comfort develop (sorry I was sleep typing last night)

Crucial information: do they have a plan to hurt themselves? And do they have the means? Obtain location and callback number if they have called you.

Know the resources.

Ask the person what is most helpful to him/her. Transport to the hospital? Do they need to be with another person to be safe/feel safe? Shelter? What has been helpful in the past?

If possible, decrease as much stimulation as possible and this helps with hyperarousal, hyper vigilance.

Get to a professional ASAP to determine what to do next.

Response by Capt Skip Sponheim made Jan 12 at 2016 5:56 AM

2016-01-12T05:56:22-05:00

NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. THE FIRST STEP IS ALWAYS THE MOST DIFFICULT BECAUSE WE FEAR THE UNKNOWN....BUT THE UNKNOWN, ONCE KNOWN,IS NORMALLY QUITE EASY TO GET ALONG WITH

Response by SGT Larry Prentice made Jan 13 at 2016 11:58 AM

2016-01-13T11:58:29-05:00

I would say "hey brother, I have been where you are now. Lets sit and chat a bit and figure this out together". The key here is to not offer advice, the key is to listen and get the person help.

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made Jan 15 at 2016 10:06 AM

2016-01-15T10:06:35-05:00

You are perfectly normal. You are not alone. Don't let this problem define you. There is hope even if you cannot feel it now. There is help out there and I want you to call this number and just talk [login to see] and press 1