What are some outlets for dealing with documented PTSD?

SSG Jerry Eidson — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 00:58:25 -0400

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Mar 30 at 2016 1:58 AM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 01:58:44 -0400

Not the most helpful, but avoidance and compartmentalization seem to be the most common.

My opinion is that a positive outlet is going to be unique to you. Everyone has different experiences, symptoms, and triggers.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 30 at 2016 2:19 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 02:19:57 -0400

Your best and greatest outlet is the coaching and counseling available at and or through the VA. It is also important to have those close to you receive coaching on this topic as well.

NOTE: If I am seeing this posting correctly and you are currently deployed you and or the individual in question needs to ensure you are seeking help in Theater as support is offered in some form or another throughout. If this person is deployed and not sharing with their leadership they are doing a dis-service to themselves and the unit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 3:56 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 03:56:25 -0400

Combat Stress Teams are in theater, peers are often the best ally while downrange (safety in numbers) Healthy eating, adequate sleep, working to the limit of the symptoms and increasing physical fitness. PM me if I can help.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Mar 30 at 2016 4:34 AM

SGT Michael Thorin — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 04:34:45 -0400

There is a non-profit organization which is beginning a "virtual world" which solely includes Veteran's, counsellors, and peer counselors.

Currently, the support group is on Skype together, and building an environment where you are essentially assigned an avatar, and you will take that avatar into the virtual world and be able to find help 24/7, in a non-intimidating environment under anonymity.

This will be at no cost to the Veterans, and is receiving a great deal of social sponsorshship, and was formed by Veterans for Veterans.

Response by PO3 Marc Hansen made Mar 30 at 2016 6:28 AM

PO3 Marc Hansen — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 06:28:36 -0400

In general find a hobby that you enjoy, take walks, lift weights...etc. Sometimes these steps will help you through the sudden flare ups. Talk to a professional, they will be able to walk you through more coping skills. Talk to other vets, shared experience helps too.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Mar 30 at 2016 8:19 AM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 08:19:41 -0400

A Paradigm shifting process to research. Repetitive Behavior Cellular Regression ( CR ) works without counseling or therapy or meds.

Response by SGT Jimmy Carpenter made Mar 30 at 2016 9:06 AM

SGT Jimmy Carpenter — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:06:37 -0400

I find spending time at my local range helps me. That is just one of several relaxing hobbies. I also enjoy fishing and metal detecting (aka treasure hunting).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 9:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:48:01 -0400

Local Vet Centers are great for this and strongly recommend that you bring your family with you so everyone knows what you are coping with.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 9:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:48:08 -0400

There are many outlets in which you can go. Find what you like to do and go from there. One idea (if you like LEGOs) is something I read recently:

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2016/03/26/legos-help-ease-iraq-veterans-post-traumatic-stress/82208836/

Legos help ease Iraq veteran's post-traumatic stress

Retired Army medic Robin Krauth found relief from post-traumatic stress in her computer and a massive pile of Lego bricks.

Response by 1LT A. Uribe made Mar 30 at 2016 9:57 AM

1LT A. Uribe — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:57:20 -0400

I like road trips and camping.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 30 at 2016 2:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 14:42:32 -0400

Let's fix the man and not only his problems.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 6:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 18:14:07 -0400

Find something you really like and have a passion for and dive in!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 3:38 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 15:38:03 -0400

Keep in touch and talk with your buddies who served with you. Don't be afraid to speak up and get help if you need it.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Feb 16 at 2018 7:31 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:31:56 -0500

PE-Prolong Exposure