What are your thoughts on PTSD AND TBI coping techniques?

SSG Reuben Randolph — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 21:33:33 -0400

I feel that these injuries do not get the attention they deserve. I have been diagnosed with both, and I find it hard to function properly in public, if it isn't the anxiety, its the fear of not being able to function properly in the event that something did happen. I have found that my coping techniques keep me locked in my house, and I know that this isn't the best way to help myself! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Response by SPC James Burkett II made Aug 9 at 2015 9:48 PM

SPC James Burkett II — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 21:48:55 -0400

There are lots of techniques. I'm in treatment right now for PTSD and they are teaching us something call tapping. I'll try to find a link and send it to you if you like.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 9 at 2015 10:08 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:08:43 -0400

SSG Reuben Randolph Brother I have both also. The TBI (which in the VA's infinite wisdom says it wasn't service connected even though I got hit by and IED in Iraq and have a Purple Heart) causes me problems when I am talking in a meeting type of environment. I would forget the words that I wanted to say mid sentence. How I got around this, was my comrades knew my problem and would five me the word/words I was looking for. Or I wouldn't talk in the meetings and get off line with whom ever I needed to talk to. For the anxiety, I stay away from crowds when I am alone. I seem to have, by far, less of a problem if I am with people I know. So for that, go with some people you trust and hopefully that works for you. Talking about it also helps. Try and go to a physiologist and do some therapy for it. For me it had to be the right fit. If I didn't feel comfortable them it wouldn't help. So you might need to shop around to get the right therapist. Sometimes just being alone has helped me. But if you do it all the time you will have difficulties getting out. Also, if I need to go somewhere (stores, gym...) I pick times when the places are not crowded. If there are more people in my gym than there are usually, I put the head phones on and concentrate on what I am doing and that works pretty good for me.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 9 at 2015 10:41 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:41:33 -0400

They are both real and often occur together. All I can say is seek help and know I'm praying for you

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Aug 10 at 2015 4:33 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 04:33:35 -0400

I have been diagnosed with both also. My anxiety ramps up days before an event. I have used several types of therapy. Equine is amazing if you can find a program nearby. Another thing that produced huge change was dance lessons in very small groups (there were 4 of us, with me as the only TBI) it helped with movement, socialization at a speed I could manage and memory. I will never be a dance champion but I built enough confidence so I could do up to a 4 step combo. This took a few years with a patient teacher. The other dance students became my friends and gave me companions that knew about my injuries, when I struggled for words or to make eye contact or do two things at once. I go to familiar places or places where there will be familiar people. Really, my biggest tool to get out of the house sounds pretty silly. I put eyeliner on 1 eye. The OCD in me forces me to do the other one. I wear very little makeup; what this is: I found one action to start that was very simple. Start simple and build. Miracles don't happen overnight, so be patient with yourself. Your one thing may be opening your blinds or curtains and realizing the sun is shining. I wish you well.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 10 at 2015 8:35 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 08:35:33 -0400

Check out Pets for Vets
http://petsforvets.com/

Pets for Vets

At Pets for Vets, we believe our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude. Our soldiers have been brave but many of them have returned with physical

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2015 3:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:00:40 -0400

email me at [login to see] . I wrote a practical guide to help you with PTSD.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2015 8:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 20:15:37 -0400

Did you get MED Boarded and what is your VA rating. When my mind was racing with thoughts of anxiety and stress, I took the systematic approach to solve it. The first step is surviving the darkness and hell I was living in. I broke out of the cage by repeatedly acknowledging who and what I loved, as this allowed me to escape and broke the cycle of negative thoughts. The second one I will use the analogy of going to 9mm range. The targets are stressors that pop up. You shoot the closest targets and move on to further targets. The targets 100m and beyond I disregard, and this makes stress more manageable. There will be a correlation, less stress equals less anxiety. I hope this helps.

Response by SPC James Burkett II made Aug 10 at 2015 8:27 PM

SPC James Burkett II — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 20:27:16 -0400

Another thing that seems to help a lot is finding groups like this one for support. I know it sounds crazy and hard to grasp when with PTSD comes a lot of trust issues but the best work I have ever achieved of learning to control my triggers is in small groups. Being around people who understand and don't judge PTSD is a God send.

Response by PO2 Brandon Boucher made Aug 11 at 2015 2:06 PM

PO2 Brandon Boucher — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:06:47 -0400

This is a very rough thing to deal with, however we are finally living in a time where it is being looked at and is getting serious attention. I've found that guided meditations, 2-3 times a week has been a huge help. I'm currently working to put together a study that show conclusively that meditation helps TBI and PTSD by increasing grey matter and helping improve Quality of Life.

My quality of life has increased since I started meditating regularly, and i have been facilitating guided meditation groups for Veterans for nearly 6 months.

Response by SCPO Lee Pradia made Aug 13 at 2015 7:39 AM

SCPO Lee Pradia — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 07:39:33 -0400

I find that stress, screaming and crowds are my triggers. I find that fishing, sightseeing, going to the ocean, astrophotography and model railroading are very relaxing for me. You have to find a hobby that is both rewarding and relaxing, something that you can enjoy daily. Hope it helps.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 12:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 12:26:38 -0400

I found EMDR therapy helpful with some of the PTSD symptoms, I haven't had nightmares in quite awhile which is a blessing. I guess like many others, I ave learned to avoid those things that produce anxiety/stress. I don't go to concerts or crowded events any more... I also found that my dog was a great help through some of the tough times.

Hope that all get some relief from PTSD... Surviving isn't living