Don't know realy how to ask this. Is it uncommon for
a Senior NCO career Soldier (21 Years) to have delayed re-actions of PTSD? I know I struggled with
the past for Years. It got worse as the years passed.
The depression got so bad for a while that I started seeing a Psychologist. I guess My question is: Will You ever outgrow the pains of combat? I'm currently
enrolled in Vet group counseling, and have a claim pending. Is it possible that I've suffered from this all a long, but never admitted it. I suppose I'm the only one that can answer that. Seems the past few years this monster has constantly attacked Me. Am I
imagining this, or is this the way it is? I'm really
trying to get the right counseling, because it has taken it's toll these past few years. 2 major problems: Isolation, and Denial. I'm all ears, so let's have it You "experts"

FormerGrunt

I can answer all your questions with Yes.

However, Its entirely up to you to decide where you want to talk about things like you are going threw, but,,I tend to believe that some things are better discussed more on a private nature than on an open Board. That's just my opinion, I think that the Stressor or Trigger level can be extremely enhanced on an open Forum . But, like I said it's entirely up to you.

I would be more than happy to try and answer your questions or help any way possible threw email. I don't consider myself an expert, but I will say I have been in this stuff for many years.

My best to you..
jinks

I agree with Jinx, I would answer yes to your questions also. I feel that CaREER sOLODIERS ARE IN DENIAL MORE THAN NON CAREER SOLDIERS, i SUGGEST THAT YOU GO TO THE LINKS PAGE OF THE 10TH CAV WEB SITE AT 10THCAVCHAPTER.ORG THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION on PTSD gleaned from other web sites and I think that problems should best be discussed by E-mail with people that have been through thinking straight sessions or forums than general discussion forums. Your local VA hospital or clinic should be able to refer you to a theraphy group.

Good advice. Oh don't worry, I've been well educated
about what not to post here. Learned that lesson
way back during the 4th ID deployment.

Former Grunt: Again the answer is yes. I don't know if it is denial, or simply being busy, but many Vets, my self included, didn't recognize symptoms until we stopped working. Some of the symptoms (drinking, temper, etc.) might have been there all along, but we didn't recognize them for what they were. We didn't think we were depressed because we were able to keep busy concentrating on work. When we did feel down we could always find another reason for it. As I look back, I can see certain problems I was having, even while working, which I didn't attribute to PTSD at the time but were probably related.
I don't think any of us will ever entirely outgrow the pain; but the good news is we can learn to cope with it. LIFE CAN BE GOOD AGAIN.

PS: Never be afraid to ask. That's what Brothers are for.

Thanks "Doc"
I can say You are absolutely right, since I've been
involved with group therapy at the Vet center I can see a definite change in My attitude. There is 16
"Nam" vets in that group, and each one can say:
"been there, done that" Thanks for the encouraging words.
Topp