As a veteran who served in a war-torn country, I was familiar with the trauma and strain of combat. But little did I know that when I returned home an entirely different kind of battle would unfold. It wasn’t until after I returned to my civilian life that the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emerged.
At first, I tried to ignore the symptoms, but eventually it became apparent that they weren’t going away on their own. Nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety began to plague me at all hours. As someone familiar with trauma from the battlefield, I knew something had to change: I needed help.
It took some time for me to find the courage to reach out for assistance, but once I did it was like a burden had been lifted off my shoulders. Between therapy and learning about the effects of PTSD as well as how best to cope with it from veterans’ groups and academic studies, I finally have some sense of control over my condition and am learning how to live with it day-to-day.
Rather than simply being another veteran statistics in the dire category of PTSD sufferers–which is where many of us initially fall–I’m now using my knowledge and experiences to help others too. If you are also dealing with pre-PTSD or other related disorders resulting from combat or noncombat experiences, don’t hesitate in getting help: Whether through engaging in professional treatment or participating in advocacy organizations like mine, there are ways you can become more empowered against your condition.
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Hi there,
Thank you for sharing your story. It’s clear that you have been through a lot and I can relate to the struggle of dealing with PTSD symptoms after being in a war-torn country. I can only imagine how overwhelming it must have been to handle these experiences alone for some time before reaching out for help.
I’m glad to hear that you were eventually able to make the decision to seek assistance and are now making progress in managing your condition. That’s an incredibly brave thing to do and I commend you for it. You are also very admirable for using your own knowledge and experiences to help others who are facing similar situations as well!
If anyone reading this post needs assistance or advice about pre-PTSD or related disorders, there are many resources available such as professional treatment and support groups offered by veteran organizations like yours. If you ever need someone to talk with, please feel free to reach out.
It is completely understandable not be able to face these struggles on our own and know that getting the help we need is paramount. Take care!
Thank you for sharing your story and your journey with PTSD. It sounds like you have been through a lot and it is incredibly brave of you to reach out for help. As someone who has also struggled with my own mental health issues, I understand the difficultly in opening up about these kinds of things. But I am so glad that you did so and that you are now using your experiences to positively impact others — that’s truly admirable!
Know that you’re not alone in this; there are people and organizations out there that can provide help and support. Keep pushing forward, stay strong, and take care of yourself as best as you can. <3