meltedplasticarmyguy Posted September 16, 2012 Posted September 16, 2012 Hello everyone, I just joined the forum today (16 Sept.) and I'm unsure what kind of reception I will receive so I will just say what is on my mind. I have a problem and I do not really know how to describe it. I am 32 years old and I have already lived a very full life. Now I am really looking to settle down and live a quiet life. As you can guess by my screen name I was once a member of the armed forces and that is where a portion of my problem lies. My 20's were a very exciting and wonderful time. I have seen things and done things that a lot of people can only dream of, but I do not say much of that time for fear of sounding cocky or arrogant. With that life however, I picked up some horrible traits. I am a war veteran and very susceptible to flashbacks, night terrors, and mood swings. Because of this I feel like I will never find that one special lady who completes me. I receive help but I will have this for the rest of my life, and in knowing that I start to think "Who would want to be with someone with all this baggage?" When I have an episode people are frightened and run away, afterwords I become pissed at myself because I lost control. I am afraid that I might hurt the ones I love so I end up distancing myself from others and feel that I will always be alone because of my condition. I ask this forum to keep an open mind and offer thoughtful advice. I thank you for your patience and understanding.
Balzac Posted September 16, 2012 Posted September 16, 2012 Firstly, welcome to LS and thank you for your service to our country. It's a challenge to live with the aftermath of your service, to fear that you'll be unable to find the acceptance of a woman, settle into a life with very different kinds of excitement. There are many friendly, supportive, knowledgeable people here, so start talking. Lay it all out and begin your journey.
FitChick Posted September 16, 2012 Posted September 16, 2012 Find a veterans group near you where you can talk to people who have overcome their PTSD. I don't know why you think you will have it the rest of your life when that isn't the case for most veterans.
Author meltedplasticarmyguy Posted September 16, 2012 Author Posted September 16, 2012 Find a veterans group near you where you can talk to people who have overcome their PTSD. I don't know why you think you will have it the rest of your life when that isn't the case for most veterans. PTSD is a lifelong thing, because the slightest trigger can set it off. The trigger can be anything that affects any of your five senses. The ones that do not show signs and symptoms can be one of two things: a. The triggers have not been strong enough, b. have lived with it for so long that they begin to recognize specific triggers so they either avoid it or mentally prepare for an episode. For those that have recognized the triggers and prepare are better able to deal with the flood of memories and feelings, such as finding a constructive release and/or putting it out of their minds as fast as possible. I am fairly new at it given that my last traumatic situation was in 2007, but my first sign of PTSD was just a year and a half ago. I have met some Vietnam veterans at the VA whose first flashback was 20-30 years after.
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