|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
Military.com Forums Health and Fitness Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Information and Links If you have PTSD how often do you get to see your shrink?|
Go
|
New
|
Find
|
Notify
|
Tools
|
Reply
|
|
|
New Member |
Hi. My husband is an Iraq vet (100% disability rating because of TBI & PTSD). I'm trying to figure out how often vets with severe PTSD (affecting daily life) are able to see their psychologists or psychiatrists? My husband is lucky if he gets to see his shrink every other month. What he gets is every 2 weeks he gets to see a therapist. You'd think that might be good enough but....... I've sat in on one session with him & what a waste of time. She's all about stress relief and new-age techniques (massage, accupuncture, etc), which those are great for stress relief but it doesn't get to the base problem. I'm just very frustrated because he isn't getting the help he needs.
I'm actually back in college with 5 more years until I get my doctorate in psychology so that I can do my part and help our veterans with combat PTSD. So again, after all my rambling, I was just wondering how often most of you get to see your psychologists/psychiatrists? |
||
|
|
Now OldArmyLOVE -------------------  Founding Member ------------------- |
We understand your situation. And most of us know that these things are not only hard for the member, but equally hard or even harder on the family especially the wife. My suggestion is to see what groups, veterans or city/county/state or churches are offering in your area.
Please keep the emergency number of the VA with you and don’t be afraid to call it. You husband my not de in any danger of hurting himself, but also keep this number near you.  PS: You will receive some very good advice from members of this forum. Please keep us posted. You husband is welcome here also. He will be with guys and gals who have BTDT we will not judge him we will strive be help and be available to him. Blessings to both of you and your family, Bruce A listening ear, a caring heart, an open mind and an extend hand may be all I can offer, but they are yours without charge or judgment. |
|||
|
|
New Member |
Hello I can tell you about my treatment I received in Connecticut back in 1998 till 2002.
I was put in the hospital for four months and received treatment daily. After release I saw a doctor once a week and a LCSW once a week plus groups twice a week. Later My treatment plan was reduced. However in 2002 before I moved to Texas I saw a Doctor once a month and a LCSW every other week with Group once a week. In Texas my treatment was cut way back. I saw one doctor for medicationsone time. He turned all over to a nurse which I saw every month. I saw a LCSW every month. No groups !!! Then the Iraq war came in 2003. Around 2004 after the men as your husband started to come in. My treatment was cut back more. Med nurse every 3 Mos. LCSW every 2 months. As time moved on and more men/women came home from Iraq. I was told I would no longer be seeing a LCSW. My Med nurse would still see me but every 6 mos. The fact is my treatment for PTSD was cut completely out. I got very angery and fought the V.A. for my treatment. I called, I wrote letters, I sent e mails and more e mails. After 3-4 months my treatment was started once more with a Doctor!! I see this man every month and have for a few years. Maybe the trouble makers get the treatment they need?? I say start calling and writing!! I hope your husband starts to get better and learns to accept his PTSD. There is little things he can do. Some nights I see a Viet Cong lady, she stands at the foot of my bed. I tell my self she is there to tell me it's ok! I can move on with my life. I know it's not true-- but it helps. I use vicks in my nose before bed to stop the smells. I wash my mouth out with salt water. I check things outside and inside my house to asure myself it is safe to sleep. I never read about war or watch war movies. I don't even watch the news!! (Just a few suggestions that may help but what helps me may not help him. He must try to find what will help him). And it's not alcohol or drugs!! Good Luck Mrs. Spinner Hutch--Out |
|||
|
|
Founding Member Derelict Veterans Group DVG Info page  |
Shannon, Welcome,, like Bruce said there is a alot of people going thru the same thing here,, so some time when you are wanting to veggg or rid of frusatation,,here we are,,,
Good luck,, Be Well with your Husband God bless you and All Ron SSgt65 Ron SSgt65 |
|||
|
New Member |
I'm currently being treated for PTSD from the Vietnam war. I see my psychologist once a month and a psychiatrist every 4 months.
I was only diagnosed in 2007, nearly 40 years after the war. When I first went to the VA after coming home, they said I had a nervous disorder. I never received any compensation for it. After having some psychological issues and not receiving help , I contacted my congressman and he helped me get re-evaluated within a month. I now receive a 70% rating and am being treated for something I should have been treated for along time ago. It might have taken 40 years, but I finally got something. The therapy is helping alot. My final words are simple. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Thanks for reading this. |
|||
|
|
New Member |
I go once a week but many times she'll allow me to come in twice a week if it's an emergency. My PTSD is non-combat and I am rated 70%.
The "new age" things is probably grounding techniques which helps you when you are having a flashback and try to get yourself back into the present. If he does not find his therapist helpful he should recommend a transfer. It takes a while to find someone that you feel comfortable to and not having that person may do a lot of harm. Also you should look into a residential program (not inpatient) at the VA. I have a few friends with complex PTSD and residential programs did wonders for them. The waiting list is long so get on it even if you remotely interested in it, its best to get your name on the waiting list which you can take out later if you change your mind. |
|||
|
|
New Member |
Well here goes future MrsSpinner. As you may already know PTSD is a severe disability produced by so many things and most of us on Military.com have PTSD to some degree or another. I am 100% P+T due to PTSD and a few other Vietnam combat injuries. I visit my group PTSD combat vets once a week. I also see a VA Psyche Doctor once a month and have a one-on-one with a trained clinician holding a Masters degree. This have been going on for more than 2 years and it has taken me 40 years to get to that point.
Some groups of PTSD Vets see the same thing as your future husband may have seen and our group has seen 3 Clinicians come and go due to promotions or working at another location. Seems to us that we are "trainers" for some of the clinicians but after understanding our role we suddenly stopped training them. Why? Well, we simply shut up during sessions so the clinician must dig deep and come up with why and what we should be doing during the group meetings. At every meeting a journal must be written about each individual attending. I always request a copy of what was written and if it is not correct then I immediately try to adjust their story. It seems as though this is an ongoing problem because when has the VA trusted PTSD Vets with anything. It is of my opinion that the trained clinicians for PTSD Vets cannot go to more than one PTSD subject at a time when there are approximately 26 things that crashes down at the same time on us PTSD Vets. The VA tries to resolve each problem such as flashbacks, anger, staying awake at nights that can copme to us in any single hour during the day or night. If we have been properly trained to notice and attempt to recognize these events the VA figures we can almost not need the clinic. Funny but there is really no cure for PTSD. Especially after almost 40 years of memories that always seem to surface and replace the good times I am having or could be having with my family. It is also so very important to me and those in my group that the "evaluator" is or once was in the Military. It is a double advantage to us PTSD Vets if we get a Doctor who was once in the military as my Psyche Doctor. I am told that Cognitive therapy is the key to help but how can I see the Cognitive Therapist when he is not a Doctor and has not been in the military and experienced even half of what I have experienced. I was once in the 75th Rangers in Vietnam for 14 months so if the VA tries to help they seem to just stumble on top of themselves. I say this. VA! No need to use research books or past stories of those who have experienced the most horrific of all stress.. You, the VA, really need to listen and learn from the stories of former Combat Vets but please do not believe that we will help and assist because where were you for us as we suffereed and still suffer from PTSD and it has been going on for 40 plus years?..... |
|||
|
|
New Member |
I usually get to see my psychiatrist every 6-8 weeks at the VA in Salt Lake City. I suffer from PTSD that I sustained from my tour in Afghanistan, May 06-May 07. It's been nearly two years now...and I'm still on skid row.
When I was still in the Air Force, they sent me to see a psychologist 2 times per week. This was good because like you said, the first visit is usually a waste. In fact, I found myself counselling the therapist half the time. I was happy to help, but it wasn't helpful to me. I've tried 6 different kinds of antidepressants, benzodiazapines, EMDR therapy, narcotics, religion, alcohol...and even the psyche ward. Everything helped a little bit, but there is no panacea. In fact, I don't even think there's a cure--just managed treatment. I have attempted suicide many times and I don't think a day has passed when I didn't at least think about the notion for a little while. But, usually I'm so depressed that I can't even concentrate well enough to try and take myself out of this world. Here's a kicker: I was a good officer (a major in fact with 12 years of service), I have a beautiful family (wife, two daughters, one son), I have a master's degree, and I'm a published author: << Mod Note - Link removed per Terms of Service >> My loving support to all wounded warriors and their courageous families: << Mod Note - Link removed per Terms of Service >> This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dave_M, |
|||
|
|
Friends are awesome. |
Hi ! Iam service connected PTSD/MST. I did not get help until after Sept. 11, 2001. I had a female therapist that was all negative. She had me in a group that was verbal attacking me. One day I had it told them off and left the room slamming the door. I happened to be seeing my PTSD trained Dr for meds and one on one every 2 to 3 weeks. I dropped the female therapist!! I did inpatient for severe, non functional,wanted off the planet PTSD. When I got out 2 weeks. I got groups twice a week, seeing my PTSD Dr. twice a week. I was told if I have a problem get my body into the ER, STAT. I now see my Dr. once every three months. There is no cure for PTSD but there is treatment. You learn to open your month and complain to the patient advocate or clinic manager. Also keep all your appointments because the number of veterans needing help have increased. I was active duty ARMY( 197-1974) I am a female veteran. Also file a claim. Sally
|
|||
|
Forums Metrics Management |
You see your shrink as often as needed. Make sure to make timely and frequent visits to your competent provider. This is very importantant. There are very few people who are able to make the needed diagnosis for you. Insure that you have sought out competent assistance. There is never a, "Good" way of determining what your needs may be. It is never too soon to get the kind of help that you need.
There are tons of providers out in the marketplace who are able to provide you with the very best of coverage for your problems. PTSD is a very uncommon disease with many differential problems. It is essential that you find a provider who can give you the very best of service. There are often many people who are able to give you the best of help as you go down the road to recovery. Make sure that you have found exactly the type of provider who can give you the exact type of service for PTSD abd the ancillary symptoms. I doubt that you can find anyone who has all the answers to the problems that you have been trying to address here. It is an essential thing that those who have been diagnosed with PTSD are often found to be the most viable candidates for help. So, if you have a chance, try to find a VET Center if possible. Vet Centers are often found to be the most useful places to obtain assistance. A "shrink" may be of many different professions. Most often then are those who have been specially trained to assist many types of veterans. Take your time and try to find the right one. If you do that, your time will be spent better than anywhere else. Hopefully, over time, you will find that those who are the best providers will be able to give you the most care. Often times it isn't the provider that is a problem...rather it is the individual who has been seeking help. So don't worry so much about the frequency of visits. Instead, think more about the successes that you will be finding. If you do that, you won't be sorry. Thanks for visiting this forum. Hopefully you will find yourselves the best of assistance. If you do that, then you cann't be found to be out of compliance. We all hope and pray for the best of outcomes here. So take your time and try to find the best provider that you can. If you do that, you will have done about the best that anyone can do. After that, it won't be anything at all to find the best of help that you need. Sorry for the long ramble, but it makes sense from this end to provide a broader answer to this entire matter. God Bless! If you need any help, do not hesitate to contact your local Regional Center or Vet Center for assistance. Hang in there! Hopefully in time you will find ways of dealing with the awesome symptoms of PTSD. If you do that, then you will have done everything that can be done to take care of your perssistent difficulties. We all wish you the very best and pray that you have everything you need to get better. If you have any further problems, never hesistate contact your local VET center or hospital for help. Thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts. From here on it, it is important to insure that the kind of help that you get is top-notch. If you do that, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for the privilege of writing here. Best of success to each and every one of you! "There are those who believe there are two types of people in the world: Those who believe there are two types of people; and those who don't." John Mahoney... |
|||
|
|
New Member |
I understand were she is comeing from. for a female that has server ptsd i wish i could get help with the va. I am lucky if the va were i live has a female social worker that sticks around more than a month. they had me going from once a month to once every 3. i would see the med doc every 6 so she could do a retest to make sure i still had it. i am haveing to currently pay for outside help and meds for it. i go every week to see a female that has experiance with DV, ST, PTSD, depression, anxity, angry, etc.... the female person that should help us were i am at says wait till the new out pattionate building is built. then i will have some medocore health care. Tx is the worst state if you are a female to get health care. my exp only. aprox 5,000 out of aprox 200,000 vets out of the north tx health care are females. i wish i was back in la were i got the best health care. i know of a few groups on other sites that are set up for females mainly but men are welcome too. they will also help the familes of vets. if the mod says it is ok for me to post i will post or if he ask i will give him the info to post on here for everyone to know. if it wasnt for those groups i might not be here today. they are the only family i have to help since my own dont understand what im going through with the va.
blessed be, urbenrebelcowgirl |
|||
|
|
Forums Metrics Management |
"There are those who believe there are two types of people in the world: Those who believe there are two types of people; and those who don't." John Mahoney... |
|||
|
|
New Member |
I am at 70 for ptsd and overall 90 with injuries. i just went back trying to get unemployability 100% if i am in school will that hurt me?
|
|||
|
|
Lead Moderator, Veterans Issues Forums davem-milcom@cinci.rr.com Founding Member DVG  |
Not until you enter the job market. You need to understand that if you are going to school to do something, then that is a hobby. If you are going to school to gain a job, then at some point, you will be employable. Are you under Voc Rehab?
|
|||
|
|
Forums Metrics Management |
Treatment varies in dealing with the afflications of PTSD. Not everyone receives the same amount of care...nor to do they necessarily get the same type of treatment. Unfortunately there is no magic bullet here.
Understanding this issue is very important in the readjustment of a person from military life to civilian life...or simply just living after exposure to trauma. "There are those who believe there are two types of people in the world: Those who believe there are two types of people; and those who don't." John Mahoney... |
|||
|
|
New Member |
I am 70 ptsd and 90 overall. i just recently applies for 100 ptsd unemployability thru DAV. i have been having serious problems at work as a probation officer. i have been back since 2006 and have been seeing the VA ptsd team psychiatrists for two years. I hate my job and all it does is bring extra stress to me. My VA ptsd director of psychiatristris at the VA hospital wrote a letter on my behalf recommending 100 umemployablitiy. i am only working because of survival because my wife is diabled and my daughter has dietbetis. the doctor stated in the letter the reason why i am employed and ot speed the process up. i gave them buddy letters my purple heart orders and my combat action badge orders. plus my meds doctor notes. They sent information requesting doctors info for my medicle injuries but i never requested more for tohse injuries that make up 60 % of my compensation. they also request another C&P for ptsd and my injuries. I also submitted hiatial hernia, gerd and sleep apnea. Why do i have to go back for my ijnuries and a C&P for ptsd
|
|||
|
|
Lead Moderator, Veterans Issues Forums davem-milcom@cinci.rr.com Founding Member DVG |
That is the way it works. The VA will reevaluate the disabilities when you request an increase, and IU is considered an increase. Be prepared, but do not sweat it.
|
|||
|
| Powered by Eve Community |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
Military.com Forums Health and Fitness Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Information and Links If you have PTSD how often do you get to see your shrink?
