PTSD is complicated by the fact that it frequently occurs in conjunction with related disorders such as depression, substance abuse, problems of memory and cognition, and other problems of physical and mental health. This disorder is also associated with impairment of the person’s ability to function in social or family life, including occupational instability, marital problems and divorce, family discord, and difficulties in parenting. Sergeant Dennis an Iraqi war veteran was one such person.
Sergeant Dennis was slightly over weight. He wore glasses and appeared to be always covered in persistent sweat. No matter the temperature, you would witness sweat dripping from his brow. I imagine he could have weighed 300 pounds or more before his tour of duty in Iraq. He most likely sweated the weight off in the dessert. Dennis was ordered to anger management by a local family court. He appeared in the court after his wife filed a restraining order, forbidding him to come in contact with her or his 4- year old son. During the 10 sessions I met with Dennis, it was obvious that he had left Iraq but Iraq had not left him. He was extremely critical of the military and admitted that they “screwed him up.” With global pessimism, he consistently made statements like, “the only thing I’m good for is killing people.” He spouted a hatred for the Iraqi people and seemed literally tormented. Dennis returned home to distribute his torment on his wife and child. After weeks of excessive drinking, cursing his wife and forcing his 4-year-old son to do push ups and boot camp drills he found himself being pulled from his home by the local sheriff. Now living in a hotel room, Dennis appeared hopeless. He entered the room with his head in his chest and either slowly mumbles incomprehensible statements or blubbers in rapid, disjointed sentences. I encouraged him to seek out help with the Veterans Administration but Dennis only grumbled, “I don’t trust them”
That story breaks my heart. That guy is spiraling out of control and he doesn't know how to stop it. I am certain he never intended to cause his son any harm or to alienate his wife - but now he has hurt those closest to him and has lost everything dear to him and he doesn't know how to ask for help or where he can turn to get it - and in the meantime, his family is ripped apart....
I am sad to say that I am having problems with the same thing. The only difference is that I am a female. It hurts deep down to know that only time can heal my scar. I have taken myself away from people that I loved once. This is a very serious issue that should not be ignored. I am still serving in the military I am always meeting people that don't understand or just think that it is a joke. My career was at its peak once now I am just trying to make it from day to day. I have lost so much but I will say that I have also gained. My heart hurts often and my sould seeks peace. I just pray that this what was once known as shall shock be challegend by health providers and that people search for understanding..
Originally posted by 7067682: I am sad to say that I am having problems with the same thing. The only difference is that I am a female. It hurts deep down to know that only time can heal my scar. I have taken myself away from people that I loved once. This is a very serious issue that should not be ignored. I am still serving in the military I am always meeting people that don't understand or just think that it is a joke. My career was at its peak once now I am just trying to make it from day to day. I have lost so much but I will say that I have also gained. My heart hurts often and my sould seeks peace. I just pray that this what was once known as shall shock be challegend by health providers and that people search for understanding..
For years I would dream about either, landing at Pleiku again, or being back with my unit. The thing that ALWAYS went through my mind was, I knew I would be coming back!!! Fewer times now, but Nam owns a lot of vet's soul's!
