I need help and I need it ASAP

[No Passaran]

Some of you know me by my previous username "GA Democrat". I was once lost, not knowing what to do and you lifted me up. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1320296

For the past 2 years I have suffered from constant headaches and neck pain, but my main problem remains PTSD. I can't sleep, eat or lead a normal life. Once I caught myself chewing on 30 anti-depressant pills before calling VA Hotline.

Long story short, I need to vent and I always found that this is the best place to do it.

I went to VA hospital once a week to get treatment for my headaches and neck pain. In between, I would also visit a psychiatrist who would prescribe me pills and sent me on my way to see a psychologist. That's where my problems started, I did not click at all with this therapist and I felt on the defensive the whole time while talking to him. I'm not sure if he just doesn't care or if he's collecting a paycheck. Maybe he's just seen it all and has no drive to help veterans like myself.

I stopped going to treatment, locked myself up into the house and just sat there on the couch for a month. One night around 2 am I decided to call VA Hotline because it was either that or ending it all.

We talked for an hour and she convinced me to give therapy another try. I decided to go to another psychologist, this time a former veteran working for a Vet Center. First visit was ok and I was hopeful that my troubles were finally ending. However, further visits were just a bunch of anti-Obama and anti-Pelosi talk from this guy. I just don't get it. I lost my faith in him and in the whole system. I'm sick of VA to the point that I'm not even receiving treatments for headaches, nor have I refilled any prescriptions in over a month.

I'm just looking for someone to maybe point me into the direction of how I can maybe go about seeing a private psychologist while on Tricare. Financially, I'm strapped and living on Army Retirement while my wife is working. Is this even possible or is VA the only game in town?

Thank you,

Glad to see this place is just as alive as ever.

[panader0]

1. Don't despair. Find something simple that you enjoy

outdoors, long walks with your wife, DU (?), and find respite there. I think that your VA doctor being so political is wrong. Report him/her. There are a lot of shoulders here at DU. Stay strong.

[Gman2]

57. Indeed, like Med. Marijuana. At least worth a try. Many find relief for Depression and even

Anxiety. Need to try though. Many of the effects of PTSD will succumb to the mellowing of Cannabis. The possibility of humans being stoners, is the effect you need. That lessening of stimuli to flinch. It could be your wonder drug. Hard to work though. And expensive. But DEFINITELY worth a try. and if it only took a month or two, then quit, no harm no foul.

[Cleita]

82. If you can find a doctor who does medical cannabis, I think you

might find it helps you a lot. The doctor I work for, who specializes in pain management, issues certificates for medical cannabis. Sleep disorders because of PTSDs is one that benefits from it. We are starting to get service men and women from the nearby AFB who are suffering from PTSD. I don't know how they are allowed to smoke it on base, but they are finding it helpful for their condition. Damn Bush/Cheney and their evil war.

[freedom fighter jh]

67. What panader0 said

A feeling that you are enjoying what you are doing can help you feel connected to life, help you feel that more good things are coming. Pursuing that feeling can be an act of self-love: I am doing this for myself.

You may be able to get this feeling from creating something. Cooking, crafts, and writing are some examples of creative activities that you may be able to just jump into without a lot of planning. Maybe gardening? You get to watch your work come to fruition, and then you get to eat food that you know is created in a healthy way.

Choose something you think you will enjoy.

[DollyM]

68. I wish I thought the political stuff was an isolated incident but it's not

We went last week to re-do our financial stuff with VA (they go on your income tax return from a year ago to determine your status not your present income) and we had no more sat down at the Means test desk than the guy starts ranting about Obama being the President of the World and some rather sarcastic comments. I am not known for mincing my words at VA (started going with my husband on Dr. visits there because they were jerking him around on his care)so it didn't take me long to launch into my own diatribe about the 8 years preceeding Obama and what a mess Bush made out of our country and our economy. He just kind of blinked at me in shock and went on with his paperwork. My suggestion is to take someone with you to act as an advocate that isn't afraid to get in their face. I am concinved that VA specializes in intimidation because they know it will work with Veterans who have been trained to respect the system. Unfortunetly, it the Veteran who pays the cost of less than adequate medical care. Don't settle for it. You need a second set of ears and eyes at minimum because VA will jerk you around any chance they get.

[mnhtnbb]

2. Hubby is a psychiatrist retired from the VA. He's not home at the moment

but I'll send the link to your OP to him to see if he has some suggestions how you might
link up with someone privately. He's been very active in a national organization, but don't know
if he has any contacts in your area.

You're on the right track to see if you can find someone to talk to. Hang in there.

:hug:

[Joey Liberal]

62. Thanks for helping that Veteran

I'm a vet and I don't even bother with VA.

[mnhtnbb]

75. Hubby is a vet, too. Major, USAF (ret) from Vietnam days. Any vets

who happened to be assigned to him for care were probably very lucky. He's always maintained a
private practice, in addition to either serving in county run mental health clinics (which he's done here in
NC) or in the VA system.

He's kind of a rare bird, not only for an MD but a shrink as well. He doesn't believe medicine is a business and he has lived his professional life to reflect that.

He's been an advocate for single payer for years and years.

[Joey Liberal]

93. I salute your hubby! nt

[Canuckistanian]

3. K&R

I don't have the answers, but kicking for more visibility...

[Sirveri]

4. If you still have tricare then definately use it.

I had a nervous breakdown after a mere 3 years in the Navy so all I get is the VA. I'm out in CA, I clicked well with the person who did my benefit determination for my depression issues, but I don't seem to click well with the VA social worker. It's like I don't know if she's the real deal, so if I say something will she just send me somewhere else? I don't know. Maybe I just don't get therapy.

Actually military pysch I started to like, so you might give that a try in addition to outpaitient clinics that take tricare.

[EFerrari]

5. DU has a great mental health forum. Might want to post there

while you are reshuffling your people. Hang in there. :hug:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=276

[me b zola]

6. Keep talking

We'll keep listening. I have no answers, I just want you to be alright. :grouphug:

[GardeningGal]

7. A suggestion regarding your headaches and neck pain.

I have always had migraines but this spring they started getting worse and I finally had to go to my doctor. To make a long story short, I found out that I have arthritis in my neck and was apparently sometimes triggering/aggravating my headache issues.

A cervical neck pillow to sleep on has helped the neck pain/headaches. It has not eliminated them but I'll take all the help I can get. Just thought I'd suggest it if you're having trouble with your neck while trying to sleep.

Good luck.
GG

[panader0]

17. One of those pillows did a lot for me too.

It's got a big curve on one edge and a lesser one on the other. I had neck pain for over a year, and two months with that kind of pillow and it was gone.

[ohheckyeah]

25. I had a similar situation.

Finally, when I was ready to hurt somebody in the emergency room because they were going to give me Valium and said it was just stress in my neck, a doctor x-rayed my neck and found a vertebrae sitting on the occipital nerve. The pain was horrible and I had lived with it for 10 years. 24/7. They put me in traction and moved the vertebrae and the pain was gone. I felt drunk and lightheaded for awhile because of the lack of pressure in my head.

I now use a cervical pillow when my neck feels like it's out and my head hurts and that usually does the trick. If not, I have a home traction kit that will put it back in place.

For a soothing neck pillow you can take a tube sock, fill it with rice and sew the end up. Stick it in the microwave for a couple of minutes and then rest your neck on it. It relaxes the muscles a lot.

[Politicalboi]

85. I had a friend who's father was a paramedic

He used to get migraines and when he saw the first flash he would take an Alka Seltzer and it went away. I don't suffer from migraines, so I don't really know if it works for everybody.

[rosesaylavee]

8. Kicking to the top

Don't have an answer but care that you are alright. Hang in there. I would try another therapist. Third time may be the charm.

[liberal N proud]

9. DU is always open and someone will listen

[yellerpup]

10. I don't have any answers or experience but I remember reading your posts

and appreciating your contributions here at DU. You take good care of yourself until you can find someone to help you, ya hear? Kicking to attract more help. :hug: Don't give up, you are SO worth it!

[sammytko]

11. if you have tricare, get a referral from your PCM

[Statistical]

36. Even better for mental health no referral is even needed.

All non-active duty beneficiaries may seek outpatient mental health services without referral or authorization for the first eight visits during a fiscal year in order to receive TRICARE coverage. When TRICARE Prime beneficiaries go beyond eight outpatient visits in any given fiscal year, they must seek authorization for continuation of mental health care services from their regional contractor. Beneficiaries should check with their regional contractor to determine the process for obtaining outpatient mental health referrals and authorizations and TRICARE when seeking care for the ninth visit and beyond.

http://www.tricare.mil/news/2005/news0501.cfm

The OP can go to ANY mental health provided that accepts Tricare.

Up to 8 visits are authorized without referral. Most providers who take Tricare know the procedures for getting that increased and can have it done before the first 8 are used up.

[travelingtypist]

41. Yeah, people confuse it. VA and Tricare are different.

VA is only VA hospitals, which is what I get. My dad retired from the National Guard, so my mom gets TRICARE and can go see any doctor she wants, no rationing, ranking, prioritizing services like the VA does.

[sammytko]

54. I am VA disabled and also have Tricare Prime -

I still have to have a PCM on record with TRicare Prime. I admit i've never used it. Besides my VA disability issues, I'm pretty healthy and have only used the VA since i've retired - 3 years now. i do have to get a new PCM that is more convenient for me. I'm doing that next week. I like the comfort of having 2 avenues for health care. The VA in San Antonio is wonderful.

[No Passaran]

95. ..

I've been using VA because I thought the system was better for PTSD. I was honestly thinking that those psychologists and psychiatrists would know how to deal with me from their experience. I have Tricare and my family uses it offpost.

[noiretextatique]

12. i have a friend is a psychotherapist who works with vets

we're in CA, but she might have some insight. i will get back to you. :hug:

[Fire1]

13. K&R for your health and well being. n/t

[spoony]

14. I think one of the first things is to refill the prescriptions

That might ease your physical/mental pain enough to get through the immediate feeling of hopelessness so you can pursue the things other posters are talking about.

[DainBramaged]

15. First, thank you for your service. Second, that Reich-wing psych is violating some rule

dissing the current administration. I'd get his clock cleaned for him. Third, PLEASE get your meds filled. Don't let the darkness envelope you. On the other side of your keyboard are people who genuinely care about your well being.

Dain




:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

46. Definitely find out who that guy's supervisor is and file a complaint

Even if you agreed with his politics, his job is not to discuss politics with you but to help you with your problems. He is acting unprofessionally, and his supervisors should know about it.

You don't even have to say, "All he does is diss Obama and Pelosi." Just say, "He's spouting his political opinions instead of helping me." After all, a therapist is supposed to let the PATIENTS talk, not preach sermons at them.

[sellitman]

16. Keep posting here and find a way to get back on your meds.

Friends & the right medication is a great start.

:hug:

[Tesha]

18. Hang in there, I know you can make it

I never found relief from my pain until I started seeing a physical therapist, don't stop looking for help.

visit http://www.tricare.mil/

and maybe http://www.realwarriors.net/

nobody has to do this alone...you just need someone who's been there and understands.

[closeupready]

19. I have no information for you, but I do wish you well.

If things get bad or if you get down, go for a walk somewhere green and natural - that ALWAYS helps me get my head back on straight. Peace. :hi: :hug:

[FREEWILL56]

20. I hope this helps somewhat,

but I won't hold my breath as I'm no doctor of anything. The pains you did not say if they were from a physical or mental cause or even a combination of both, but I have had those pains and even migraines that nobody really helped me with until i saw a chiropractor. I have an extra vertebrae in my back that was not fully developed and allowed slippage to occur and thus misalign my spine. That condition does get further aggravated by some physical, emotional, or mental stresses.
As to the head doctors, you'll find too many really don't do much. As to answers, they have none. What they do (or are supposed to do) is try to get you to come up with answers/solutions for nobody knows you better than you and they are there to guide you to that answer or answers that is acceptable to you.
Any doctor pushing politics on you needs reprimanded unless your problem area is politics. The VA doesn't always give each patient enough or proper care so you can ask for somebody else within the system or out of it as you feel you need. Don't slither away on account of them, but demand help even if they refuse.

[mnhtnbb]

21. Check your PM

[moondust]

22. About the VA.

From very recent personal experience with the VA system I know for a fact that:

1. You can transfer your primary care to any VA facility. You would start all over at the new facility with new doctors and new medications, etc. If you think there may be a better VA in a more accomodating place within a reasonable distance then you can transfer your care there. I understand that it might take a month or two to get it all processed and transferred.

2. The most helpful person so far at my home VA has been the patient advocate. He understood my case and knows how to do transfers, etc. He also works with patient advocates at other VA facilities on such things. He also does referrals to other VA facilities which he is trying to set up for me so that I don't have to transfer my primary care elsewhere just to get a special procedure done. That may be another option for you.

National VA benefits hotline [phone]).

VA website: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhvPortal/anonymous.portal?_nfpb=true&_nfto=false&_pageLabel=mhvHome

Good luck. Best wishes.

[whathehell]

23. Dear NO...There is a volunteer group especially for Vets. It's called "Give an Hour"

These are licensed psychologists who are offering their services for free (or very low cost) to Vets.

I know you said that you wanted a private psychologist who takes your healthcare, but i'm unfamiliar with that Healthcare (I live in Chicago) and I thought you might want an option.

You can just google them...In fact there may be other groups of this nature out there..I would google Veterans Mental Health and see what comes up.

Good luck:hug:

[The Wizard]

24. The counselor's

political views are out of bounds in the work place, especially with a veteran who disagrees and is there for guidance in a completely unrelated area. By invoking his political beliefs in a counseling session the counselor is exacerbating a situation rather than ameliorating it.
Report the counselor to the patient advocate at any VA hospital and also to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

[wryter2000]

26. Giving you a kick

I wonder if maybe you need to talk to other vets for support. Get better. :hug:

[latebloomer]

27. There are private psychotherapists on the TriCare list.

Check it out!

You do have to shop around for a good therapist. There are good people working at the VA, and there are slackers just collecting a paycheck. In private practices, there are people you click with and those you won't. It's OK to walk away and try someone else.

[BlooInBloo]

28. kick.

[clear eye]

29. It's so good that you remembered us, and have come here for additional help.

Looking for other professionals in and out of the VA system is a constructive response to desperation. There are some excellent suggestions by others above this post. I thought the idea of connecting w/ an in-service military psychologist (at one of the stateside bases?) sounded promising, if the VA people seem more interested in their own problems than in yours.

I only have a small suggestion, which I hope helps a little. People who haven't gotten enough relief from anti-depressants often find that fish oil (the kind w/ a high EPA content--you can compare the back of the bottle, or the ingredients on a website) really makes a difference. There have been many studies by regular researchers (not alternative medicine promoters) showing effectiveness. It doesn't interfere w/ any pain or anti-depressant medication. You can take up to a couple of Tablespoons daily, if needed. Another good thing about the fish oil is that it can help heal damaged (not severed) nerves, so it may, over time, lessen the neck pain as well. My favorite online discount supplement retailer is luckyvitamin.com . I'd get a brand that indicates it is mercury-free.

Exercising outdoors while wearing a neck brace to prevent further injury, can really relieve stress. Sunlight and exercise activate the production of calming brain chemicals (unless they're overidden by the adrenaline from danger), so this is for real.

Here is a list of the U.S. military bases in Georgia to assist you if you want to look for a therapist that way--perhaps their infirmaries would know how to connect w/ the base psychologist:

Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base

Athens Navy Supply Corps School

Atlanta Naval Air Station

Fort Benning

Dobbins Air Reserve Base

Fort Gillem

Fort Gordon

Hunter Army Airfield

Kings Bay Submarine Base

Fort McPherson

Marine Aircraft Group 42, Atlanta

Moody Air Force Base

Fort Stewart

Robins Air Force Base

[Lifelong Protester]

30. Also try some alternate therapies

Not a doctor here either, like a lot of the posters, but old enough to have been around the block a few times (a few miles on the odometer) and have had lots of friends with your issues. Don't drop the meds, but seek some other alternative therapies. There are listings of practitioners usually available if you live near a college, a health food store, a food coop, any place you might find people who are open to alternative therapies. Yes, meditation, diet, acupuncture, tai'chi (which I do) and many many other things, might sound off the wall, but they help with headaches, both physical and emotional. Most of these practitioners deal on a sliding fee scale, barter, whatever. But you owe it to yourself to look into therapies that will heal your body which will heal your mind.

Good luck and take care. I hope you find peace with others there to help you. Do not think you are alone. Others care. I'm just an anonymous poster here, but I care.

Thank you for your service.

[Lifelong Protester]

31. Also recommended

for more ideas for you and more visibility

[Oilwellian]

32. There are many private psychologists who...

provide services for a sliding-scale fee. The lower your income, the smaller the fee. Hope this can help if you're considering the private route and best wishes for your future.

[seabeyond]

33. i wish you would touch base on this thread and lets us know you are ok. there are some good

posts. and hoping you see the person telling you to check you pm

[Statistical]

34. VA IS NOT THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN.

There are a couple of organizations that provide free counseling for veterans totally unconnected to VA.

Here is one.
http://www.thesoldiersproject.org/

I haven't used their service but I have heard good things.
If it works out PM me and I will donate to them.
If it doesn't I will call around and see if I can find something else.

Official military avenues for mental health suck. Luckily I got help from military onesource when I needed it (I was "fine" except I was mad all the time at everything) but it is limited to current active duty/reserve guard although some of us are trying to change that. It is criminal that there is a functioning system unrelated to the military that can't be used once you retire/ETS. CRIMINAL!

One last thought.
If you have tricare (which I assume you do if you are retired) you can go to almost ANY mental health provider. No referral is needed. Most counselors accept tricare because the amount paid is higher than most other insurance.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get some help. I have been there and sometimes it takes finding the right counselor to change things.

[handmade34]

35. positive thoughts going out to you

vent away... and give your wife a hug

[bertman]

37. I hope this thread is giving you some positive ideas and a way to get things under control.

I'm not a medical professional so I can't offer any advice, but I do know some folks who have had excellent success using an osteopath. As someone else mentioned, alternative therapies can help a lot.

Best of luck to you, from a fellow vet. I wish I could do more.

[noamnety]

38. You can try contacting IVAW or VFP

Sometimes good old fashioned networking within those groups can get what you need. I imagine other vets groups work the same. I got a call once from the national IVAW office looking for a free or low cost therapist for a couple of vets in my area. I shot out an email to the local VFP folks and one of them happened to be a licensed therapist with a specialty in treating PTSD; he volunteered his services for both guys.

I can't promise the same would happen in your area, but I do know that if you put in a call to either organization, they will try to help you out so you aren't stuck trying to work through this on your own.

[Liberty Belle]

39. A good chiropractor can sometimes cure neck pain with one pop.

I had pinched nerve from a bulging disk and the relief was instant.

Massage can also help. Where do you live? Is there a massage therapy school near you? Students can give massages free or at very low cost.

I hope you can get the medical and mental health that you seek. You might see if there is a free clinic/public health facility in your community that offers this.

Health food stores have some natural remedies for depression, such as St. John's wort, if you can't get medications.

For help getting better treatment through the VA, call your Congressman and/or State Senator. Sometimes they can cut through red tape with federal entities.

Hope this helps - I've had neck and back pain over the years from 5 different accidents and a couple of other problems including sinus and dental issues, but have found all-natural ways to deal with most of those problems drug free, and feel much better as a result. (The sole exception was a dental infection that spread into the sinuses, requiring surgery and a root canal to fix.)

Natural anti-inflammatories such as ginger can also help, as can yoga.

[northofdenali]

40. Is there a Community Health Center in your area?

How about checking with them and seeing if therapy is available on a sliding-scale basis. Also, contact your local National Institute of Mental Health (nimh, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml) and see what they advise.

I found out that my small area has a number of resources for those who don't want to go the way their insurance company is forcing them.

:hug: and best to you!

[formercia]

42. It was difficult reading your post

I'm going through the same hell. Started having flashbacks.

[No Passaran]

96. :(

I'm sorry for what you have to go through. It doesn't happen right away, and I remember I used to have doubts when people claimed PTSD (until it happened to me)

[conscious evolution]

43. Veterans Heart of Georgia

They are a vets support group that is not affiliated with the VA.
Check them out.

[Christa]

44. You are with friends here

Keep talking, we are family and we only have each other. :grouphug: :pals:

[BonnieJW]

45. Have you tried a chiropracter for your headaches?

They are relatively reasonable in price (I pay $40 and my insurance does not cover the visits). I don't know your financial situation, so please don't yell at me if $40 is too expensive. I suffered from neck pain for 15 years, visiting orthopedics and physical therapists without relief. Someone suggested a chiropracter and I was cured in 6 months.

Don't give up finding a mental health practitioner. We took our daughter to 5 before we found the right one.

[babydollhead]

47. accupuncture might help your headaches too

you are not alone and even tho' we are just computer friends, there are real people with real hearts typing these words.

[Voice for Peace]

48. look into this

http://www.brainstatetech.com/projects.htm

I don't know if the warrior project is still active but you may be able to get some help or direction through these folks.

Speaking from personal experience: the brain-state training is potent & I highly recommend it.

[beac]

49. Do you know about GiveAnHour?

It's a non-profit organization that has a database of mental health professionals who have agreed to donate (ie. NO CHARGE) care to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

http://www.giveanhour.org/skins/gah/home.aspx

There's a "search" function in the upper right corner to help you find a provider near you. There are also many providers who will offer telephone appointments if there isn't a provider near you.


Good luck and do stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. :hug:

[Voice for Peace]

50. Look into this:

http://www.brainstatetech.com/projects.htm

I don't know if the warrior project is still active but you may be able to get some help or direction through these folks.

Speaking from personal experience: the brain-state training is potent & I highly recommend it.

[Kajsa]

51. Hang in there, No Passaran!

Getting the right help is so important.

You've gotten a lot of good suggestions here.

:hug:

[rms013]

52. Need to reach out

I understand what you are going through. I would contact Iraq War Vets organization and or Vietnam Vets of America. You are not alone. There are many vets who have or are going through what you are. Talk and introspective will help with your PTSD. I am not a doctor so I would also recommend an MRI or catscan for your neck and headache problems. Rule out the physical so you can address the stress.
Please hang in there. You have many brothers and sisters out here who care deeply.

[Miss_Underestimated]

53. While you are awaiting help through the system, here are a few self-help ideas

just to help in the meantime - for the neck pain, there are yoga videos online. If you go to www.youtube.com and search for beginning yoga, there are many choices. Here is a link, for example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3vLZqPZxZE


As for PTSD, there are self-help books and online discussion groups for PTSD. Here is a link, for example:

http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/is-that-the-reason-why-i-cannot-deal-with-stress.html


Or you could try forming a meetup.com group to attract people with similar issues - then you could try brainstorming with them.

Best wishes to you.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

55. What caused the neck pain?

[No Passaran]

97. I have damaged my neck

In one of the explosions

[Stevepol]

56. A prescription if you want to try it.

I worked in a psych class with a couple people with migraine headaches and was able (like the rest of the class with their clients) to dreastically reduce the number of headaches the person experienced. We did it with a two-pronged approach: (1) progressive relaxation and (2) cognitive therapy. I would suggest you do something like this and additionally make sure to be doing something positive in your life or something you enjoy.

(1) Progressive relaxation. This is a technique where you spend about 10-15 minutes (or longer) relaxing consciously your body starting from your feet and moving up to your head. You focus on each area of your body, tense it up briefly, then consciously try to relax it. If you happen to fall asleep, don't worry about it, but try to stay awake so you can learn how to "relax" these muscles and muscle systems by yourself. We had our clients do this twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. I personally think this is the most useful thing that the clients did. If you want to try some meditation practice that might also add to the relaxation.

(2) Cognitive Therapy. This is a way of helping a person psychology by focusing on the counterproductive things that he/she says to self. Our bad self-talk is stuff like "all or nothing" thinking (I'm either super great or I'm so bad I'm going end it all right now). I'd suggest you get one of David Burns' books (I belive hat's the writer) popularizing this concept. Work with these ideas in your life.

(3) Enjoy something. Find something you enjoy and do it, or find some way of serving or helping others.


This is my prescription for you. If you take the suggestions seriously and do them, I'd almost guarantee success, but there are many ways to get from one place to another. Good luck in getting to where you want to go

[Iwillnevergiveup]

58. Rec #40

No Passaran, I have this feeling you are going to get the help you need and deserve. I also think when you find it, you're going to be of invaluable assistance to others....you just strike me as that kind of person, know what I mean?:hug:

[WhiteTara]

59. there is a treatment for PTSD

developed by a doc in Australia (I believe.) It is called EMDR
http://www.emdr.com/

I suffered PTSD from childhood trauma (not quite the same thing as yours of course) and I found it helped me tremendously from the session on. I worked with my therapist in this course of treatment about 4 sessions (I was in weekly therapy for about 2 years) and I feel great.

Thank you for your service to our country. I'm sorry you are traumatized. Good luck.:patriot:

[GinaMaria]

60. The only resource I know of is Salvation Army

I believe they provide low cost or sliding scale therapy sessions. Even if you can only pay a dollar.

http://www.salvationarmy.com/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/1CCF32311077A44685257433004C4949?openDocument

If you live near a University or teaching hospital, you might be able to find someone who works under the direction of an attending doctor or professor. This person would be learning as much or more from you. It might be a rewarding experience to grow with the therapist you are seeing. It may help you feel more of a connection.

[Lerkfish]

61. FWIW, counseling and therapy is only as good as the therapist

and that's a crapshoot as to whether you get a good one or not.

My wife and I lost our first child, and were having trouble dealing with it -- I used the employee assistance program and you know what the therapist told us? "This makes me appreciate all the more my OWN children, which are still alive. When I go home tonight, I'm going to give them a big hug!"

now, on what planet was that helpful to US? none, of course. So we gave up getting counseling for a while, and then someone suggested a woman at a local children's hospital who saw us for no charge, and in one session, she helped us regain our own sources of strength.

so... what's my point? I guess my point is that your body and your situation is like your own car -- back when you could work on your own cars -- and you can either take it to a mechanic and cross your fingers, or you can learn how to maintain it on your own. No one but yourself has (for sure) your own interests in mind.

All a therapist is going to offer, even a good one, is to tell you what to expect, and how to manage it. They can't be with you 24/7, and only you know EXACTLY what you're feeling.

so, invest a little in being your own therapist, and seek out support groups that don't charge.

[Locrian]

63. adrenal fatigue - check your cortisol levels

I cant/dont pretend to know all of what you are going thru, esp the psych stuff and other possible complications, but I do know that **adrenal fatigue** is a definite component of stress and you can at least check and fix this part. Provided you can find a doctor not ignorant of the issue.

Anybody that has experienced severe stress (especially nervous breakdown levels, combat, etc) will likely have adrenal issues. This is not a difficult thing to treat, however as there is no money in the treatment (cortisol) it is not looked for by current health care industry. It is, however well known:

http://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenal_fatigue.asp

http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Uses-Cortisol-William-Jefferies/dp/0398075018/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247157697&sr=8-1



Believe me - I have personally lived thru this. It is no joke, no fun.

[democrank]

64. We`re here for you, No Passaran.

Are there any local support groups for people with PTSD? Any veteran`s support groups affiliated with the VA?

You`re not alone. We`re here for you.

[Maraya1969]

65. I did eye movement desensitivation and then I realized I could do it without

a therapist to guide me. Basically she just told me to think about the thing that was bothering me and follow here hand which she was moving back and forth. I noticed a relief in the way I thought about that particular event.

There is another type that is supposed to be an American Indian process. It is the same as EMD but you make sort of a full circle with your eyes.

Try it. Just move your eyes from the far right, up and over to the far left and down and over

You will notice that after a few circles you will sigh and your shoulders will loosen. There is something about moving our eyes that accesses different parts of the brain and allows us to relax. This works very well if you think of something disturbing and keep moving your eyes. You really will notice a lessening of pain associated with the memory.

At least this is what I found. I wish you the very best. Asking for help is the first step and you've done that.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

66. Keep looking for a therapist until you find one that you feel comfortable.

[Life Long Dem]

69. Why are you thinking it's all in your head?

If you had no MRI of the neck get one. An x-ray won't tell you everything. In fact it won't tell you what to be really looking for. I don't know much about PTSD. Look for the nerves in the neck and the disc in the neck. This can cause what you think is PTSD.

[No Passaran]

98. I did an MRI

There is a big damage to C3, C4, C5 (ok, just recalling it from my memory, might not be correct there), but I hope you get an idea.
I also had an MRI of my head. White spots are not spreading so it's not MS, but headaches are here to stay

[Rockholm]

70. Try contacting NAMI or your local branch.

NAMI = National Alliance on Mental Illness. My father-in-law was the head of it in Eastern Massachusetts and is still very active with them. They have been trying for years to have veterans included in legislation because of PTSD. Massachusetts is better than most states in this regard.
The have links on many topics. I hope you reads this post, No Passaran!

www.nami.org

[mtnester]

71. I hope you have stopped by to read all the good ideas given here, and all the support

could you please fling a comment in for everyone so we know you are OK? And so we can talk with you about all the good options and ideas..conversation would surely lead to even more I suspect.

[woo me with science]

72. There is more woo in this thread than any in recent memory,

This, unfortunately, is the state of trauma treatment today, and a great many who receive treatment become worse rather than better.

I am glad this thread is here. It is one thing to tell people that the field is infested with charlatans and woo. It is another to show them. This is one area of medicine that desperately needs an overhaul to insist on evidence-based treatments. Arguing for care for veterans should not mean consigning them to pseudoscience and quackery.

[Life Long Dem]

74. It's easier to hand out pills.

You can treat symptoms all your life, or you can treat the cause. For a lot of people looking for the cure, that search is over with the first painkiller. MJ is the most recent.

[Silent3]

86. (duplicate post)

.

[Silent3]

87. Who said anything about treating symptoms rather than causes?

Why would you assume "evidence based" means only taking care of symptoms? Why should things for which there is no evidence of efficacy somehow be better at treating root causes?

[woo me with science]

89. Thank you.

How sad that these points need underscoring, but thank you for putting them here.

[CoffeeCat]

83. I received treatment for trauma...

...and I have my life back because of my therapist.

I did it all without any drugs.

I was a walking coping mechanism, due to childhood trauma and abuse, before I got therapy. It scares me to
think of what would have happened to me if I didn't have access to therapy. It also scares me to think about
what course my healing would have taken--had I just taken the "evidence-based treatments" such as drugs. It
would have delayed my healing and covered up my pain--which would have been detrimental, because what I really
needed to do was learn how to feel.

Believe me, I was the biggest skeptic in the world when it came to therapy. I didn't even believe in therapy.

I needed to process pain, rage and trauma--so I could heal and let go of all of my coping mechanisms. That's
all trauma is--a series of very clever coping mechanisms that allow a person to survive until they're on solid
ground.

I consider myself so fortunate. I have an amazing husband and two children of my own--and I have a full and
wonderful life. Plus, I have broken the cycle of sexual, physical and emotional abuse that existed in my
family for at least three generations.

[woo me with science]

88. People need to be aware that

many of the techniques used by trauma therapists actually cause deterioration in functioning rather than improvement. This is obviously true of the recovered memory therapies that claim to unbury memories of entire childhoods spent in satanic cults or government experiments or pedophile rings, and that teach clients to sink into victimhood as a new, permanent identity. However, research is also showing that even less obviously malignant trauma therapies, such as those used for PTSD in the absence of memory recovery, may actually do significant harm. Recent studies show that people funnelled for grief/trauma counseling following a disaster were more likely to report PTSD symptoms a year later than people who did not receive such "help."

Trauma therapy needs to be evidence-based, and the field as a whole needs to be purged of the pseudoscientific dogma that began infesting it in the 70's, 80's, and 90's...not coincidentally after Sybil was published. The techniques still routinely offered to trauma clients are often based in pop psychology or Freudian myth and have nothing at all to do with how memory and trauma actually occur in human beings. A hapless client falling into the wrong office will be treated to a confident recitation of pseudoscientific jargon and absolute nonsense about how rage and shame and pain are "stored" in body memories, toxic cells, or negative energy fields and must be purged through abreaction and emoting and ridiculous therapies like EMDR or "thought field therapy" that have no basis in science. "Survivors" are still routinely encouraged to emote, reenact traumas, or "release" their rage by tearing up phone books and throwing dishes, even though research strongly suggests that such activities may only strengthen PTSD circuitries in the brain and make people angrier, more bitter, more obsessed with their victimhood, and less functional and happy overall.

Most people do not realize that the trauma specialists who helped an entire generation of women recover abuse memories and achieve permanent victimhood in the 80's and 90's have now moved on to treating other trauma populations, including veterans...because that's where the new money is. The state of trauma therapy today, and the facts about who is providing it, should disturb anyone who cares about the well-being of those who seek help in earnest for any psychological problem.

When we call for veterans to receive treatment for PTSD, or when we call for mental health parity so that any one of us can receive treatment for psychological maladjustment, we need to be aware that the burden also lands on us to ensure that clients receive therapy that is actually shown by research to work, rather than therapy that will harm them further. Trauma treatment is one place where an overhaul is desperately needed.

[CoffeeCat]

90. What's been hard for me as a "survivor"...

...is that there is a slew of naysayers who want to make me feel bad about how I recovered from childhood sexual
abuse, and how I processed the trauma as an adult.

So, not only did I lose my childhood, experience horrendous pain and trauma and was abused---I'm now supposed to
feel guilty or second guess my own recovery process?

I'm one of the unfortunate people who didn't remember all of my abuse. There is an entire brigade who, although they
have no scientific evidence--use psychological jargon to discredit me and how I protected myself as a child--by repressing some of the trauma.

There was sexual abuse that I never remembered--that started pouring out of me. And it wasn't just visual memory, it was
feelings too. It was so awful. I Googled "repressed memories" and the first pages that popped up discredited repressed
memories. Because of the ill-informed brigade, I didn't seek therapy, because I didn't want to be a victim of one of these "bad,
irresponsible therapists". I suffered for so long--with flashbacks and with horrible feelings of rage, sadness and fear.

The fact is, I didn't need to suffer alone for as long as I did. I shouldn't have been made to feel ashamed or like a
defective--because my mind protected me from overwhelming feelings and abuse--as a child. Stuffing down memories of abuse
is a clever survival skill.

I was lucky because my memories were corroborated by witnesses. I made some phone calls to some of the people who were in my recovered
memories. I'm damn lucky--these people validated what I was remembering--and they also added more information that helped me realize that
I was not going crazy and that repressed memories were not bunk. I'm lucky. I had corroboration.

What about the majority of sexual abuse survivors who don't have corroboration...are they supposed to doubt themselves for the rest
of their lives? Are they supposed to suffer and feel unsure about their own process because a group of people has decided that
their recovery process is just too outlandish for them? The audacity of these people is a bottomless pit of arrogance! Vietman vets
have reported memory loss of traumatic events. Should we all degrade their process and suggest that their coping mechanisms are a load
of bunk? It's astounding what some do to abuse survivors.

And as far as breaking dishes and throwing phone books...no one told me to go into the garage and smash wicker laundry
baskets with a baseball bat, but I smashed about twenty of them in a two-month period. So, I'm supposed to feel defective
because I had the courage to finally release all of the rage? As a child, I was told that I wasn't allowed to have feelings, so
I stuffed them all down--until I felt strong enough to release those feelings.

You are irresponsible. You do great harm to survivors (you even put "survivor" in quotes, to ridicule us!) when you
denigrate the way abuse is processed by some.

I was a wreck until I finally found my therapist because people like you--with your loud voices based on NOTHING--made me distrust
therapy in general and therapists. I saw four therapists before I settled on my current therapist--because
I was hyper-wary of therapy--because of the bunk you guys dish out. Each therapist was caring, kind and they never
suggested that I had repressed memories. In fact, each and every therapist was careful to NEVER suggest anything!

Like it or not--your opinion isn't based on anything scientific. It's just words. Please stop acting as if you are some
authority--because you point your finger at someone venting rage. It's so easy to sound like the voice of reason
when you're up against someone who is smashing dishes isn't it? People who need to purge rage, loss and sadness need support.
They don't need your ridicule. I have a friend who lost her husband in a plane crash. She pounded her living room wall until most
of it was gone. Is she a complete lunatic for her anger--or is it only childhood abuse survivors who get the lambasting?

I'm tired of this nonsense. I think more survivors (or should I say "survivors"?) need to speak up and start talking about
their process with pride--and not take more abuse from people have very,very strong opinions but tend to ignore the FACTS--that survivors
are helped by all kinds of therapy--and that it's ok to break dishes or feel rage, if that gets your anger out!

I'm sure everything I've said will be ignored, and we'll all be treated to another diatribe about how horrendous trauma
therapy is and how weird it is! Real child-abuse victims who are helped--are ignored by these people.

I just think it's time that we start speaking out about how we are helped, and that we don't appreciate being degraded
by people who have nothing more than their jargon-riddled, pseudo-intellectual, unscientific opinions.

[woo me with science]

91. You are wrong about the scientific evidence.

Those who believe in massive repression of savage abuse in childhood invariably point to a group of studies that have been soundly debunked for sloppy and sometimes outright disingenuous methodology. By contrast, we have a wealth of new research showing that the mechanisms claimed by the recovered memory crowd do not even remotely correspond to how human neurology actually processes trauma. I suggest you read Gerald Rosen's most recent compilation of studies on trauma, as it details some of these new findings.

With regard to corroboration of abuse by those heavily involved in memory recovery (*see disclaimer below), there is a great deal of mental gymnastics that goes on in in therapy rooms and survivor groups in order to help those retrieving memories of childhoods spent in satanic cults and pedophile rings believe that they have corroboration. This corroboration never holds up. In twenty years of following these cases and participating in survivor groups, I have yet to see a single case of massive recovered memory in which a survivor received actual corroboration of her savage, extended abuse in satanic cults, pedophile rings, or government mind control projects. Not one.

Rather, what gets accepted as corroboration are vague statements by acquiescent family members that a certain family member seemed weird or hit his children, or that the house where the pedophiles supposedly met really exists, or that a sibling is also involved in recovered memory therapy and is generating similiar stories in her own therapy. All of this supposedly proves that the years of savage ritual abuse took place.

I vaguely recall that one researcher even put out an offer about a decade ago of a substantial monetary reward for corroboration of any stereotypical recovered memory narrative that included severe and prolonged abuse that was repressed and then recalled. Nobody ever claimed the reward. While the survivorship literature defiantly proclaims high rates of corroboration for abuse memories, these supposed corroborations, when actually examined, consistently fall apart (see some excellent discussions and meta-reviews by Loftus in this regard). In fact, after 30 years of this nonsense, there has not been a single validated case that even vaguely resembles the stereotypical torture chamber childhood claimed by literally tens of thousands of recovered memory "survivors" across the United States. Again, not a single one.

I have decades now of experience in survivor groups, watching first-hand how the process transforms people who previously would have described their childhoods as relatively normal into "Survivors" who fervently believe that they were tortured, raped, and sodomized nearly every day of their childhood, by literally scores of perpetrators, and never remembered any of it. It is truly something to watch, the way evidence gets twisted in these groups. I have posted before on these boards some of the stories...for example, virginal blood on a wedding night's being reinterpreted by survivors as evidence of internal injuries from savage childhood abuse. Hard-core recovered memory survivors teach each other to selectively pick and choose information that will support their beliefs, while carefully screening out anything that would cause them to question what they are "remembering." Of course they believe they have corroboration. However, nobody ever seems able to produce it for science.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

*For anyone reading, I want to clarify that I am not doubting that instances of abuse can be forgotten and then remembered. Rather, I am speaking of the fringe group in psychology that asserts that current life problems can be explained by massive repression of an entire childhood full of savage, ritualistic abuse, previously unsuspected. Most people believe that the recovered memory problem in America faded with the debunking of the "Satanic Panic" in the 80's. They would be horrifed to realize to what extent this malpractice persists in therapy rooms across the country.

[CoffeeCat]

92. All I know....is that my experience is real and valid...

I endured childhood sexual abuse and trauma that caused me to repress most of the abuse.

I later began remembering the sexual abuse. My abuse was corroborated by another
person who was present during the abuse. This person who corroborated my abuse
account is not in therapy and has never sought therapy.

Repression and delayed recall of abuse and trauma does happen.

I know this because it happened to me.

What you're describing and talking about has nothing to do with me or other
abuse survivors who repressed some of the abuse.

[tomm2thumbs]

73. If you are near a University Hospital, perhaps they can offer some options - I would check

I am not sure of the Tricare you speak of, but locally the University Hospital accepted it as well as medicare so perhaps there is an option outside of the normal channels.

Also, I am not suggesting it works for everyone, but I found some benefits for sleep issues from a site:

http://www.youtube.com/user/magnustapping

I don't know that it is something which would apply in your case, but I was in need of something for sleep and it assisted me at a moment where I had no options financially - it is free. (I stumbled upon it on youtube but there is also a site tapping.com which has a discussion board.)

[Rainngirl]

76. I'm not a vet or anything...

but I would contact Larry Scott at http://vawatchdog.org/

He or someone in his organization might have some ideas.

I wish you the best of luck in getting the help you need. Please don't give up.

[kleec]

77. Reiki

Since I am a Reiki master and therapist, I would suggest you look into this form of therapy along with any other you choose. Reconnective Healing is also a wonderful way to address your situation. There are many therapists who do both, as I do, or one or the other. I have found that clients with PTSD, neck pain and headaches, etc., have been helped tremendously through these forms of therapy, and most therapists work on a sliding scale as I do. Here is a site that lists Reconnective Healing Therapists.

<http://www.reconnectivehealing.com>

Healing thoughts are with you.

:hug:

[sallylou666]

78. Depression support

I empathize with you and your situation. I've struggled with depression and PTSD, too. I'm sorry that you're in so much pain. I'm sorry that you don't have any hope right now. It sucks and it's not your fault.

You're in the black hole right now and you need to allow someone to step in on your behalf. Can your someone contact the patient advocate on your behalf? You need someone to step in and help you find the right treatment. I don't know where you are, but you need to find a psychiatrist and therapist that understand your conditions. Could someone find a professional in your area?

Keep reaching out. Call the suicide hot line. Go to the emergency room of your local hospital.


***

There are well-intended comments here that belong on the "what not to say to a depressed person" list. I'm not criticizing any individual person. Many people are unfamiliar with depression and how to support someone who is depressed. If you're in that category, consider yourself lucky!

Here is some information about how to effectively support someone who is depressed:

http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20189173,00.html

[santamargarita]

79. Would it help to talk to other Vets - some common past?

:patriot:

[No Passaran]

99. Yes

I find it extremely easy to talk to VA Hotline for this. They're former vets and it was like someone just was there GETTING IT.

[Caoimhe]

80. Good luck. Aren't neocons a "pain in the neck" themselves? n/t

[southernyankeebelle]

81. I understand your pain. Please don't end it because you will make

it worse for the people who love you. My husband is retired military and we have Tricare primary. He needed some help once for a change of life experience he went through that was very personal. I stood by him even knowing it could destroy him. We love each other very much and are still married for 30 years. Your wife is your best friend. Believe me know one can be better than her. Just trust in her and tell her everything. My husband for the last year and a half has been going through tremors that causes his right side of his body to shake uncontrollably. They give him this one pill called klonpin that really can put you out like a light. Everytime he would have this pill it made him extremely tired and having to go to work like that made him sound like a drunk. Well what I started doing was taking the pill and cutting it in half and than cutting the half pill into another half. So that means he takes one fourth of a pill. Doing that really has helped him. Taking those strong pills made him depressed. Check with your doctor and tell him what the effects of what the pills are doing.

[BornBlue]

84. Check your PM

:hi:

[No Passaran]

94. Thank you

To everyone. I've received tens of private message and some of them are just full of important information.

I'm feeling little better today. Monday I'm calling my OIF rep to get the wheels rolling again.

E