Date:

1 April 2008

Time:

19:40

Comments

Many thanks Andy for taking the time to address a subject that many find difficult to even acknowledge. I've been suffering from PTSD for over 10 years now which eventually led to nervous breakdown. I'm on the tough journey of trying to rebuild my life and my career. Unlike the majority of guests to your site, I'm not in the forces, although, my parents were, I am in fact a serving police officer. However, my experiences are more than similar and share others in the despair of this condition not being recognised and funding not being available for the correct treatment.

I beg anyone who holds the purse strings for the medical welfare of personnel to take this matter seriously. In most cases PTSD was a result of someone helping or protecting another human being.

Just because you can't see our injuries it doesn't mean we don't suffer.

Wishing all your readers courage in their recovery - your not alone.

Dear friends, someone has tried on three occasions to leave a message via the guestbook but unfortunately only part of the message is getting through for some reason and unfortunately I cannot put half a sentence that has not context onto the Guest book. 

If you are having difficulties please email direct and explain this and tell me you would like the comment placed on the Guest Book and I will help.  It is important that you finish your message before you hit the submit comment button. 

I would like to thank the many thousands of people who have contacted me and the hundreds who have felt they wanted to leave a message for others to enjoy.

Andy

 

Date:

21 April 2008

Time:

14:03

Comments

HI Andy

an excellent website as a gulf vet from 90/91 I know only too well what our condition is like ,people say they understand ,but they don't have a Scooby , combat stress helped me I owe them a lot ,I have not been there now for nearly 4 yrs ,my life has turned around for the better , I manage too keep a part time job down and I am in a long term relationship like many others I lost my home ,marriage and family the nights are still long and times I have a relapse it never fully goes away ,but with effort help and guidance it can be a different world, so I say to all fellow suffers no matter how bad things get hang on in there because you too can find light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Date:

4 May 2008

Time:

22:59

Comments

Having returned from Iraq a couple of months ago after my third time our there I am finding it very hard too cope back home. During my time out there we had some very close calls apart from one resulting in my friend being killed. On returning too the UK I had a top homecoming but after the initial happiness I have never felt lower in my life. I have a girlfriend of 1 year who I constantly push away, cant explain just don't want her too get close in case I lose her. I didn't really drink before I went away but now I drink every night till hopefully I get pissed then I might fall asleep straight away. Really finding it hard too sleep prob get a max of about 3 hours a night and feel so drained. Cant really say any of this too the work lads cause I don't wanna feel weak but feel that I do need help.

"If you email me direct at Andy@ptsd.org.uk we can talk in confidence and I will give you more detailed help where I can.  You are not alone with the way in which you are feeling and these are classic PTSD symptoms and one which many of us have been through.  I look forward to hearing from soon."

Andy

 

Date:

8 May 2008

Time:

21:20

Comments

Hi Andy

A good helpful sight I am ex army with five tours of NI under my belt a stubborn obstinate individual who thought he could cope with the rat race when he left three months in I was chewing at the bit trying to get back in the army unfortunately at that time it was the era of maggies millions so it was a no go. I joined the TA and served that way coping with civvy street just. Then a few years ago events took over hated not being able to deal with problems at work like we could in the military (book the boxing ring etc) got ridiculed because I was climbing the walls trying to get out to the gulf got offered Cyprus (not good enough the gulf would have been the way out as I wanted it) anyway it ends the other crap don't suppress anger and stress so much that I end up with psoriasis so no good even for the TA now. So I am an outsider in a world I don't understand and cant cope with.

After a bit of group CBT I am diagnosed with PTSD I don't understand at first because its nothing to do with my time served (I don't think so anyway still got to explore that end). Anyway get to see a CPN who finally tries to fully understand me and her help has brought me on so much so that I am at the final stages of studying counselling at level three when I pass this I will be going for the diploma. The areas my CPN thinks I should work are either abused kids or PTSD or something with the military.

I found this site because I was looking for Combat Stress and am glad I did as it has given me more of an insight into what it is and how familiar some of the symptoms are to me.

mike

 

Date:

12 May 2008

Time:

01:42

Comments

I found your web site very interesting and informative. I am the wife of an R.A.F. (ex) man diagnosed with p.t.s.d. I just want to say not only has my husbands life changed but so has mine and our children's. The man who went to Bosnia never came back he was lost out there and is still there, our lives will never be the same I am sad to say.

 

Date:

13 May 2008

Time:

00:12

Comments

I am a train driver and have just killed my second suicide under my train.

I know it's not the same as killing in combat and all the destruction and terror that you see but no one seems to understand what's happened to me.

I have tried talking to my family but they seem unable to accept what's happened. There are few jobs left now that put you in the position of killing someone ( with exception of the armed forces obviously ). I lay awake at night rather than have nightmares and when I do manage a bit of sleep I keep getting up to check on my children. I am a single mother with all the responsibilities that involves and I feel I can't let them down but I also feel I am going mad. I know that there are people on here who have seen terrible things and I feel ashamed to complain but the truth is I still killed 2 people through no fault of my own.

You need to go to your GP and talk to him or her about how you are feeling and the effect it is having on your life.  They will refer to you your local Community Mental Health Team (no that does not mean you are mad), they are a group of professionals specially trained to help you.  There is good help and support out there and people who can help you get through this.  If you need any other help or advice please email direct and I will support you where I can.

Andy

 

Date:

26 May 2008

Time:

18:43

Comments

I am Ex Falklands diagnosed with PTSD just before Xmas, 25 years on.

The question I get asked, and see in peoples faces, is why when they got by after WW1 & 2.

The answer I have worked out is when they came home everyone had been through it.

Nowadays Veterans are a unique group who come home to bunting and proud friends and relatives. Most of whom have never served or been in a situation similar for an extended period.

WW1 & WW2 Vets could mostly go down the legion and laugh off there situations.

We come home, welcome their appreciation, but nothing stops the thoughts, reliving the tour, isolation we feel and many more depending on the person.

We sit on it and let it get worse until something breaks or nearly breaks if your lucky!

To all if on seeing this site and it jingles a bell, GET HELP.

It wont be easy, if you have a good doctor (I did) there will be a queue of people willing to help in my case. First contact to the help coming could be about 3 months so don't get disheartened, it goes in phases help, wait a few months, help etc.

All of you out their Take Care!

Another Andy

 

Date:

8 June 2008

Time:

14:40

Comments

This site is very helpful. I am dealing with my partners combat PTSD and I don't know how to help him. He left the Army 2 years ago and went through awful experiences on several tours. It helps to know other people are dealing with similar symptoms.

Is it normal for him to turn on me when something

 

Date:

12 June 2008

Time:

14:51

Comments

Been there and got the 'T' Shirt too.

Thanks for helping

Spent too long on drink'n'drugs with no help from the system I help preserve. Even after 25 years out I still have 'Night Terrors' and Flashbacks - now they are fewer and less distressing.

Wish there had been something like this when I needed it.

IF ANYONE READING THIS HAS ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS ON THE LIST GET HELP - NOW

God Bless, keep the Faith.

Shotgun 02 Clear

 

Date:

18 June 2008

Time:

21:10

Comments

I'm sat here in tears after looking at this website. I just recognise so many of the things on it as I've been living these symptoms for the last 8 years after witnessing the death of my in-laws and nearly losing my daughter in an explosion. I cannot believe that all the things I've felt are so typical it would seem of ptsd even though I knew that that is what I was being treated for. I'm just not the person I used to be, I feel pathetic, so worried all the time just waiting for something to happen, tired , wobbly and I just don't feel like a normal person anymore-I feel stuck somewhere else in a place I don't want to be. its the first time I've looked on the net regarding ptsd .cant take it all in at the moment but will try to look again when I feel less emotional.

 

Date:

23 June 2008

Time:

09:30

Comments

what about the wives of sufferers? What can we do to try to support our husbands - having to live with a jekyll & hyde character. I have tried to understand and support but it is so difficult. What can I do?

Understanding what PTSD is and how it affect us and then trying to support them is one way of helping.  GP's now have to refer your husband to a community mental health professional so that he can be assessed and specialist treatment start (without the usual put them on drugs routine), Also the NHS has now been told to give priority treatment to us (although this has been in place since 1971).  This is not a lot of direct help for you but also Combat Stress are also now holding a forum to support wives and carers as well so they may also be able to help and support you a little too?

I hope this helps a little, email me if you need more advice? Andy

 

Date:

29 June 2008

Time:

09:30

Comments

Just to add to the differences between WW1 & WW2 and modern day VETS after a long discussion on this with a civilian on Friday.

Older (recycled teenagers if you met them) vets come home with and were around people who had been through the same.

We come home with the press and Hollywood (rewriting history as usual) flooding us with the sounds and images of our engagements.

Interesting to a lot of the public, they just don't realise it has been sanitized for there viewing!!!!!!

Probably why there is an increase in earlier vets (pre filmed conflicts) now surfacing with PTSD.

I know my first flashback (and a big one) was triggered by TV, and yes I chose to watch it.

But how many who avoid conflict television and films get it thrown in their faces watching the news.

Yes I love Sink the Bismarck, Cockleshell heroes, Great Escape etc but I chose to watch them!

Does the news really have to put people on the front line with the sounds and images that Vets of all ages would rather be left on the Battlefield???

Perhaps the news should return to being factual rather than sensationalist!!!!

A large majority of those enjoying it would NOT be prepared to carry out what they enjoy watching.

Just some thoughts.

Another Andy

Here Here

 

Date:

27 July 2008

Time:

19:58

Comments

Andy,

Put this in guestbook rather than personal email as I thought it might be relevant to others.

Just come back from 2nd visit to Combat Stress and whilst there it was pointed out PTSD is a pre existing condition regarding insurance.

Do you or anyone know what you have to declare when travelling, life insurance etc.

Cheers

Another Andy

Yes unfortunately you do need to declare it, however it should not affect travel insurance but certainly will any life, or medical insurance (BUPA for example).  Also do not even think of getting any payment protection against a mortgage or loan as they will not payout if you become ill at all, even though the brokers may tell you otherwise or try to convince you it is in your best interest to get this!!

Just advice but please be careful

Andy

 

Date:

31 July 2008

Time:

16:05

Comments

I have found this website over a year ago and I am so glad I did. It has been a life saver for my partner and a guidance for myself. My partner served in the Para's and retired last year. A year or so into the relationship I new there was something wrong and wasn't quite sure what.

So I did an internet search and found this website. Had a look through and realised my partner was showing all the symptoms of ptsd. So I emailed combat stress also to try to get some help for him. Which has resulted in a weeks with combat stress. And a return visit shortly. It has been hard and stressful at times but I love him and wanted to make sure that he got the help he needed. He is improving slowly and I know we have a long journey ahead but I will be with him all the way. Thank you for a site like yours it has really helped. It kept me going when things were bad.

E

 

Date:

18 Aug 2008

Time:

16:13

Comments

I have written a song for the service personnel and their families, it is being produced at the moment, where would be the best place to show the song and video?

Sarah-Elizabeth.

Hi Sarah-Elizabeth, probably U-Tube to start with and if you send me a link and it is good I will link it to this message for others to see and hear too.

Andy

Date:

7 Sept 2008

Time:

08:27

Comments

Hello Andy,

I just want to applaud your website, and I can see that this is making the difference to many from your earlier posts. Unfortunately, it is too late for me and my daughter and my husband took his own life a couple of years ago.

We didn't know that he had PTSD and he was merely diagnosed as depressed, he was seen by doctors/ counsellors etc. but no one ever mentioned PTSD. It wasn't until a week before he did the deed that he finally told me about the things he had seen and done while in the Army. His symptoms were just as this site states and I truly wish that we had seen this years ago.

I'm kind of hoping that by posting this for you, it will push readers who think that they may be suffering to get help as soon as possible. It could save a lot of heartache in the future, I'm very sure that if my husband had, he would still be here and my 10 year old daughter would have her Dad.

I'm sure your website has already saved many lives, so my heartfelt warm wishes go to you, we need more people like you in this world.

I've now rebuilt my life, I'm a single career mum and my daughter is a well adjusted, happy girl, but I'd be more than happy to talk to anyone that has suffered the same and is struggling to deal with the fallout.

I wish you well

Regards

Nicki in Lancashire

 

Date:

10 Sept 2008

Time:

00:00

Comments

Hi Andy great site I too like you have had the nice wake up calls of Bosnia the shells at stupid o clock and the like wise its now 2008 and I'm still woken up by the same old stuff, or no sleep at all and all ptsd crap that goes with it just ask the wife at 2 am.  Anyway I read your bit about Combat Stress, the first time they offered me a place I turned it down the 2nd time I went.  It was the hardest thing to but in the end the best choice I think anyone like us should at least give it a go its a hard road but we took it once and we were all strong.

Chris Cornwall.

 

Date:

16 Sept 2008

Time:

09:00

Comments

I am a 'secret drinker'. I can control it when I am with other people and lay off - most off the time. Late at night I can drink half a bottle of whiskey, vodka, wine whatever there is, and believe me I have stashes!

I am a veteran of war in the form of a child from Northern Ireland who was violently beaten by my family, my own so called people and the so called enemy not to mention the security forces.

At the same time I made short friendships with the best of all of those categories.

I am a successful person outwardly and extremely demanding in terms of caliber from other people and from myself. Until I drink and that is always hidden from others.

I feel like I am still a kid and I have three children in a Scandinavian country where I live. People here make such stupid comments that I could destroy them, but I don't.

I thought I was a freak until I read how you all feel.

Former squaddies and whatever. I feel for you all. I threw a few bricks at you but at the same time we used to watch riots and called our favourite squaddies over to the alleyways and hid them behind us offering them beer and cigs while they took a break from us. So insane it was. We all had a roll to play and it was never decided by us to begin with. It was just a fkd up world created by the money makers and still is.

Me and by brother eventually joined the forces too but it wasn't really for me. I was deteriorating about that time. He is still in. I love my brother and only recently saw him again after 20 years and now I feel like I'm deteriorating again.

Drinking now and hiding it well. What a joke I am. Truly!

I need help again. I'm going to get it... tomorrow. Recognise that?

God bless you my brothers.

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Definition

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a natural emotional reaction to a deeply shocking and disturbing experience. It is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation.