- GUEST BOOK ARCHIVED MESSAGES
- October 2005 - March 2006
Date:
10 Oct 2005
Time:
11:12
Comments
Excellent web site
Kind Regards
B Mills
Date:
10 Oct 2005
Time:
21:10
Comments
Hi, I've never been in the armed
forces, my PTSD syptoms come from elsewhere. I have DID. I have been really
suffering lately and I really struggle. All attempts at getting help have gone
nowhere and I just don't know what to do anymore. And it just gets worse. I
can't stand the 'body' memories. I don't even know what my 'trauma' is. I've
slowly getting the picture and it sux. I just want it all to stop. I want my
life back. I'm unemployed now and facing financial ruin. I need to go back to
work but I look like s**t and I just can't believe this is my life now. I like
your website, it sort of helps knowing that I'm not on my own. My family don't
know what's wrong with me and I don't tell them. I have an overwhelming urge to
flee, to just run and run and run and maybe if I run far enough and fast enough
I can leave all this behind. The thought of living like this for the next 40+
years makes me not want to be here. Maybe the website could be expanded to
include some testimonies of people that have beaten this thing. The NHS sux and
all they did was made me worse.
Ell
Hi Ell, I think that you are right. If anyone would like to put their POSITIVE stories of how they have coped with and beaten PTSD please email them to me and I will set-up a new page to publish these for you all to read and hopefully take courage and learn from.
Andy
Date:
25 Oct 2005
Time:
21:42
Comments
I have been dealing with PTSD for five years now, and I have been taking Zoloft for two. The Zoloft has helped with the depression and anger attacks, but has not helped with the PTSD. Since looking at your website, I have been able to understand my disorder and deal with it appropriately. Thank you, Melissa De Boer
Date:
28 Oct 2005
Time:
15:16
Comments
Wonderful site Andy, well done, hope
its the start of something good.
I joined the British Army aged 17, back in the seventies. then
served in NI, and after my court martial at Colchester MCTC, D wing.
Had a assortment of lost and injured mates, resulting in the usual
assortment of flashbacks of close encounters an Infantryman experiences on
active service.
After years of alcoholism, trashed relationships, emotionally scarred
children, bouts of homelessness, prison, drug dependency
etc, and an uncountable number of few day jobs., not to mention the hatchet
under my pillow, and other blunt instruments and noxious chemicals placed
strategically around the home.
I was wiped out mentally and could no longer function, washing my face was
a big deal.
Diagnosed with Personality disorder by the first shrink I saw ,
Alcohol dependant and chronic depression by the next , chronic depression
by a GP, who prescribed six different anti-depressants over the course of
a few years . I heard of Combat Stress, I called them, and a regional
welfare rep called and helped me through the mire of War Pension
application lottery.
I was finally diagnosed with PTSD etc, by the specialist selected by the
War Pensions Agency, and got a pension, more important than
the merger pittance of a pension award , which was promptly clawed back by the
income support agency , was putting a name to my illness, the years of
shame and guilt I had about myself , lifted, in a way I can't describe.
The first Combat Stress Rep was a real gent, ex Navy, but the next rep an
ex-Army guy, made me feel like a piece of malingering crap, I dreaded
his visits, and told him, eventually, I no longer wanted visits, it
was a real pity, because I really could have done with a bit of help. but
I lost trust in welfare support people . I already feel immense shame
about not being able to provide for my kids, and being dependant on government
hand outs, I don't need a guilt trip from some guy, who seemed to have a few
unresolved issues himself. It may be paranoia but I got the feeling our
conversations were being recorded by him, no doubt for the purpose of accurate
note taking.
I hope this does not put people off contacting Combat Stress, after all,
who else can you call, ex enlisted guys, have no one else, but the system
that claims to help victims seems to be run by ex-Officers and we all know from
our military days , there are good and not so good officers, just as in all
walks of life.
My contact with various “Support “ Agencies has left me very resentful
in that they appear to have a conflict of interest, they seem to have too cosy a
relationship with the Veterans Agency and sometimes make the victim feel even
more demoralised.
The Veterans Agency also claims to be a helpful organisation, well, I have met a
few unsavoury characters in my time, but they are innocents in comparison to the
callous sorts I encountered at the Veterans Agency, MOD , medical
profession , and associated care bare cushy job brigade.
Yes, even ex- Squadies are prone to a bit bitching and moaning, don't get
me started on the ex-service personnel trying to get justice through the
labyrinth of the British court system.
Anyway , thanks again for setting up this site, its long overdue, we
need more such resources, in the control of the victims who are looking for
common justice and respect , without the controlling influence of the
Officer clique, and agencies designed to screw the victim.
Regards to all.
Private Bloggs.
Date:
10 Nov 2005
Time:
13:39
Comments
Thank ~~~~ for that. I was beginning to think that I was the only one of my generation that was suffering from PTSD. I thought that I was weak because I was suffering from it and the other lads in the Regiment were stronger than me and as a consequence I felt useless. I have now been a very heavy drinker for a considerable number of years and my health has suffered accordingly. In the past couple of years I have been managing to control the symptoms somewhat with the help of friends and Combat Stress (a very good org). My days are varied with good and bad, and at the moment what with bonfire night they are bad. I would like to pass on my regards to all and wish them well in the future.
Date:
19 Nov 2005
Time:
13:22
Comments
I am a Somalia vet who is being treated for ptsd. I have to prove one thing happened but truth be told it was a accumulation of things. I was in a fire fight with a weapon that failed. I was in Haiti with all the disease starvation and death and I mine swept off the cowcatcher of a hummvee and they wonder why my nerves are shot. I now face the battle of getting the VA to believe me wish me luck. I forgot to add I'm American and served with the 18th airborne corps us army 93 94
Date:
27 Nov 2005
Time:
14:01
Comments
I just done a really long waffle, to
a bloke I respect. his name is Andy. I hope this works but id like to add a
link. about poetry. about instead of this disease we can express ourselves. and
just like solicitors and psychiatrists we can stand together in civvy strasse.
ive been Craig
http://www.forcespoetry.co.uk/
Date:
30 Nov 2005
Time:
23:37
Comments
Andy,
A great site that has put my mind at some kind of peace, as I have felt that I
am the only one suffering from these symptoms.
I can only thank you for spending the time putting this website together and
maintaining it.
My best regards
Ben
Date:
15 Dec 2005
Time:
18:39
Comments
hi my name is bones Bartlett and I suffer with combat ptsd I am spending 6 weeks a year at Tyrwhitt house which is an ex service mans mental health unit. it is a brilliant place. I am ex royal navy and I served in the Falklands on H.M.S Sheffield and this kicked in about 6 years ago.
Date:
18 Dec 2005
Time:
13:06
Comments
Andy, you have helped me, more than you know! I was medically discharged from the Military with PTSD, 3yrs ago. I have served in the first Gulf War, 3.5yrs in N. Ireland, Bosnia, Kosova, Macedonia, ...etc. I have been to Combat Stress and had similar experiences as you. I also have a drink problem but am trying to address my problems and have found out about an experimental trial for PTSD suffers, in Oxford. I am hoping to be included in the trial and will let you know how it goes.
Keep up the good work with your web-site, it provides hope and concern that I am not alone, as only other PTSD suffers know how it feels!
Date:
21 Dec 2005
Time:
17:21
Comments
Hi Andy.........I don't suffer from
PTSD, but unfortunately my Son does. Both he and I have found your
site a great relief, and source of info.
"We" are now close to getting treatment (after nearly 3 years of
"banging" at all sorts of "doors)
our local MP is on the case.
It never ceases to amaze us; the lack of information that the NHS has on this
subject. "We" have recently found a mass of info. on the net re; ptsd
& how and where to get treatment.....yet, when presented to the
NHS.........Wow....too much info. & MOST of it is written within the NHS ?
Anyway....thanks again...and keep at it....cheers Bob
Date:
27 Dec 2005
Time:
17:59
Comments
I have visited your site a number of
times over the years, looking for answers for my son becoming ill.I knew quite a
few years back after reading the symptoms on your site then, what was wrong with
my son. Lost count of how many times I have tried to get him to look at your
site. I guess he was to ill then because he couldn't even concentrate to watch
TV or read a newspaper let alone going on the internet. It has been a long haul,
but he is starting to get his life together again. The other day I got him to
look at your site and he could immediately identify most if not all of the
feelings and symptoms you describe to his own. I feel you have done a brilliant
job with your site and am sure it helps many who visit it to realise they are
not alone and with help and support it is possible to start to live again.
Best Wishes Pam Pinder
Date:
29 Dec 2005
Time:
07:51
Comments
I'm a PTSD survivor. Served
two terms in the military. I've been enlisted, NCO, Officer wife, and
served as an Officer in the Gulf war. I have always dealt with stress by
ignoring it and dealing with it later. I had two years of intense military
training and then served during the war. All this as a 30 year old female
competing with women and men 10 years younger than myself. When I returned
from the Gulf, I couldn't get to my unit without crying. I started
journaling as I had found it helpful before. My symptoms grew,
forgetfulness, confusion, depression, no sleep, and no focus. I jumped at
horns, sirens and lights. One day at my unit I started sobbing and
couldn't stop. I was rushed to the VA hospital. I was terrified they would
lock me up and made my husband swear to free me. They did a battery of
tests to make sure it wasn't a physical problem (i.e. tumour) and assigned me a
psychiatrist. She went into civilian practice 2 years later and I've been
with her since, almost 10 years. (I have been with 2 psychologists &
psychiatrists; some experiences good/some bad) I lived in a black hole (check
out Dick Cavets autobiography), hallucination, panic attacks and more for a
year. Just as I was recovering, our first child died during delivery.
Hmmm, was I a mess? Yep. Took another year but I fought my way back
up. Held onto my husband in the stores (while walls & floors tilted),
dealt with anger, withdrawal from everyone, and side effects from medicines.
I fought against medicines and disability for years refusing to allow this to
run my life.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SURVIVAL:
(1)Accept that this is
happening to you. It's chemical imbalance in your body and it needs a
little help. There are 30 + antidepressants. Each has a different purpose.
Your diagnosis will help locate which one/combination is best. Keep
trying. Side effects are a given with medications. Do your research;
use the internet, books, libraries and other patients. Example: Prozac
left me feeling soulless and angry. This is not an endorsement but I
stayed on Prozac during my pregnancies as research and my doctor showed less
harmful. I have been on approx 9 diff. meds.
(2) Find a good doctor. Preferably a psychiatrist who can monitor your
medication. If the first doesn't work, get a different one. Fight
the VA system if you have to to get another one. Don't take no for an
answer. This is critical. If it doesn't work, push for them to pay
for a civilian. It can be done!! Don't be surprised if you
don't talk about the war or the trigger to the PTSD right away. Learning
to identify and change patterns of behaviour is important and may be a large
focus of your therapy.
(3) Get signed up for military disability. Don't be embarrassed or guilty
like I was and wait 8 years. After the cutbacks threatened any VA help I
finally filed. There is a VA rep at each hospital to help with paperwork.
Use letters from friends, family, work, doctor, anyone who can attest to your
problem. Yes, it's embarrassing. Give up the secret for this.
If it isn't approved, find another rep and try again. Use it to pay for
medicines and other expenses. I used my journaling notes for my
application. The VA asked for one instance/event and I ended up submitting
over 4 life threatening situations; sexual harassment, and a dozen other
incidents.
(4) Talk to your spouse/family. Explain there will be ups/downs and
figure out how you can support each other. Accept their help. As my
husband told me many times, he couldn't help when he didn't know what I was
feeling.
(5) Take it one day at a time. Accept that you cannot do what you
did before. Keep a small notebook handy to deal with forgetfulness.
When going out for whatever reason take someone with you and let them be your
focus to eliminate outside stressors. Bring your world down to a small
circumference around you, gradually expanding it as you learn to cope.
Identify what the triggers are. Loud stereos, booming sounds, sirens,
horns? Lights and the confusion of colours and patterns in the store?
Learn to focus on something close to you and block them out. I found a
good size, solid dark object (purse) in my cart helped me to focus. Not
unlike Lamaze training.
(6) Relaxation exercises. Can't stress it enough. Learn to
breath and relax. Find some tapes at a New Age store. You must
practice!!!
My husband will sit and coach me when panic or crying set in. Breath deep.
Pay attention to breathing patterns during depressive episodes.
(7) Don't make concrete plans and expect that you will carry them out.
Your world has changed. Be prepared to change them at the last minute.
It's okay. I found living for spontaneity was best. It's actually
more fun and less stressful than forgetting to show up appointments. Do
what you can, when you can. There will be good/bad days, hours, and
minutes.
(8) Don't beat yourself up mentally when faced with the difficulties
listed. You are going through enough. It's okay to tell you family
you are frustrated. Share that with them.
(9) Try journaling. This is tough. But until you face your
trauma you cannot deal with it. If you don't know what the trauma is/was
use this to track your feelings. Use the technique in #10 to help. I ended
up writing a book; record of my whole experience. Stop if it is too
difficult and go back later.
(10) Here is a technique my doctor taught me. We have thought
patterns which lead us to the emotional trigger for depression. You have
to learn to trace backwards what your thoughts were. i.e. * made me
cry, ** made me think of that, etc until you get to where your thoughts started
straying. This take a lot of practice but is a valuable tool to use in
controlling those errant thoughts and learning exactly what upsets you.
I lived in terror of set backs, of falling back into the black hole.
Now, I only dread them because using the above I have learned I have some
control. There have been 4 occasions when meds stopped working or events
created more than I could deal with and I ended up falling back. I will
not be able to work a regular job again. I hate not being the competent
person I once was and will struggle with it my whole life.
I allow humour to get me through a lot. I guard my diagnosis very carefully as I have been judged by others who do not understand depression and have preconceived ideas that I might kill their children, myself, etc. You know, be that Looney tune they themselves might actually be! At least we PTSD sufferers 'know' our problem! PTSD has affected every facet of my life. It will yours also. Accepting it is the hardest part. Forgiving someone else who hurt you is tough. Forgiving yourself for suffering through this is harder. One day at a time.
Thanks Andy for the opportunity to
share. I hope a specific column on helpful suggestions/experiences is
successful. A combined resource of tried experiences would go a long way
in helping many people. Best wishes to everyone.
RR
Many thanks RR for this. How right you are. Those of you reading this who are UK Vets can also get a War Pension from the Veterans Agency but unfortunately unlike our fellow brothers and sisters in America we do not have any specialist hospital to help us. Please remember the highlighted section above, this is excellent advice to all.
Thanks again, Andy
Date:
29 Dec 2005
Time:
14:51
Comments
Luke - Ipswich
I recently got back from being in the gulf... I loved my time in the RN, but was
diagnosed with PTSD. came home and nobody wanted to know. I was just going to
end it there and then... but a thought popped into my head - if they don't want
to know, then who's in the wrong? I might be the one with PTSD, but they're the
ones with the problems with it. I got my life sorted now. still have flashbacks.
but I'm starting to love my life again.
Date:
30 Dec 2005
Time:
09:16
Comments
I have been suffering from the
affects of military induced PTSD since 1968 and have only recently been
diagnosed as suffering from this life destroying disorder. Like so many of
those who have left messages, I now face bankruptcy and drink due to my PTSD
problem and found support through many organisation to get me through the trauma
that am going through.
I find it very difficult to talk about my many military experiences throughout
my 26 years military service, including “N” number of operational tours with
the final being Gulf 1, and during a recent visit to Combat Stress I had to find
some way of letting people finally know of the events that affect me so I wrote
them down. Yes, it troubled me deeply whilst doing so but the relief once
I had done this was worth the effort and pain involved. I cannot even talk
to my wife about these events so I gave her a copy of this. As she read my
lengthy story she realised exactly what I was going through. I could not
accept her verbal comments so, in return, she did the same by writing down what
I had been like to live with through our 34 years of marriage about the
sleepless nights and the changes in my temperament. Reading this helped me
realise that it is not only ourselves that suffer, it is those closet to us who
also live the nightmare. My PTSD will never go away but I had, at least
for a short period, found some form of relief. It may help others who find
it difficult to talk about the things that are bothering them. I don’t
know but at least it worked, for me, for a short period of time. There is
a lot of embarrassment involved here but it is worth the pain and effort
“Don’t suffer in silence” as I have for many years. Yes, there is a
lot of embarrassment but there is no shame involved in the way we are. The
confusion, depression, nightmares, flashbacks and sleepless nights are still
here and will be for the rest of my life.
I am a retired officer who came through the ranks who has only recently been
diagnosed and we are a community that are victims of events and circumstances in
our lives that were beyond our control whilst serving for our country and
“RR” is so right in saying that “Accepting it is the hardest part.”
I found this terribly difficult but now I have done so, I feel a little more
confident in facing the many hurdles that I now have to confront. I have
my “up” and “down” days and, providing you let people know how you are
feeling, most will understand and stand by you.
Andy, Sir, you have my greatest admiration for putting together such a great
site and given somewhere, for at least some of us, where we can learn from other
sufferers, express ourselves and hopefully help others.
A merry Christmas to you all, God bless, keep safe and above all else,
“don’t ever give up.”
KK
Thank you KK, I agree with you about writing things down. I too have used this before with professionals at Combat Stress and SSAFA but I have not used this as an exercise to help explain my life and behaviours with my wife. I intend to do this myself over the next few days. Thank you for your message, it has helped me and I am sure will help the many thousands who visit my website every month.
Thank you again. Andy
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to my website through the Guestbook during the past 5 years. Life is hard for all of us, more so at different times of our lives. There are High's and many very Low's and at times life is so desperately unfair and unbearably hard. What has kept me going along my own rollercoaster of a life is the nice words of thanks, support and words of wisdom you all leave here.
Thank you all and I hope 2006 brings us all a better more peaceful life.
Andy
Date:
04 Jan 2006
Time:
18:20
Comments
now i think i may have found info,
help and support I need
got married in AFG
Date:
04 Jan 2006
Time:
18:41
Comments
Andy just flicked thru bits and the
news release on NICE section. I find I am jumpy all the time with noises
and fireworks esp. at pm
Chris
Date:
09 Jan 2006
Time:
14:39
Comments
I think this is an excellent site. Now I know that what I am experiencing is a normal reaction to being exposed to the perils of Afghanistan as a civilian. I have a very long way to go but at least I know my reactions and feeling are normal! Chris
Date:
26 Jan 2006
Time:
19:54
Comments
Well what can I say, I have been
suffering for 10 years with PTSD. I have a stress full job and feel I am almost
tipping over the edge most days, I am not mad I know that, I am ill, I except it
and do my best to deal with it(9 times out of ten it doesn't work and I end up
being lost alone but at least I try). I have just been in touch with VA and am
putting a claim forward. I have felt so weak and useless for many years, this
site has helped learn and understand my illness. I am striving for a life with
no panic attacks ,flash backs, cold sweats, shaking hands and more, maybe its
not possible but if we can all conquer some thing individually then together we
can conquer it all.
My best to you all.
chip
Date:
29 Jan 2006
Time:
13:40
Comments
Just read through the so many heart
rendering comments, made by so many brave men and women who have served their
country by giving all, receiving nothing but ignorance in return. I am a
PTSD sufferer, though thankfully found my own way through the worst of the
condition. I started recovery by knowing that I am a spiritual being and
that spirit can help us to recognise the pain for what it is. No, I'm not
some religious nutcase, far from it! I simply turned within, when nothing
outside cared or bothered or knew how to help. Help, I found out, was
closer than I thought. It was within me to see the pain, to calm the
panic, ease the anxiety and to recognise the stress. It's simply telling
your inner self to STOP IT! Saying, "I don't this need it
anymore". Turn round to your fears, confront it - face on, and
dismiss it from your lives. Yes, easier said than done, I'm sure, but this
is what I finally did when I thought I was going mad. Tell it to yourself,
tell it to GO!! Each time you do - you will feel stronger and more in
control, you won't feel 'elated' or free from PTSD, but you will know you are
getting on top of the 'enemy within'
Give it a go!
John
Date:
24 Feb 2006
Time:
20:03
Comments
Hi Andy and my fellow PTSD brethren.
As an Army paramedic in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 13 1/2 yrs, I
eventually had my demon surface 14yrs after leaving HMF. In Sep 2005 I was
diagnosed with the dreaded cross we bear. Like so many I have built up a
reinforced wall stopping my wife and kids getting in. Sadly I am pushing them
away. At the end of the day as long as I am alive, that's all I care about
as my demon has "Blessed" me with the very strong desire to die every
day. BUT, as long as I can fight that and keep living then I will somehow learn
to manage the flashbacks, nitemares etc.
Re Combat Stress, EXCELLENT. Just spent my 1st week at Twyrwhitt Hse. Had a very
emotional time there but the best thing was meeting fellow ex forces going thro
the same things as I am. It was Rosie Gibbons from Combat Stress that referred
me to you Andy, so Thank you for this site, it does help even if it only in a
small way to start.
My motto, I can't beat PTSD but I can sure give it a good kick up the arse every
now and then.
Date:
2 Mar 2006
Time:
11:04
Comments
Hello, my name is Scott Fraser, I have served in the Cheshire Regiment, and I served in Northern Ireland, 1st Gulf War and Bosnia. In the 1st Gulf War I was attached to the Staffordshire Regiment, where I was gaining experience as a Platoon Sergeant when Iraq invaded Kuwait. The regiment and I were sent out to the Gulf as part of 7th Armoured Brigade. During the war my unit was attacked by an A10 Warthog in what was called "Friendly Fire". My unit lost 9 men, as did the Gordon Highlanders who were in line with us. That did not give me problems, but I was very angry about it and I wanted to shoot the A10 Pilot because I lost so many of my "Lads".
When I went back to my Parent Regiment, The Cheshires, we were posted to Bosnia
in 1992 and it was there that I saw attrocities commited by the Croats and the
Serbs, and that is what has caused me to suffer PTSD. I am waiting to recieve
counselling for this, and I am finally glad to have found this web site.
Date:
4 Mar 2006
Time:
23:15
Comments
Andy, I too have PTSD, but mine is from Vietnam. I am a war decorated U.S. former soldier. I am now getting my Master's degree so that I can help veterans from the current U.S. agression in Iraq.
It's a good web site.
My plan is to eventually work at a Vet Center. Do you have something like them
in the U.K.?
Patrick
Hi Patrick, I am sorry and ashamed to say we do not. Many of our veterans are treated very badly by our government, MOD and local health service. We have to rely on charities in the main to support us and provide specialist treatment centres where we can get the support we need. I wish you well in your masters degree and thank you for both your kind comments and for wanting to put something back into helping others who suffer from service induced PTSD and other mental health problems.
Date:
7 Mar 2006
Time:
21:08
Comments
My name is Steve “TAFFY”
Horvath. I left Her Majesty’s Armed Forces in Oct 1991 after completing 13yrs
as a military paramedic in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
In Jan 2005 I suddenly became ill. My illness took the form of a sudden onset of
major clinical depression, uncontrollable panic attacks, aggressive mood swings,
flashbacks and horrific nightmares from my military service. This was all
compunded by a sudden onset of a daily desire to take my own life, as this would
put a stop to the horrific flashbacks, nightmares etc,.
Between Jan and Oct 2005 I put my family through total hell, not knowing if I
was going to be alive from one day to the next. We spent months trying to find
out through my GP and psychiatrists what was wrong with me.
My thoughts were that I was simply on “ A downer” and that I had to “Pull
my finger out”, get back to work and then things would be OK. Somehow this was
not happening and the NHS could not help me as they are not geared up to help
service personnel with PTSD.
In Oct 2005 I was finally diagnosed with Severe Chronic PTSD (Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder). I was told at the time that I had probably been suffering from
this for some 23yrs, and that it was directly related to being in the Droppin
Well pub in Ballykelly N.I. when some kind git from the I.N.L.A. decided to
blast the hell out of the pub and bring the shopping complex above it down on
us.
Now that I had a “Label” for what was wrong with me, I could hopefully get
some sort of help that would keep me alive and help me come to terms with and
somehow manage this illness.
Early on in my illness I came across an organisation called Combat Stress The
Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society.
Since 1919 Combat Stress have been the ONLY organisation of it’s kind in the
UK with the knowledge and expertise to help people such as myself who suffer
with a wide range of mental health issues related to our military careers.
So far I have an excellent Welfare Officer and a good start to my visits to
Combat Stress' treatment centre in Leatherhead. Now that I know what is wrong
with me I am hopefully going to be able to manage some of it, and help in
someway to bringing further facts, figures, awareness and need for Combat Stress
to be funded by Central; Government. In 2005, the government has reviewed and
confirmed that the NHS cannot cope with or successfully treat us mental health
patients from HM Forces. C/Stress has been recognised as the ONLY organisation
with the ability, experience and knowledge to help us UK vets.
Andy, this site is just one of those ways that we sufferers can have a voice and
try in some way to get the powers that be to change the system and policies.
Maybe then, our future brothers and sisters that will joining this harshfull
club for many years to come will get the help they so richly deserve.
I am not some activist of any kind, just some daft old Taffy who served 13 1/2
yrs in the Royal Army Medical Corps who is now being punished for saving so many
lives in the Army, plus not cracking at the time of so many losses. I For
failing to crack at the horrific injuries and death witnessed, I was able to
move on to try and save another injured friend, colleague or even enemy at
times.
It is that ability to try and be strong on yr website, that one day someone
among us will be able to summon up the emotional strength to be able to shout
from the rooftops and bring our fight for obligated help and support, right to
the doorstep, faces, minds and purse strings of the politicians that send us to
their wars and then abandon us when we need their support both emotionally and
financially the most. We have been unsuspecting recruits of the mental health
press gangs that attack us every day and night for no logical reason what so
ever. We all now have a parasitic leech in our brain that sucks our very
personality and who we once were from our unsuspecting souls and bodies, as
company for the rest of our lives. For those around us are also now newly
appointed victims for many generations to come.
For this reason and even if this one alone, we WILL one day succeed and get the
all round support for us and our brothers and sisters that follow us into this
life of mental health issues, illnesses and daily battles with life, that we so
richly deserve.
We went to our own wars and "Normal" routines in the forces, and even
then we were still prepared to give our own lives to save those of others.
Having faced death and her sisters of doom, we do not expect to have to see her
many years later in a different form.
NOW, is the time for the powers that be should now take notice and act.
Excuse my ramblings but I want to try and keep alive and help others like me
through websites such as this one.
Many, many thanks Andy and keep up the good work.
Steve "TAFFY" Horvath Ex - RAMC
Date:
11 Mar 2006
Time:
18:40
Comments
At last!...Enlightenment. I've been seen by therapists, much akin to being in a zoo, talked and talked but no EXPLANATIONS, thanks very much
Date:
25 Mar 2006
Time:
11:36
Comments
Hi folks, Scott Fraser (Ex Cheshires) here again. Just wanted to say that I am finally getting the help that I need. I am waiting to get admitted to Hollybush House, up here in Scotland.
Thanks to my New Mate, Steve "Taffy" Horvath, who I found through your web site. Hopefully I can slowly start getting some normality (Ha thats a joke), again. I know that I will never be totally cured of PTSD, but at least there are people out there like myself, and I don't feel so alone now.
Thanks Andy, I'll keep in touch.