I need help (PTSD Related)

[Meecedes.1965]

So I have PTSD and it’s never really effected my life to the point where I can’t train or eat right but that changed about two months ago. I lost a brother of mine to suicide and I haven’t been right in the head since. I’m depressed, I stopped working out, stopped eating right, and my alcohol intake increased dramatically. Along with that, so did my weight. I’m sitting at 250lbs with leans mass at 189lbs. I feel and look like shit and I just need advice on how to get out of this rut.

No I’m not suicidal, I’m okay in that regard but I also can’t go to my doc and tell him all this shit because it would fuck me over big time in the long run with my future jobs...

Any and all help is much appreciated.

 

[T-Bagger]

I don’t care if I take heat or get crap from people, but I have found that Jesus was my only answer and my constant source of strength through life’s darkest journeys. At the very least, I would encourage you to read through the Psalms. Maybe not the answer or advice you’re looking for, but he’s the only thing that got me through the loss of a 25 year marriage, along with tons of other heartaches in my short lifetime.

 

[fodsod]

You'll have a tough time over coming this on your own. PTSD presents very differently in each individual but based on your post and that you actually posted it tells me you might be well served by finding a local support group that you can spend some time listening and maybe talk it out with people that understand where you are and where you've been.

A psychologist or even a trauma counselor may be a good start just to get the feelings that are bringing you down out in the open. This is something that is a part of you now and you'll need to develop the skills to see it coming, avoid triggers and how to minimize the collateral damage if it comes back full force.

My point is simply, do something. It needs to be something you've not tried before and it'll take a large effort to make yourself take that step but it will be worth the effort in the end.

Good luck.

 

[Eman]

I also can’t go to my doc and tell him all this shit because it would fuck me over big time in the long run with my future jobs

A therapist cannot divulge the discussions that take place during a session unless they have reason to believe you are going to hurt yourself or others. I suggest you seek someone out that can teach you some techniques on coping with loss. There is no suitable reason for your employment to be affected by seeing a therapist, especially for this kind of reason. If it becomes affected, I would further suggest you seek an attorney.

Find a program that fits in with the goals you have for yourself... Whether it be strength, body composition, etc and stick with it. Achieving goals you've set for yourself will help bring you out of the rut... Especially if it's something in a team atmosphere like cycling or martial arts. You just need some planning/strategy/structure to get you on the right path, then stick with it.

I'm an athiest but I have to agree with @T-Bagger that if you are a religious person then a church can most certainly be a place that will give you comfort if it fits in with your beliefs. I would strongly recommend doing this in conjunction with a therapist and fitness/wellness program.

Best of luck to you... Things will get better and easier.

 

[T-Bagger]

A therapist cannot divulge the discussions that take place during a session unless they have reason to believe you are going to hurt yourself or others. I suggest you seek someone out that can teach you some techniques on coping with loss. There is no suitable reason for your employment to be affected by seeing a therapist, especially for this kind of reason. If it becomes affected, I would further suggest you seek an attorney.

Find a program that fits in with the goals you have for yourself... Whether it be strength, body composition, etc and stick with it. Achieving goals you've set for yourself will help bring you out of the rut... Especially if it's something in a team atmosphere like cycling or martial arts. You just need some planning/strategy/structure to get you on the right path, then stick with it.

I'm an athiest but I have to agree with @T-Bagger that if you are a religious person then a church can most certainly be a place that will give you comfort if it fits in with your beliefs. I would strongly recommend doing this in conjunction with a therapist and fitness/wellness program.

Thank you for the respectful response @Eman

 

[Eman]

Thank you for the respectful response @Eman

Don't get all preachy with me, Bible thumper...

 

[T-Bagger]

Don't get all preachy with me, Bible thumper...

Hahahahahaha, that’s it - off to hell with you!

 

[fodsod]

A therapist cannot divulge the discussions that take place during a session unless they have reason to believe you are going to hurt yourself or others. I suggest you seek someone out that can teach you some techniques on coping with loss. There is no suitable reason for your employment to be affected by seeing a therapist, especially for this kind of reason. If it becomes affected, I would further suggest you seek an attorney.

Find a program that fits in with the goals you have for yourself... Whether it be strength, body composition, etc and stick with it. Achieving goals you've set for yourself will help bring you out of the rut... Especially if it's something in a team atmosphere like cycling or martial arts. You just need some planning/strategy/structure to get you on the right path, then stick with it.

I'm an athiest but I have to agree with @T-Bagger that if you are a religious person then a church can most certainly be a place that will give you comfort if it fits in with your beliefs. I would strongly recommend doing this in conjunction with a therapist and fitness/wellness program.

Best of luck to you... Things will get better and easier.

All very good points @Eman. OP, I'm assuming you're a vet and you've relied on the VA thus far. I'd suggest getting outside of that train wreck and seek private sector assistance.

If you've been actually diagnosed with PTSD then any future career path (LE, FIRE, EMS, medicine or anything that requires clearance) will have access to that diagnosis anyway so seeking treatment will not necessarily disqualify you moving forward. It's pretty common now with the last 20+ years of US troops being in theater and cycling in and out of direct action situations almost daily.

I would suggest that any professions that a PTSD diagnosis would factor in are stressful and developing the tools to combat your PTSD is paramount if you plan on seeking a career in a field that will potentially expose you to triggers.

 

[Meecedes.1965]

Thank you to all for the advice and help. I am working on things and trying to just get in a good rhythm to perform normally in all aspects of life.

All very good points @Eman. OP, I'm assuming you're a vet and you've relied on the VA thus far. I'd suggest getting outside of that train wreck and seek private sector assistance.

If you've been actually diagnosed with PTSD then any future career path (LE, FIRE, EMS, medicine or anything that requires clearance) will have access to that diagnosis anyway so seeking treatment will not necessarily disqualify you moving forward. It's pretty common now with the last 20+ years of US troops being in theater and cycling in and out of direct action situations almost daily.

I would suggest that any professions that a PTSD diagnosis would factor in are stressful and developing the tools to combat your PTSD is paramount if you plan on seeking a career in a field that will potentially expose you to triggers.

@fodsod thank you for your advice. Unfortunately yes my contract would be terminated due to Security clearance issues if I were to bring up complications in my PTSD diagnosis which would then put me as jobless.

 

[Havah]

If you re suffering from ptsd with commorbid alcool abuse
Head to a psychiatrist
And remember, no benzos for you

 

[Seattle23]

Lost my father at a young age and didn't seek professional help. After decades of alcohol and drug abuse too deal with my loss. I finally turned to a professional and the impact was a huge positive. Talking about the grief and loss will help you alot trust me. GL

 

[fodsod]

Thank you to all for the advice and help. I am working on things and trying to just get in a good rhythm to perform normally in all aspects of life.



@fodsod thank you for your advice. Unfortunately yes my contract would be terminated due to Security clearance issues if I were to bring up complications in my PTSD diagnosis which would then put me as jobless.

OK. So a support group or perhaps a counselor outside of the VA system or separate from you regular medical pathway that won't have any idea what you do or where you do it might be the way to get help without raising any red flags.

I personally think you just need to talk about it with someone that understands and can relate you where you are now and give good suggestions on how to get back to a good place. Cognitive behavioral tools are super useful in your type of situation also.

Here's an article that you may find useful.

25 CBT Techniques and Worksheets for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy