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[dlaws01]

I just finished taking about ten different test online to see if I was depressed. I failed them all miserably. All results showed that I may be suffering from severe clinical depression. I wish is wasn't so.  I have to admit that the test are probably true.  My problem is that I don't know what to do about it.  My wife says it's from spending five years in a war zone. Time in Iraq and Afghanistan. I don't blame my problems on that but it stems from somewhere.  I just don't seen to be able shake it and don't know what to do.  Family is all that keeps me from doing something stupid. I'm worried about what they would do without me.

[kiwihog]

Anyone out there know dlaws01 sounds like he could use a little support right now ..My kid just got back from Iraq 2 tours and a post like this from him would concern me.

[09fltrse3]

First of all I would like to thank you and your family for your time and service to our great country. You have made a great step forward comming out and asking for advice, and I am sure someone on this site will have better answers than me, but I know that at my local American Legion, the past and present comanders reach out in helping returning vets with issues like your own. Go find a local Legion or VFW, you will find just plain ole folks like yourself who are Vietnam and Korean vets and if your lucky enough, some great WWII vets, that have been right where you are now. Take care of yourself, and thanks again. Andy

[lilcoot]

dlaws, the fact that you posted here shows that you recognize there is a problem.  Also, coming here and seeking help indicates that you are actively trying to do something to solve your issues.  I think this is a good place to look;  many of the people here appear to be decent, caring folks who have developed  a supportive brotherhood.

As a health care professional, I encourage you to do three things ASAP:

-Get an evaluation to assess the severity of your depression.  Go to an ER if you need to.

-Get a counselor to discuss your concerns;

-Start  antidepressant medication.  It isn't going to be a miraculous cure, but but it takes the edge off the extreme emotions you are feeling.

Lots of us have been through these tough times.  It doesn't last forever, and there are lots of great times for you in the future to look forward to.  We support you.  PM if you need to.

[murphy]

Post truamatic stress is nothing to mess around with, I have been involved in several critical incidents that went unaddressed and bad things started happening.

Unwillingly I attended a group debrief with others who were at the scene and almost instantly things started to turn around, that being said I have also been to other debriefs that were a complete waste of time.

Bottom line in each incident was that I thought I could sort out what happened on my own and I couldn't, the longer it stays burried the deeper the hole gets and it's way harder to get out.

If you could do it on your own you would have done it already, it's time to consider talking to someone.

Family is great for support but sometimes they just can't fill the void because they havent lived it, in some cases it's better to protect them from the really bad stuff you've seen as well.

Reaching out here is a great first step, some things are better for the pros though!

[DaBigNuttedMan]

Buddy thanks so much for your service to our country!! your  entire life spent how ever you spend it influences others around you young and old, whats the image you want to pass on- because what you do with your life will pass on an image and someone will replicate it, when chits starting to get too much for me I take a deep breath and think, Wait a minute this is the best part of o'l Randy  WHEN THE GOINS TOO TOUGH FOR THE REST
                                                              IT'S JUST RIGHT FOR ME

    think of people who were molested as children, and didnot pass it on to anyone, who are these people? we dont know but there out there passing on a legacy of a tough and standard old person.

   The way I see it what ever happens upon death when I die I'm gonna be dead for a long long time, I choose to deal with this little 100 years of life, and my record should anybody be influenced by it, picks up on a positive' or at least someone who hung.

  go to the pound and get a dog promise to be good to em for life and then do it, go play with your kids, plenty of good fun out there. Hell   GET ON YOUR BAD MOTOR SCOOTER AND RIDE

[GregKhougaz]

Dlaws01,

        Sounds like some very good advice, above.  I hope you know there are many, many of us grateful for your service and routing for you.

GK

[dlaws01]

Thank you guys for your support.  It's kind of funny that I feel better getting advise from most of you that I've never even met than from the people I know.  I try to keep my post here light hearted but felt that maybe some of you might have been there and done that.  Thanks again and God bless you all for your input.  Dave

[napalm]

Dave,

Thanks for your service...get the help you need to get this handled....get well and ride!  You survived the tours, now it is time to get back to the world and enjoy your life with your family.

God bless...

napalm

[DBHWT]

After four deployments, I too , have had trouble shaking it....in fact, I miss it at times....get help..not sure it really worked for me...but it was worth talking to someone  Repectfully DBH     

[JR]

Dave, thanks for your service to our country. I will be praying for you in the days ahead. Please go get help. I know several people who weren't even in the military who went through depression and had thoughts of ending their life! Therapy and meds helped them get through it and I'm confident it can with you too along with prayers from your family here. If ever seems to gets too much for you let us know, would be glad to talk and pray with you anytime! Hang tough and God Bless you buddy!

 

[lilcoot]

Dave, just wanted to check to see how you're doing.  Our thoughts are with you.  Let us know if we can help.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Dave I also served 6 years but I can't say that I suffered from anything like you are going through today.  But what I can tell you is that I have always been really healthy and have a great career, that is until that miserable day last year, June 18, 2011. I was rear ended while riding my mc.  I have not worked since and have just under gone 3 surgeries in the last 6 weeks.  I have been all but bedridden and there are days when depression is my best friend.  So, yes I know in some respects what you are feeling.  Depression takes over your every thought and you find yourself always saying tomorrow will be a better day.  Tomorrow Dave is not the solution, today is.  You need to reach out to your family and the professionals. There are medications that help you deal with this temporary problem, but you must first seek them.  If this forum helps you than we are happy to be here for you but we are not professionals and you need one today.

God's speed Dave and my prayer's are with you.
~Judy

[BigLew]

Dave as God does sometimes I just saw your post. I'm saying a prayer for you right now for peace and understanding. Don't know you or your situation but God does. He can heal and comfort us all as He can for you. I pray you will seek his forgivness and pour you heart out to him. If you confess he will forgive and heal. Then find someone to help day by day. Thanks for what you have given for us!!

BigLew

[Midnight Rider]

Thank you guys for your support.  It's kind of funny that I feel better getting advise from most of you that I've never even met than from the people I know.  I try to keep my post here light hearted but felt that maybe some of you might have been there and done that.  Thanks again and God bless you all for your input.  Dave

Dave...there is no shame in getting the help you need.  Sometimes family do not understand because they are too close to the situation/person...can't see the forest for the trees.  I have some background in this, both professionally and personally.  My advice, at minimum, would be to talk to your physician...some of them are better at this sort of thing than others though, so that depends.  The best choice is to seek out a Psychiatrist who actually does therapy/counseling, along with medication.  Next to that would be a Psychologist who works along with a Psychiatrist...the Psychologist can help with the counseling/therapy, and the Psychiatrist can consult concerning the proper medication.  There are many excellent antideppresant meds out there.  It may take some time to find the right one for your body chemistry and particular issue(s), but once found, in 2-4 weeks the meds will start to take the "edge" off.  Dosage may have to be adjusted, so don't expect miracles right off the bat.  The important thing is to meet with someone who will stay on top of the situation and find the right solutions for YOU.  The MOST important thing you've done is to recognize you have a problem and reach out for help.  Depression is a very serious condition, and should never be taken lightly.  Given time and the right kind of support, things will improve...most importantly, do something NOW and get the process of healing underway.  The other side of the tunnel will present a brighter future, believe me.  If you EVER need to talk, please don't hesitate in contacting whoever you feel comfortable with to get you over a hump.