Post Traumatic Stress Support Group

Went to the V/A psychiatrist to get some help with my PTSD condition and the host of symptoms I've been dealing with and was literally left out on my own. It was explained to me that she just managed medication. So, I saw my case worker next and she neglected to inform me about PTSD treatment at all. I specifically asked about it! Finally, I went and found information on my own and there was no mention of PTSD treatment. I went back and talked to her again and this time she put me on the list to be contacted about the PTSD closed group she facilitated. WTF??? What kind of help is this? If you don't go after what you want and need, I guess you don't get it. The visits for one on one therapy are extremely few and far between so, the treatment is just open groups for symptoms. It all falls upon me to see to my mental health care (as perhaps it always has). I wasn't ready to lose my support network and I am concerned that the transition lacks any real accountability. I will do as I've been doing, find a way to get what I need. Would have been nice to have some evidence that someone actually cared though.

HI...I would say if you are going to depend on the VA for your help, you are barking up the wrong tree.... I have been going to the VA now for over 10yrs now trying to get help with my PTSD from Viet Nam... and all they have done is give me meds.... And the few times I have been seen for counseling, I was seen by someone that had to get a green card to even be here in this country, and I had to find someone to help me figure out what the heck they were saying..... so it was of no help.... And as for the meds...... well...lets just say.... the meds they RX are from the 1960's.... I am expecting the next med from them to be LSD. IT would not surprise me at all.....

I'm so sorry the system is so messed up. I angers me that we have so many men and women that put their lives on the line for our country and that we can't do enough to help them when they come home. I worked for a transportation company that picked vets up from the VA for 2 years and I heard story after story of the treatment or lack there of that the vets were getting.

If it helps any, I know my therapist uses a book called, The PTSD WORKBOOK and you should be able to find it on Amazon for pretty cheap. I know it's not the same as talking to someone but it's a start in the right direction.

Is it one of those situations that they won't do something unless you specifically ask for it? If so, you may want to mention EMDR to them. EMDR stands for eye movement desensatization and reprocessing. They have to be certified to do it.

I've had great success with it. If the VA isn't willing to do EMDR or isn't certified in it, would you consider going to a civilian psychologist that is certified in it?

I served in the military for 8 years. It is sad what they don't do for the military members.

Oceansaway

Thank you all for the info and suggestions. The system is the same as it ever was so, don't know why I was surprised. Guess, I just got my hopes up. I'll know better from now on. Yesterday was a let down but, today my optimism is returning. I did ask about EMDR and my case worker did not know it. Limited funds and no secure income, limit my options of therapy currently. Dealing with alot, including Lyme disease. The PTSD workbook sounds like a great idea and I will check it out. Any other sugestions or info is welcome. May we all find peace and serenity as we seek it.

Post edited by: lymeie, at: 07/21/2012 01:12 PM