Thorwald's Regret

"Thorwald's Regret"

This post is a bit different. It deals with the real world struggles that face those men and women who have returned from the war and struggle to get through daily life. In this video I talk about my own problems with dealing with the past and PTSD. After tours in Iraq and Afghanistan I am just one of the thousands who are facing the war years after coming home.

The words I speak are mine and are real, even if the setting is not. It is how I feel. It is how I get through the days.

PTSD symptoms are hidden within us and fight to come out when we loose our control over ourselves. We know they are there, just below the surface... waiting...

We are not going to go off the deep end and take up a rifle and murder a bunch of people. We are just...

Hurting.

Symptoms are often unseen by the people around us. 

Bad memories of the traumatic event can come back at any time. You may feel the same fear and horror you did when the event took place. You may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback. Sometimes there is a trigger: a sound or sight that causes you to relive the event. Sometimes there is no trigger at all. 

You may find it hard to express your feelings. This is another way to avoid memories.

You may be alert and on the lookout for danger. This is known as increased emotional arousal. It can cause you to:

• Suddenly become angry or irritable.
• Have a hard time sleeping.
• Have trouble concentrating.
• Fear for your safety and always feel on guard.
• Be very startled when someone surprises you.

Other symptoms also may include:

• Physical symptoms for no reason you can think of (called somatic complaints).
• Feelings of shame, despair, or hopelessness.
• Difficulty controlling your emotions.
• Problems with family or friends.
• Impulsive or self-destructive behavior.
• Changed beliefs or changed personality traits.

If you are suffering and need help you can Contact the VA or The Veterans Crisis Line.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1