Old Git Ray wrote:I am an ex pongo and served in the Falklands and NI but only got PTSD after leaving the military and joining the police. I had an incident (long boring story) involving a shooting, a visit to hospital and a lot of TV cameras.
However what I wanted to say was that my PTSD manifested itself as me thinking I was bullet proof and acting like a complete animal at work (not a good thing for a copper). I would sort out fights etc on my own and got ridiculously exited when my colleagues were getting worried about impending violence and danger.
(Before anyone suggests it - I did not abuse anyone or get any complaints from the public - it did not effect my principles)
I was so bad that my mates were refusing to work with me. I was a ticking time bomb. Fortunately I was ordered to take 2 weeks off work, to cool off and the force doctor finally allowed back to work 9 months later. In the mean time I received counselling and was sent to Aikido classes to temper my anger.
It worked. I am now a retired and only slightly mad person.
I am also now the proud owner of a longer surname courtesy of Her Majesty. (thumbs)
So YES. IMHO, treatment does work and should be freely available especially to those that serve our country.
Pretty much my story as well, except the dreams at night as "poor old Simon" knows as he was stood outside my night one night at the first "HISS" I attended.
At work I would quite happy walk into the deepest shite pile because that's where I found I was alive and unbelieveably calm, a calmness I crave for all the time hence my very none threatening job as a masseur. I once had a very good career offer from the HA :whistle:
I know some of the jobs my mate did and I'm not surprised at all about his issues.
It would hurt recruiting if the true costs were known, but at least now a days there is more help available there was none when I left the club as once you were gone you no longer belonged.
Thanks again for the thoughts lads
cheers Spud
Life... it's not a dress rehearsal
You don't waste time... you waste yourself