Friend or Psychiatrist?

Friend or Psychiatrist?​

It depends on your "secret". You are going to drop a lot of responsibility on a friend. If it's criminal, that could involve the friend with all kinds of legalities. And what is the friend supposed to do? Be involved with a solution, or just listen. While it's human to want to tell secrets, can your friend handle your "secret". Your friend may not feel comfortable being involved with your life. Again, it all depends on your "secret". Since you say that you are in "pain", I doubt a friend could have the skills to help you.
 

Been There said:
Pecos:

I agree with using Walter Reed and Bethesda, (I have been there) however, every psychologist that I have sat down with seems to have the same things to tell me. It's like what they are saying is coming from a text book and it's a one size fits all issue, but it's not. People who have been in combat suffer different types of emotions and therefore; have different types of responses.

Something as simple as seeing a child playing with a toy soldier or plane can trigger an emotion. I know how it must sound, but that's the truth. I could tell you things that I have done at times that would make you believe that I should be in a mental ward somewhere far from the "normal" people.

These attacks can come on at anytime, but normally something usually triggers my response and that is where the problem lies. When I would go to a psychiatrist, I would tell them that I will not take any drugs. Drugs will not cure my issues. I don't know what will, but it's not drugs. It's not a disease that a pill will cure. I get it. Some drugs will relax me, but even so, being relaxed does not sometimes prevent my acting out.

I will leave it at that.
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I can easily understand your reservations about getting the help you need from Walter Reed or Bethesda. You don't get to pick your doctor at a military facility, you are assigned to whoever is available and it is the "luck of the draw." They also rotated Doctors in and out of there so fast that they never really got to know me and my medical history. I was "booted" out of Eisenhower Hospital at Ft Gordon when I turned 65 and what I discovered was that the combination of Medicare and Tricare was a much better deal and enabled me to choose doctors myself.

I suspect that you may have much better in the civilian world even if you have to pay for treatment yourself. It is a shame that vets are not adequately supported when they have to deal PTSD. I have never used the VA for anything, but my understanding is that they are overwhelmed, and appointments are difficult to get.

Don't give up, get the help you need.
 
fuzzybuddy said:

Friend or Psychiatrist?​

It depends on your "secret". You are going to drop a lot of responsibility on a friend. If it's criminal, that could involve the friend with all kinds of legalities. And what is the friend supposed to do? Be involved with a solution, or just listen. While it's human to want to tell secrets, can your friend handle your "secret". Your friend may not feel comfortable being involved with your life. Again, it all depends on your "secret". Since you say that you are in "pain", I doubt a friend could have the skills to help you.
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If you've done something illegal, you might be of out of luck. Professionals are obligated to report you. Friends might not feel comfortable.

Even Anonymous groups might not keep your secret. I've heard people share drunk driving stories and such, and everyone just laughs. But if you admit to certain acts of a sexual nature, some listeners will report you.
 

NorthernLight said:
If you've done something illegal, you might be of out of luck. Professionals are obligated to report you. Friends might not feel comfortable.

Even Anonymous groups might not keep your secret. I've heard people share drunk driving stories and such, and everyone just laughs. But if you admit to certain acts of a ****** nature, some listeners will report you.
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I have read a lot of his posts and am certain that what he is dealing with is combat related PTSD. Let’s not let this thread morph into something else.
 
Been There said:
If you had a very serious issue (to you it is) that has been haunting you for years and finally have decided to tell someone in hopes that it may finally stop the pain and give you some relief, would you rather talk to your closest friend and trust that they keep it to themselves or would you prefer to discuss it with someone in the Psychiatric community? (Exclude a priest, rabbi or pastor)
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probably a professional counselor priest minister grief counselor they have heard it all before and much much worse....they do not really care ...forget it as soon as you walk out ...I know this from attending thousands of aa meetings........many were priests counselors and grief counselors..... pay em ..get it off your chest move on water under the bridge get out of the past and stay in the present and near future ...takes a while but it can be done....I have done it. easy as you make
 
Pecos said:
I have read a lot of his posts and am certain that what he is dealing with is combat related PTSD. Let’s not let this thread morph into something else.
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If that's the case, he should find professional assistance.. AND make absolutely sure the mental health professional has knowledge and experience with PTSD.
 

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