Page 909 - Total War on PTSD

I spent a career taking care of everyone around me, and not myself, both physically and mentally. If you have experienced any type of trauma, be it combat, sexual assault, or even personal trauma, you owe it to yourself to seek help. Most people, like I did, will say, “I don't need it. I'm okay.” I challenge you not to ask yourself how well you are dealing with it, but ask those around you. Ask your spouse, friends, co-workers, people that see you regularly...“Do I seem different from before?” “Has my attitude or my moods seemed to change since....” “Do I seem angry, short-tempered or moody as compared to...?” Chances are that if you are telling yourself that there are changes, especially if it's affecting you or others in a negative way the LISTEN TO THEM. Those who experience the trauma are usually the last to notice the signs and symptoms. It doesn't have to be formal counseling, but I urge my fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms to at least find a friend, a confidant, someone that they can talk to about it. As hard as that may be, it really can help, especially before it gets out of control. Most people I have coached to go to therapy have ended up being thankful. I know I would be worse off than I am now without it.
I have been evaluated for, and diagnosed with PTSD from multiple traumas, anxiety, and Major Depressive Disorder. I also deal with insomnia, severe migraines, and cervical/lumbar/sciatica vertebrae/nerve injuries. I have a spinal cord stimulator implant, have had around 15 surgeries/ procedures on my back/leg/ankles, have right shoulder and right hip injuries, was 80% medically retired from the Active Duty side and am a 100% disabled Veteran. I was referred to counseling, which I agreed with, even though talking to others was not my 'thing' at the time. I went through several therapists until I found one that was right for me; one I felt was there to help me and was not just 'checking the block'. I never stayed with someone that I didn't like, and this was
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