Page 811 - Total War on PTSD

hometown that I grew up in. Plus, it was nice to have my own transportation while I was there. I think there were around 15 women at the most...the core group of us...three or four...still stay in touch today.
I was so surprised how many women had their military time cut short due to MST. I have been diagnosed with PTSD since 1995. I was doing work-study for a VA representative who worked for the VA, he was from Puerto Rico, he would always call me "my Brenda". Well, one day I was sitting at my desk and he came up to me and said, "Here you go my Brenda" and kind of tossed this pamphlet on my desk and then ran off. The pamphlet said 'Women Who Were Sexually Assaulted in the Military', and I was like oh my god...that's me! I ended up eventually calling the number on the pamphlet and they started me up on services. It was like two hours away...but they were really good to me. PTSD was diagnosed like one year and one month after I got out but took the VA forever to recognize it.
I could not process what happened to me related to the MST issues and having to end my time in the military so soon. I used the alcohol to emotionally numb myself and so I could fall asleep. Thankfully I have realized it is a poor attempt at a coping mechanism and I have been sober for seven years now.
I have done outpatient treatment for PTSD over the years. I am currently in treatment but not working has been the best thing for me. I miss the amount of money I made but the work took a toll on me. It's hard to "make friends" with my PTSD because, just when you think you get to know what is going on, it seems to blindside you in what feels like out of nowhere. My PTSD makes me keep to myself and increases my depression.
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