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Could I have PTSD?
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kingbeau84 posted:
I am a US Marine Combat Engineer that recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. Things there weren't bad for the most part and I never really witnessed anything traumatic like some of my fellow brothers in arms. I was out in the middle of nowhere for an extended period of time constantly patrolling like 90% of deployed Marines do. I got back in a few months ago and went through the typical debriefing and what-not. I started having difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious, and somewhat nervous which I can believe is somewhat normal. But when I went home on post deployment leave I had a really freaking bad panic attack in the airport. I don't know if it was just overwhelming to me at the time because of all the people but it just hit. I had to find a corner in the airport away from everyone and sit and try to breathe slowly and talk to my wife on the cell to calm down. Basically what happens is it starts with a slight headache that gets worse until it's like a migraine, then I feel restless/anxious/alert (whatever you wanna call it), it feels like there's pressure on my chest, my heart beats really fast, it's hard to control my breathing. It doesn't happen extremely often but it worries me. Aside from the panic attacks if that's even what they are, I have difficulty sleeping, getting comfortable, I feel nervous sometimes for no reason. I have lost a lot of patience, I get annoyed easier than I did before. Little things get on my nerves now that never would've bothered me. I'm married to an amazing woman and have a wonderful 2 year old son and they are my world. They help out with the stressors to an extent but marriage always has it's times where it is a little stressful dealing with bills and the day to day. I guess one of the things is it's hard to find down time, the military is constantly working up and deploying. in addition things have been extremely tight financially and I found out that I'm leaving again very soon. I'm not suicidal or a danger to anyone, for those of you that had that floating around in the back of your mind, I'm actually a laid back guy that loves the life he has and loves the job he does. That's why this is odd for me. Anyone with suggestions or comments, please let me know what you think
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Could I have PTSD?I am a US Marine Combat Engineer that recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. Things there weren't bad for the most part and I never really witnessed anything traumatic like some of my fellow brothers in arms. I was out in the middle of nowhere for an extended period of time constantly patrolling like 90% of deployed Marines do. I got back in a few months ago and went through the typical debriefing and what-not. I started having difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious, and somewhat nervous which I can believe is somewhat normal. But when I went home on post deployment leave I had a really freaking bad panic attack in the airport. I don't know if it was just overwhelming to me at the time because of all the people but it just hit. I had to find a corner in the airport away from everyone and sit and try to breathe slowly and talk to my wife on the cell to calm down. Basically what happens is it starts with a slight headache that gets worse until it's like a migraine, then I feel restless/anxious/alert (whatever you wanna call it), it feels like there's pressure on my chest, my heart beats really fast, it's hard to control my breathing. It doesn't happen extremely often but it worries me. Aside from the panic attacks if that's even what they are, I have difficulty sleeping, getting comfortable, I feel nervous sometimes for no reason. I have lost a lot of patience, I get annoyed easier than I did before. Little things get on my nerves now that never would've bothered me. I'm married to an amazing woman and have a wonderful 2 year old son and they are my world. They help out with the stressors to an extent but marriage always has it's times where it is a little stressful dealing with bills and the day to day. I guess one of the things is it's hard to find down time, the military is constantly working up and deploying. in addition things have been extremely tight financially and I found out that I'm leaving again very soon. I'm not suicidal or a danger to anyone, for those of you that had that floating around in the back of your mind, I'm actually a laid back guy that loves the life he has and loves the job he does. That's why this is odd for me. Anyone with suggestions or comments, please let me know what you think
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Byroney_WebMD_Staff responded:
Welcome KingBeau84.

First of all, I want to thank you for your service to our country. I very much appreciate what you and other servicepeople have done.

Secondly, this community no longer has a health expert. I'd suggest copying this post and reposting it over on the Anxiety and Panic Community . Dr. Farrell is the health expert there, and she tries to answer everyone.

I would definitely suggest trying to arrange to see a doctor before you are deployed again.

Let us know how you're doing if you have a chance,

Byroney
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. ~Will Rogers
Report This| Share this:Could I have PTSD?Welcome KingBeau84.<br /> <br />First of all, I want to thank you for your service to our country. I very much appreciate what you and other servicepeople have done.<br /> <br />Secondly, this community no longer has a health expert. I'd suggest copying this post and reposting it over on the <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/anxiety-and-panic-disorders-exchange">Anxiety and Panic Community</a> . Dr. Farrell is the health expert there, and she tries to answer everyone.<br /> <br />I would definitely suggest trying to arrange to see a doctor before you are deployed again.<br /> <br />Let us know how you're doing if you have a chance,<br /> <br />Byroney
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