Combat PTSD

SherryD · Apr 23, 2020

Do any of you know about Combat PTSD from Viet Nam? Some say that it was so bad they left or lost their souls there. I often wonder if they could have been so dead inside that a demon could have entered them. They stay in survival mode a lot. Can any of you relate to someone like this?

blue_ladybug · Apr 23, 2020

I'm pretty sure that if I saw my comrades getting shot, blown up, etc etc.. that I'd feel dead and numb inside too. Those soldiers can't forget what they saw, heard and experienced while at war..I can't even imagine the horrors that they go through.

SherryD · Apr 23, 2020

blue_ladybug said:

Sadly most of them stay in a state of survival, guilt, flashbacks n nightmares. My X who divorced me, is In that place now. I will always love him n would have stood by him no matter what but he chose to be free. I pray for him n that’s all I can do.....will always care for him. He was a Corpsman.
Only the Lord can heal him. My love couldn’t.

Solemateleft · Apr 23, 2020

SherryD said:

Greetings SherryD & welcome to cc... I think that you will like it here.
Lots of amazingly honest, and gracious, sometimes outspoken and opinionated - but always loving, caring and giving of advice for those who are seeking prayer, friendship, support or just a break from their daily routine...

I happen to be a retired Marine and while I have been blessed to not have been exposed to the level of trauma that leads to PTSD - I do have first hand appreciation for the impact that it can have upon the human psyche. While I can not speak to the demonic premise that you wonder about, I can attest to the sense of survival that is triggered during such an extreme atmosphere/experience.
While I am not a PhD in this field I am well read in the study of human behavior and have a keen eye and empathy for those who have suffered such extreme trauma; which triggers a fight or flight response. Unfortunately, as everyone's brain is wired differently, and everyone's experience is unique - these triggers can be more extreme with more extreme consequences for different people.

Around 78% of people exposed to combat do not develop PTSD; in about 25% of military personnel who develop PTSD, its appearance is delayed.

Anything that reminds them of what happened right before or during a trauma is a potential trigger. They’re usually tied to your senses. You may see, feel, smell, touch, or taste something that brings on your symptoms. While triggers themselves are usually harmless, they cause your body to react as if you’re in danger.

There are numerous Therapeutic approaches and opportunities and extensive research in this field. Some research infer the severity of PTSD is proportionate to the size of the brains hippocampus. For example, the greater the trauma and smaller the hippocampus the more severe the PTSD and vs versa.

My prayers are with you and your former spouse. Praying that he is getting the therapy that he needs and deserves.

God Bless

SherryD · Apr 23, 2020

Solemateleft said:

Greetings SherryD & welcome to cc... I think that you will like it here.
Lots of amazingly honest, and gracious, sometimes outspoken and opinionated - but always loving, caring and giving of advice for those who are seeking prayer, friendship, support or just a break from their daily routine...

I happen to be a retired Marine and while I have been blessed to not have been exposed to the level of trauma that leads to PTSD - I do have first hand appreciation for the impact that it can have upon the human psyche. While I can not speak to the demonic premise that you wonder about, I can attest to the sense of survival that is triggered during such an extreme atmosphere/experience.
While I am not a PhD in this field I am well read in the study of human behavior and have a keen eye and empathy for those who have suffered such extreme trauma; which triggers a fight or flight response. Unfortunately, as everyone's brain is wired differently, and everyone's experience is unique - these triggers can be more extreme with more extreme consequences for different people.

Around 78% of people exposed to combat do not develop PTSD; in about 25% of military personnel who develop PTSD, its appearance is delayed.

Anything that reminds them of what happened right before or during a trauma is a potential trigger. They’re usually tied to your senses. You may see, feel, smell, touch, or taste something that brings on your symptoms. While triggers themselves are usually harmless, they cause your body to react as if you’re in danger.

There are numerous Therapeutic approaches and opportunities and extensive research in this field. Some research infer the severity of PTSD is proportionate to the size of the brains hippocampus. For example, the greater the trauma and smaller the hippocampus the more severe the PTSD and vs versa.

My prayers are with you and your former spouse. Praying that he is getting the therapy that he needs and deserves.

God Bless

God Bless you n ty

Roughsoul1991 · Apr 24, 2020

Solemateleft said:

The brain can be extremely powerful but also fragile. I never had a traumatic situation by others comparison but at the time my mind thought I was dying. The whole day turned into a crap show. Losing function of my body, black outs, nausea, paleness, ambulance ride, and all to be told. I was physically healthy. That was my first panic attack. All escalated and created within the mind for a typical harmless situation.

The panic of that day replayed over and over with any situation that brought on such feelings. It imprisoned me and I isolated myself from anything that would possibly bring it back. I thought I was going crazy.

All of that over something that wasn't even from a normal perspective something to panic over. But the mind with its defensive measures of fight or flight was being suppressed due to the threat logically didn't need to be fought but also logically to run would look crazy.

To suppress such powerful defense measures leads to I guess a chemical overload. And my brain had downloaded that response to protect me from future situations. Unfortunately anything that caused the same feelings or close scenarios would trigger the panic.

It isnt the same as a traumatic event but it definitely has made me sympathetic to those who struggle with mental illness or mental health.

faith_in_him · Apr 24, 2020

SherryD said:

I have a disorder that in many ways mimics PTSD symptoms. It is rough, but there are three things that you can and should be doing. One is praying for him, two is loving him and three make sure you tell him that you are always there if he needs anything. Trust me these three things speak volumes.

Susanna · Apr 24, 2020

PTSD can occur when you’re experiencing extreme situations where you’re not able to do anything about it yourself. If you manage to solve the situation yourself you will be less likely to experience PTSD.

But also long stretches of extreme conditions can affect your brain and be causing PTSD even though you’re not experiencing that ONE BIG situation.

I have experienced PTSD, and it’s not a fun thing. It can make you do things like not turning the lights off when you sleep, keeping a gun under your pillow, nightmares, anxiety attacks, you can be thinking that everyone knows about your condition, and then you don’t go out...at all. I didn’t tell anyone about it and just sweated it out, and went about with my daily work and chores. I don’t recommend that solution for anyone.

SherryD · Apr 24, 2020

Roughsoul1991 said:

The brain can be extremely powerful but also fragile. I never had a traumatic situation by others comparison but at the time my mind thought I was dying. The whole day turned into a crap show. Losing function of my body, black outs, nausea, paleness, ambulance ride, and all to be told. I was physically healthy. That was my first panic attack. All escalated and created within the mind for a typical harmless situation.

The panic of that day replayed over and over with any situation that brought on such feelings. It imprisoned me and I isolated myself from anything that would possibly bring it back. I thought I was going crazy.

All of that over something that wasn't even from a normal perspective something to panic over. But the mind with its defensive measures of fight or flight was being suppressed due to the threat logically didn't need to be fought but also logically to run would look crazy.

To suppress such powerful defense measures leads to I guess a chemical overload. And my brain had downloaded that response to protect me from future situations. Unfortunately anything that caused the same feelings or close scenarios would trigger the panic.

It isnt the same as a traumatic event but it definitely has made me sympathetic to those who struggle with mental illness or mental health.

Ty but I have tried to cut all ties with him. To stay in contact just hurt mr too much. i pray I did not do wrong.

Roughsoul1991 · Apr 24, 2020

SherryD said:

You had to do what you had to do. Mental illnesses can completely change the people we fell in love and sometimes completely break a individual leaving a shell of a human or suicide. It is very sad. It is terrible what our soldiers went through in Vietnam and when returning home. I love American history but it also has it's scars.

faith_in_him · Apr 24, 2020

Susanna said:

Might i add this is not a temporary disease this is permanent. In my experience I get to the point where I can't process anything and either I explode verbally (I never get physical) or I go be myself for a while. I too never really mention this to people because i feel like people will either judge me and say because I wasn't in the military I couldn't have it, but really any significant change in life could do this and it makes me feel like no one could understand and maybe they would be better off without me (Now I am not talking about suicide here but I know that some have those thoughts). I have a gut feeling her ex husband loves her to death, but feels inadequate compared to what other men could provide her and thats why he asked for a divorce knowing she could find someone better.

Billyd · Apr 24, 2020

SherryD said:

I don't believe that it's a demon. When you see a village there one minute and gone the next, it leaves an imprint on your brain that it is impossible to erase. There are many programs available that help you work through the problems with these things, but many Vietnam vets bury the realities of their experiences and don't seek them out. Encourage any vet that you know to contact the VA clinic closest to them for programs in their area.

southie · Apr 25, 2020

Solemateleft said:

Greetings SherryD & welcome to cc... I think that you will like it here.
Lots of amazingly honest, and gracious, sometimes outspoken and opinionated - but always loving, caring and giving of advice for those who are seeking prayer, friendship, support or just a break from their daily routine...

I happen to be a retired Marine and while I have been blessed to not have been exposed to the level of trauma that leads to PTSD - I do have first hand appreciation for the impact that it can have upon the human psyche. While I can not speak to the demonic premise that you wonder about, I can attest to the sense of survival that is triggered during such an extreme atmosphere/experience.
While I am not a PhD in this field I am well read in the study of human behavior and have a keen eye and empathy for those who have suffered such extreme trauma; which triggers a fight or flight response. Unfortunately, as everyone's brain is wired differently, and everyone's experience is unique - these triggers can be more extreme with more extreme consequences for different people.

Around 78% of people exposed to combat do not develop PTSD; in about 25% of military personnel who develop PTSD, its appearance is delayed.

Anything that reminds them of what happened right before or during a trauma is a potential trigger. They’re usually tied to your senses. You may see, feel, smell, touch, or taste something that brings on your symptoms. While triggers themselves are usually harmless, they cause your body to react as if you’re in danger.

There are numerous Therapeutic approaches and opportunities and extensive research in this field. Some research infer the severity of PTSD is proportionate to the size of the brains hippocampus. For example, the greater the trauma and smaller the hippocampus the more severe the PTSD and vs versa.

My prayers are with you and your former spouse. Praying that he is getting the therapy that he needs and deserves.

God Bless

I served in vietnam 67-68 and I am rated 100% disabled PTSD many many issues here where I was lucky and was most likely saved from a locked cell were my Love of God, family and country, My retired Marine friend is right when he uses the phrase potential triggers these "triggers" are the most distressing because you never know when they will be pulled. Pax Southie

Billyd · Apr 25, 2020

southie said:

Knowing the triggers, and how to avoid them helps much. I don't know why, but the phrase "thank you for your service" when directed to me, will trigger flash backs.

KhedetOrthos · Apr 25, 2020

SherryD said:

I’m retired Army, but my MOS never put me in combat, so while I haven’t experienced it directly, I’ve spoken to soldiers who suffer from it. I don’t think it is the product of demon possession. I will say this, though...I’m young enough not to have much experience with World War 2 veterans, but it seems to me that PTSD is more common in Vietnam era and WOT era veterans.

Vietnam and the WOT conflicts were the first ones in American history where the mainstream media allied itself with our enemies. In the Vietnam era, the political left treated returning soldiers very poorly on an individual basis. In the WOT, they were a bit more circumspect, but still doing things like bringing prosecutions against individuals for fake war crimes and in general speaking well of Muslims.

My personal opinion is that PTSD is simply not just an example of a personal reaction to what is experienced in combat - although that is a significant portion of it. The intersection of that with a culture that makes you doubt the righteousness of the cause you fight for, however, is a significant component.

SherryD · Apr 25, 2020

Billyd said:

I think my X was there then. A Marine Corpsman. Knowing very little about PTSD but reading everything I could, I just made it worse on him. I believe in discussing how we feel.....he saw that as intruding or something. So our communication was not the best. He did not like questions n would shut down. I made many mistakes with him. It wasn’t just him. It never is it seems .... there’s always his side. I think he’s happier alone but don’t know that. He loved being in the woods alone with nature. God bless

SherryD · Apr 25, 2020

Billyd said:

I think my X was there then. A Marine Corpsman. Knowing very little about PTSD but reading everything I could, I just made it worse on him. I believe in discussing how we feel.....he saw that as intruding or something. So our communication was not the best. He did not like questions n would shut down. I made many mistakes with him. It wasn’t just him. It never is it seems .... there’s always his side. I think he’s happier alone but don’t know that. He loved being in the woods alone with nature. God bless

Billyd · Apr 25, 2020

SherryD said:

Sherry, It's not uncommon for vets to like to be alone. As long as he is not self destructive, and not resorting to drugs and alcohol, being alone with nature can be part of a treatment plan.

My brother-in-law and his friends lease several hundred acres to hunt on. They take vets suffering from PTSD and other combat related injuries on hunting trips. Off season they take them on wildlife management work trips. They work with a couple of local veterans organizations.

SherryD · Apr 25, 2020

Billyd said:

He joined a hunting camp so that’s good. I understand the alone thing for him. Being married 44 yrs n losing my hubby to a brain tumor n then starting over n losing him is like 2 deaths....but still in all I wish him the best. He accepted Christ while we were together. Maybe that was the reason I was in his life for awhile. I will always care for him but I’m trying to move on n it’s not easy. We both loved birds n love to watch them outside. We both loved Knees in the Wind n so many other things. We both loved the fur babies but he didn’t want them n gave them to me. I know God has His reasons for everything still it hurts.

Billyd · Apr 25, 2020

SherryD said:

He joined a hunting camp so that’s good. I understand the alone thing for him. Being married 44 yrs n losing my hubby to a brain tumor n then starting over n losing him is like 2 deaths....but still in all I wish him the best. He accepted Christ while we were together. Maybe that was the reason I was in his life for awhile. I will always care for him but I’m trying to move on n it’s not easy. We both loved birds n love to watch them outside. We both loved Knees in the Wind n so many other things. We both loved the fur babies but he didn’t want them n gave them to me. I know God has His reasons for everything still it hurts.

Maybe someone has a group for spouses and families of people with PTSD. I know there is a great need there. We'll keep both of you in our prayers.

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