Started Group
 

Not sure how I really feel about this, but I started group therapy at the PTSD clinic yesterday. Thought I would try to get some feedback from you guys who have already been there. Have tried this a few times before, but always got fed up and walked out after a few sessions.

Time has come for me to face a few demons. I have looked in the mirror a long time and come to the conclusion, that indeed I am the one with the problem and not the world.

For those of you who have met me, I again am the baby of the group...there is one WWII vet, two Korean vets, about 10 Vietnam vets and myself. Seemed to be a pretty good group that has been together for a few years.

The guys welcomed me into the group. Many times and places I have been, Desert vets are kind of looked down on. Lots of guys think we should not be considered veterans because our war was so short, not with this group. That made me feel good right away.

Anyway, what are the thoughts of you guys who have been or are currently attending group therapy.....is it worth while or is it a bull sessesion?

Trav

A war, is a war, is a war.... no matter how long it takes. You guys just did a better job
Bob K

Travis-

Glad to hear you've gotten in what sounds like might be a good group. About the time I got into the system, the VA discontinued the only group in these parts for "lack of funds",so I have yet to have contact with one. Hope you'll let me know what you think about them.

They changed me over to a shrink on the local Air Force base. Much more convenient but I have to admit that I had a few concerns about how post-9-11 Air Force security and psyco vets would interact. Took about a day making sure I'd removed all the firearms and ammo from Henry before my first visit. In the event the guys at the guard shack were quite helpful and told me where I could find the shrink before I even asked. Said they had been warned I was coming. Seemed to find the psyco vets tag...interesting. I was directed to a large brick building(air conditioned,with lab and X-ray) which the sign out front proclaimed as an aid station. I won't comment here on my initial contact with the shrink except to say that it was a learning experience for both of us.

Trav
good luck and remember you have all of us here to fall back on.
You are now in my prayers like you always are.
loveya
tina

Catman, the job the men and women did in Desert Storm was outstanding. The ture professionalism of our Armed Forces was shown during that war. General Stormin Norman said it best, "Our forces were just damn good" says it all. I have met some Deseret Storm Vets, and Iraqi Freedom Vets who have told that we had harder time in Vietnam then they did. I asked them why they felt that way, and they just said because of the type of warfare we had to fight. I let them know that there maybe different enviorments in combat, but combat is combat no matter where it takes place. I told them that I felt that Korea, and WWII vets had it worse then then us. But we all had the same fears, and concerns no matter the war. I told them all I know is I wanted to live, and that I didn't want to let my buddies down. Don't think that all vets feel the way some do because of the length of a war. I have been attending PTSD groups since 1989, and find them to be one of the best ways to help me with the issues I have and have had realted to PTSD.

Trav,

What Robert et al have said. I don't believe a real combat vet with any brains would make that statement, but then again, I heard it when I first got home..."....you guys didn't even fight an enemy. ......all you did was kill women and children.." and that shit was from "veterans". Anyway, I found that people that say that kinda shit were usually pogues anyway.

The Group: The group is what the leader and or if co leader basically want it to be. Sometimes BSing is good but if there is no theraputic rhyme or reason to it, it doesn't do much. Is this a Vet Center group? Hospital group? What kindof group is it? Open ended, closed ended? Does it seem to have a direction? Topics? Need more info before I can help you. Glad your doing something though, son.

Daddy Pack

Trav, your in my group. Thanks for helping me. :ae:

Guys and Lady!

Thanks so much for the good words, am going to give this one an honest try.


Pdiddy, I mean Packy, I mean Packo, I mean Paco, I mean Tom, oh hell you know who you are!

The Group is called the "Drop in group", held every Tuesday at the PTSR Clinic in Minneapolis. It is run and chaired by the VA and has a Dr Ann Wagner, Ph.D., LP as the chair person. Have never met her before last week, have seen her many times but never "officially" met with her.

Have only been to one meeting, seems to be run almost like an AA meeting. Start by going around the room and stating your name, branch of service, years served, and any problems you have encountered since the last meeting. After the first lap is made, the doc goes back to anyone who may be having troubles and the group discusses that. Closing is done in the same way, with each member stating whether or not they feel comfortable leaving with all that has been discussed.

AA/NA seems to have a big influence on this group. From what i have gathered, they all are a member of one or both groups.

After the "official" meeting finished, all the guys went to the cafeteria where the meeting continued for over an hour. They asked that i join them and told me they all meet at that certain table at noon every Tuesday for lunch, go to the meeting, than back to the table for coffee.

Like I said, tight group of guys, who welcomed me without batting an eye. Might just have found me a home!

Trav

Cool beans.

It sounds like the group deals in the "here and now" and theraputically, that's great. Some of these groups just talk about what happened in ..................(place war name there) and don't ground themselves in the today. Doesn't really matter what happened to you in your war, it how it is affecting you today and that's what you need to work on. You would probably do good in NA or AA but hey, when you got Psyco Mtn group....you don't need those other two! :)

Advice: Keep going as long as your getting something out of it but be careful of it being what I call a "victims" group where everyone sits around and whines what victims they are of their war. Someone once told me, ".......you get to be a victim for the first day. After that you better become a survivor!" Enjoy it!

Pack

Tom...thanks for the advice. AA and NA are not for me. Smoked for about a month in high school and never got anything out of it. Never used anything else. VA did all their tests for alcohol on me and all returned negative. (Test means questions and counseling) Don't want help with things I don't have a problem with.

Value your opinion much. Come on up, we had 67 for a high today!

Trav

John...could not begin to list all the ways you have helped me over the years! The door is always open brother!

Trav

Trav :

Good for you !! I am here if you need to talk.

Larry

Trav
 

While I was working had occasion to investigate no less than 25 suicides, specifically suicides of veterans. Each of those men fit the same profile. They all did an impersonation of Gary Cooper - strong silent type, never talked about whichever war it was that they attended. The brain can be like a pressure cooker, we all need a release.

If you ever thought you might benefit from one on one or group, then there?s no doubt you will benefit. Personally, I?ve never gone to group but never went to the VA hospital without seeing someone I?ve met "professionally".

Trav, like Paco said when we first got home we got ragged on in a most nasty fashion by WWII and Korea vets. It?s just being the FNG all over again. Plus, most of the people doing the ragging were not necessarily, ?active participants? in their war.

Bottom line, you have a fractured bone you go to a doctor to fix it. You have stressors you see another kind of specialist. And, you have my phone number.

Stay healthy in all ways,
Andy

Bob - there is some truth in the words stating your hell is on earth. In war or out of war there are many terrible things that many have seen that make you sit up at night sometimes in a cold sweat. I've had this happen just the other day. Woke up yelling and my wife went nuts saying you gotta get this under control or sleep outside.

It just pops in every now and then and I can't sleep no more that night cause I don't want and reruns. Talking about it doesn't help in all cases. Changing the subject thinking about family or other things or just staying busy doesn't allow these issues to take hold.

I also move away from those who reflect on issues relating to such memories only because it triggers a reaction of which I can't control.

Catman.....glad you decided to try again...Just remember one thing......YOU will not find a cure for PTSD ..However, you will be provided with the tools required to live a quasi-normal life in your everyday activities.....Don't dissapoint yourself....using these tools will be hard for you but well worth it......Thank You for Your Service Brother

Cal

Good Luck Trav
 

I have been in several different types of groups in my day for different reasons and I got something from all of them.
Yogi Berra said: You can learn a lot by watching. To which I might add also: listening. Its my experience that you get about as much out as you put in.
I was in a Vet Center group for about a year. There was 6 of us. It was intersting to see others who had some of the same problems I do and how they wer handling it. Found out I wasn't doing so bad--I had a job, watch, good clothes, a car. Like they say about AA/NA: the trick is its all done with mirrors. (they used to say smoke and mirrors but can't smoke in AA any more)
A group can be great for getting other peoples opinion of oneself in a n0o threatening way--this can be invaluable. Ask others when you get to know them: What was you first impression of me when we met? The answer to that can be very very valuable.
I find the group here to be very therapeutic, Ive gone over my war experience more here than any other place.
Good Luck, dude, stay good
James

In the beginning I too had trouble with groups. They were forcing me to face issues I was not willing to face. Eventually it paid off though. Was able to dump a lot of the sh*t I was carrying.

Catman,

A war is a war no matter how big or small and the effect is permanent and not imagined. Glad you are in a group that has some experience and time. They will be a valuable and positive influence and help.

Be Well,

Doc Urb

exlrrp

James , what is the LRPs' name here in AR you told me about? I have slept since then and can't find my notes.

Cal

Again...thanks to you all for the words of encouragement. Am still attending and find myself looking forward to it.

Trav