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I retired from 30 yrs on a city f.d. ouside of Denver, Co. I also treated PTSD as a therapist in a VA medical Center. I also sufer from PTSD. It began at home when my father came home from Korea w/ significant PTSD. One can experience "vicarious traumatization" from living with one who has symptoms. PTSD can be a learned response and continue after the military.
Be careful b/c your experience with a with military the and FD can exacerbate your PTSD symptoms. I still have startled response, nightmares, depression and intrusive images anger issues, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences,
Larry
Twenty one years in the military here. Retired dual service Navy/Army. My PTSD as far as I know had nothing to do with my military time though. The fifteen years as a firefighter though, is another story. I believe the MVA fatalities involving kids is what pushed me over the edge. Went for counseling with a big city department, and was immensely dissapointed with that Doctor. Ended up talking to a drug rehab counselor that was a Nam vet. Very positive outcome with him. Now, we counsel eachother whenever one of us needs to talk. Get some help! It took me along time to realize it was not a sign of weakness to admit I had a problem. That was the hardest step to take. There are many places out there that can help. The internet is a great place to find one. Fortunately my insurance company covers this sort of thing. If you have a department Chaplin, he should be able to suggest where to go for help also.
My e-mail is texas_hippie@yahoo.com for anyone that wants to connect offline.
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