Question about a guy who was in the military?

yes, all he has been seing is dying, and hate. maybe when he sees life, and love, it will all change

he just needs something to live for

ArmyMedVet

I have PTSD. If he was prescribed medication then he should take it....if he wasnt then its not that bad. Either way you should be more patient and understanding with him. If he opens up to you about things that happened while he was deployed just listen. Don't EVER put him down because of his problem though. He must be a great guy if he served his country AND deployed twice. Give him a chance but go slow.

If he has PTSD hopefully he is getting counseling. There are always the horror stories, but honestly those are rare if they are getting the help. It's the ones who refuse to get any help that I worry about. For their personal well being as well as those around them. Some people are just freaked out by loud noises when they come back, others have it way worse. Sit down and talk with him about exactly what it is that distresses him and ask how you can help. Please do not dismiss him just because he was honest and upfront with you.

Brian

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has a handful of symptoms which include recurring nightmares or flashbacks after experiencing a traumatic event, persistant avoidance of the trauma or objects related to the trauma, and persistant arousal (trouble sleeping).

Those who suffer from PTSD don't show any violent symptoms or any increased tendency to violence. If he takes a regular SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) he'll show far less symptoms and appear nearly normal.

There's no reason to avoid associating with someone who suffers from PTSD nor is there any reason to not have an intimate relationship. In fact, a relationship, specifically new ones, are shown to significantly reduce nightmares, flashbacks, and sleep trouble.

George K

I can see why people don't want you to get involved, but since I'm joining the Marine Corps, and unfortunately it's a possibility that this will happen to me (or worse), I can kind of see it from his shoes, I'd say give him a fair chance , but don't pity date him.

After all, he is a United States Marine!

Semper Fi, future USMC Wife (hopefully)!

Proud_Army_Wife

You know, this is a difficult one. It all depends on how bad his PTSD is. Different people have different severities of PTSD.

Either way, I say give him a chance. I agree with 'G' on this one. He needs to see what life is all about and find love. Maybe once he sees that life IS worth living and that love can be found... then maybe, just maybe, he will change. It just takes patience. If you are into him, I'd say go for it. If it doesn't work out, at least you tried.

You don't want to look back years down the road and say 'What if???'

zengunner8

"I shouldn't get involved with him because he's messed up in the head from serving in Iraq for 2 years" ....unless his outward behavior is psychotic and abnormal this is the most ignorant and thoughtless statement ever. The simple fact that he admits his PTSD and talks about it shows that he is DEALING with his issues. Most symptoms of PTSD go away with some time. For instance you say he "had" nightmares, not "has". All soldiers who do patrols and combat missions come home with a little bit of PTSD that goes away after a few weeks. For most, like me, that means you feel "on edge" about being in traffic and around crowds of people.

Bottom line....he's open about it, he's dealing with it, give him a chance. Having someone to care about will only help him out even more!

MrsMurray<3

This usually do mess peoples heads up.. but i know they offer the guys therapy when theyre back, did he not get that?

I think you should give this guy a chance, and see how it goes.. get to know him.. =)

wittynbear

If you really like him go for it. PTSD don't mean he is going to just start randomly killing people. It just means he is human. He has seen things that people were not meant to see. There is help available for PTSD at the local vet center, there is counseling, medications, and support groups. I don't do any of the above and I manage just fine. Its not as bad as most people think, its an occasional nightmare, occasionally a smell or a sound will bring back memories that you don't want to think about. If you like this guy go for it, PTSD is not really a problem.

MASTERGRUNT

Go for it.. I have PTSD, but I don' take meds.. mine is not that bad, but i still don't sleep well., and for some reason get real emotional easily so if he can cope give em a chance.

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