PTSD Psychotherapy

[DysfunctionalVet]

I can tell you firsthand they won't take your guns away if you seek treatment. I've mentioned a few experiences I've had that could have had them taken away but you will only get reported if at the time you are speaking to them you have a plan and the intent to harm yourself or a specific person. That's just the way the law is written out. TBH, you could tell someone you feel like killing people but don't have a plan or intent at the moment and you are good to go. Although I see that as a flaw in the law my example won't get you reported. Should it?? Not my call.

[Calico1404]

Fine line OP **

Criminal threats is the crime of putting someone in fear. California Penal Code 422 PC defines the crime of "criminal threats" (formerly known as terrorist threats). you communicate the threat verbally, in writing, or via an electronically transmitted device.


I know a few examples of people simply saying, "I am going to kick someones ***" and it has led to a prompt dispatched call.

[j-shot]

The other side of the coin is they do nothing. OP if you are being offered help take it. Also, thank you for your service.

I was put through an evaluation which culminated in me being told I'm fine.

I expressed that I had better things to do than be put through the VA grinder and that I am seeking help for a reason.

"nope, you're fine."

Well then, problem solved

VA offers tons of different types of treatment....

1) Group setting
2) One on One meeting
3) PTSD Dog treatment program
4) medication and non medication program
5) VA will send you to Kansas City for 3 months program as well so they will give you temp.... 100% rating while you are there...
6) If you are special force member or combat field MOS with certain medals.. they will put you through special combat intake PTSD treatment

[DysfunctionalVet]

Fine line OP **

Criminal threats is the crime of putting someone in fear. California Penal Code 422 PC defines the crime of "criminal threats" (formerly known as terrorist threats). you communicate the threat verbally, in writing, or via an electronically transmitted device.


I know a few examples of people simply saying, "I am going to kick someones ***" and it has led to a prompt dispatched call.

The words "going to" shows intent. The words "I feel like" don't show the intent. It's a word game and in very familiar with it.

[BoJackUSMC]

You can seek much help from VA, but just try not to say these 3 magic thingi...

1) feel like hurting myself
2) feel like hurting someone else
3) I cant manage myself anymore

[deadcoyote]

Vet Center does that I believe. Still, if you are trying to become LEO or so... they could get hold of those information since most agency will make you sign weaver form that let's them get your military records.

Not a veteran but have a contribution. It's been my experience that as the years have ticked by agencies have become a lot more understanding about hiring guys who have sought PTSD treatment after deployments.

In the early 2000's it was a bit of a flag but so many cops are also in the guard. As those guys deployed and came back many needed treatment upon their return. It puts a human face on the situation when it's not just an applicant anymore, but a guy you know to be a squared away good cop who needs the treatment. Also, many of us have seen the majority of those folks get help and return to full productive duty again. There have been a few guys I've seen not be able to pull out of it, but typically those were guys who refused multiple interventions and refused to get any kind of help. The booze just takes over, bad decisions compound... don't let yourself get there.

[BoJackUSMC]

It's hard... country asked us to do violent things without turning into a monster... it can get tough after coming back.

[G8r]

New here

Guys, new here and joined because I was seeking information on CA guns laws, but loved seeing this thread. Being an active member and Afghan vet I've got my demons and good to see people talking about it. I've seeked medical assistance and it appeared PTSD was a four letter word. Seemed the staff didn't want to even breach the subject. Was prescribed medication and didn't like who I was on it, nor did my family. Currently in a bit of a rut and drinking too much, but feel like I'm making my way out. Many of you said the group thing wasn't for you and I feel the same way. The one thing I have found to be therapeutic is sharing with someone I trust who has been through similar experiences. Conversations have their highs and lows, but usually ends in laughter about that dumbass in your group or something stupid that happened. Keep up the discussion and lets help each other out. -G8r-

[j-shot]

Guys, new here and joined because I was seeking information on CA guns laws, but loved seeing this thread. Being an active member and Afghan vet I've got my demons and good to see people talking about it. I've seeked medical assistance and it appeared PTSD was a four letter word. Seemed the staff didn't want to even breach the subject. Was prescribed medication and didn't like who I was on it, nor did my family. Currently in a bit of a rut and drinking too much, but feel like I'm making my way out. Many of you said the group thing wasn't for you and I feel the same way. The one thing I have found to be therapeutic is sharing with someone I trust who has been through similar experiences. Conversations have their highs and lows, but usually ends in laughter about that dumbass in your group or something stupid that happened. Keep up the discussion and lets help each other out. -G8r-

Yeah, the .gov doesn't like dealing with it. Keep pushing.

In regards to "drinking too much", watch how you what they call "self medicate". There is a fine line there. Tread lightly. Most of us have been there.

Keep on laughing! It's great medicine for many aliments.

Thank you for your service!

[ducky_0811]

So much awesome in here. Great to see vets come together and help each other.

My journey to wellness started with me at rock bottom inside a bottle. I was about to lose my wife and on the verge of my command tossing me out of the Corps. I came to my senses and sought treatment. The first naval doctor I was assigned was... middle eastern. Not the greatest of choices for a a OIF vet. No disrespect to the doctor but we gotta be real... talking to a different doctor one on one I found it too easy to just lie and make everything seem ok (what I had been doing for 2 years). The first thing that really made a big help was to STOP DRINKING. I didn't have a drink for over 6 months. That gave me clarity. Talking with my close friends about my problems, their problems, really helped. Knowing I wasn't in the fight alone, that my closest friends were in it with me, gave me a lot of confidence.

I also got my butt outdoors, as many have said. I kept my mind busy tinkering and making things. I picked up carpentry as a hobby. Then gunsmithing and reloading, I went head first into hunting and fishing, my childhood pleasures.

The biggest advice I could give someone from my experience would be to not hide it. Don't lie to others about it and don't lie to yourself about it. It won't ever go away. Find your closest friends who will support you without judging, close family that is there to see you through the end. You will have to make changes in your life, accept that. But also accept you can beat it and be the guy (gal) you've always been. GOOD LUCK!!

[BoJackUSMC]

Best advice... seek treatment before it gets worse...

[wpage]

There is good help out there. If you need it go for it. Good folks want to help. Lots of good advice here. Use it and feel better...

[Sunday]

Be care what you receive . It may ruin your life.

[chuckT53]

Get your treatment, if you feel you need it. Get before someone tells you. Remember that the HIPAA Act give you protection on your health records. No should be able to see them without your knowledge

[stphnman20]

Can being treated for PTSD be used to take away gun rights? My son-in-law refuses to seek treatment that we feel would help him adjust. He was a Marine infantrymen in Iraq and recently returned from Afghanistan. He loves to hunt and is terrified he will lose his 2A rights if he gets treated.

This is one of the main reasons why i'm afraid to go to the VA for PTSD.

It's been almost 12years since my last deployment to Iraq (2004). I've been coping with it by just keeping busy. Working out, going to school, Mtn Biking, etc. But having nightmares almost once, twice a week is really getting to me. I don't know, i may go eventually.