Help for a Iraq vet with PTSD?

[quadriga]

East Coast. Anybody got any advice? Says he is going to go to VA but is reluctant for fear that that they won't help. He went in when he was 20 and it's now 5 years later and he is essentially still a 20 year old. Figuring out that he doesn't have any skills that the Army promised him and that the world is an entirely different place. Has nightmares and headaches. IED went off real near him. His mother is afraid that he is going to pull an "Into the Wild" and disappear off the map. She is very worried about him. I told her I thought DU might be able to help.

[tabasco]

1. Tell him to go to VA.

That is the best place to start.

[eShirl]

2. you might want to post this in the DU Veterans Forum

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=259

[babylonsister]

3. Check this out from the VA forum-loads of info there:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=259x12011

[quadriga]

6. That is great. Thanks for the links.

Will send tehse off to her. :hi:

[Beaverhausen]

4. links

http://www.veteransforamerica.org/

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/?msource=S070005&gclid=CIfru8nul5ICFRm7iQodZRJzow

https://www.dav.org/google/

http://www.iraqwarveterans.org/ptsd.htm

[Donnachaidh]

5. Okay, if he is unwilling to go to VA, or if VA puts him on a list with a long waiting period

Have his Mom call the local county health department and see if there is any form of IMMEDIATE help he can get. Even if it's a therapist he can schedule regular appointments with to TALK.

If they can see him they can access how traumatized he is and get him on meds and on a schedule for help.

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Kick for help

[Karenina]

8. Healing vibes to this kid

from across the Big Pond.

[Ilsa]

9. IED going off near him may have caused a traumatic brain injury.

It isn't just PTSD -- it is a real brain injury, and it is treatable.

Best wishes to his family and to him for a full recovery.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

10. I don't have any answers, he will be in my prayers. Bless you for helping him. n/t

[lazer47]

11. I am only going to say this once,, Go to the nearest VET CENTER,,

and let them start the process,,, VA is so backlogged you won't have much immediate help..if you are serious?? e-mail me and i'll give you a name and address,,,