I got home from Afghanistan, my buddy got killed there. I cant sleep, crying & depressed, I get nightmares?

You doctor is a quack. Not just people who get shot get PTSD, anyone who has seen or been through anything traumatic may get it. First off, you aren't alone. Go to Military Once Source.com, they have a link where you can talk to someone. I would also suggest seeing a different doctor or a counselor. Do it now before your next deployment. Good Luck, Brother.

Well bro, would you want your buddy to be like that if he had lived and you had died? It will be ok. Try going to a christian church like baptist, because no human drugs or doctors can help your soul. They just cover up the problems. As for the first answerer. Screw you. The only time you've deployed is in a video game

It sounds to me like you do have PTSD, your doctor is talking absolute rubbish if he says only people who get shot can have PTSD. I would suggest you find a counsellor or therapist who is a specialist in this area. I am a counsellor and I know for a fact that you can have PTSD if you have been through any kind of trauma. I am sending you links to some websites they are from the UK but have good information on there. A type of therapy called EMDR is very, very good for treating PTSD, I will also send some info. on this. But it does sound like you need some professional help, I do hope you get the help and support you need. http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfo/problems/ptsd/posttraumaticstressdisorder.aspx http://www.ptsd.org.uk/ Here is some info. on EMDR, it is from an American site so hopefully you can find some info that will help you on here: http://www.emdr.com/ You need to realise that you did everything you could for your friend, that all the feelings you are having are a normal response to trauma. You need to find some supportive professional to help you with these feelings you are having. x

First off I wanna say thank you so much for what you have done for your country. It's good to know that the US is safe thanks to dedicated men and women like you are. Now, I'm not a vet, but I have had training in psychology and sociology, and I can definitely say that you have PTSD. There are are thousands, literally thousands of returning soldiers showing signs of PTSD, so you are not alone. regarding your diagnosis, I have heard of a "coverup" regarding PTSD in the military, where they do everything they can do not diagnose PTSD to soldiers. The military is quickly running out of available troops, hence multiple deployments, and trying everything they can to keep soldiers in the field. Giving sleeping pills and antidepressants keep soldier with PTSD longer on the field. Also, you don't have to be shot to have PTSD, thats a lie. I suggest going to doctors not affiliated with your camp and get their opinion. What are you afraid of? You served 2 deployments, you did your counrty proud, its them that failed you. I suggest you talk it over with other soldiers on an online PTSD forum. Just type PTSD in google and you'll find tons of forums dedicated to helping our returning vets.

Look at the link I gave you in your last quesiton. It has an assessment if you believe you have PTSD. I also gave the link to militaryonesource. EDIT: Looks like you deleted it. http://www.militaryonesource.com/ http://www.afterdeployment.org/web/guest

Hey Devil Dog. I know this is hard. I too have had problems from my last time over there. You have to take care of yourself. Tell your Squadleader, Platoon Sergeant. Relate the story, they may already know it. Your inability to sleep is guilt. You couldn't save your friend. Yes, sad, but you are alive. You can get better for his sake. Because you survived, your family cares. Did you contanct his family and cry with them? This can help to heal. I know I will have to go back. I will be leading many troops. I am afraid for them. But I will do all I can. Find help, therapy, groups, anything to help you cope.

First I want to tell you there is no need to be sorry to everyone out here. It is what we are here for. WE need to thank YOU, for your contribution to the US Military for being a Marine! Next, pay no attention to the spoiled little Troll brats out here that try to take you down further. They are idiots and have no clue as to what they are talking about. Now for you: It appears you have some good information out here, specifically those who have been there or those who know who you can contact for help. I don't want to take up too much of your time to repeat some of things others have said. So I will tell you what I have learned, First, Let it OUT, go ahead, cry if you have to, tell anyone that will listen as this is part of the HEALING process. Counseling is the best course. Crap, I wasn't shot however I had been diagnosed with PTSD, as well as depression from a Trauma while NOT serving. I know it hurts like hell, but, the good sign I see is that you are willing to deal with it and not shove it under the carpet until it festers and bites you in the ***. Like my ex did, that is when I became the brunt of it, he was a combat Vet, went totally ballistic and left me crippled after he almost killed me. I was bedridden for years. So listen carefully, I am sorry you lost your Buddy, I am deeply saddened for you and his family. Be aware, you did the very best you could do at the time, it's not your fault, we are human, we cannot be all seeing and hearing of everything. Crap happens, yes it sucks, but you did not do it. Now think for one moment, if the shoe were on the other foot, and your Buddy survived, what would he want for you? THAT is what you need to concentrate on at this time. The next thing you need to do for you is give yourself the time you need to grieve, it's a normal process, but allow yourself to grieve. Grief alone can give you many of your symptoms on top of a PTSD. You may be suffering from a combo of Post Traumatic Stress coupled with Grief,. but not necessarily have the disorder itself. Time and Counseling, Support groups, Family, Friends will all help. You need a good Support backup now. Use whatever resources you can. Go easy on yourself Marine. It WILL be OK, You WILL get better, one day at a time. Best Wishes, Makkie

Sounds like your doctor is full of sh*t. More than likely you do have PTSD. I am not trying to tell you to take advantage of a horrible situation, but you can be medically discharged and compensated generously for the rest of your life with a condition like this. Talk to your Dr, again about this and if he continues to deny the fact that you have mental issues because of this then you need to request a different primary care manager. I am very sorry to hear about your friend, but now you need to try and take care of yourself. This kind of thing can haunt someone forever if they wont give you the right kind of help. Remember these Navy doctors ar officers and politicians and just trying to save money so it looks good on them. You have to worry about yourself because no one else is going to do it for you. Good luck.

Yes, you have PTSD... the military doesn't like to diagnose that because of the misguided notion that it is a war created mental reaction. People who have never been in war have PTSD.... women develop PTSD from traumatic rapes, childhoods, abusive parents, husbands and siblings. It physically hurts me to read your story because that is hell. That kind of mental anguish is worse than anything these hardened old men telling you to "suck it up" will ever experience. When you make it through this (which you will, but only with proper treatment, and unfortunately that means psychiatrists), you will be mentally tougher than any Navy SEAL. =) You are going to have to sacrifice something... your career or yourself. That's your decision. and I know it's a tough one. But you are NOT going to get the help you need there. Good luck!