The monster lurking within

For the last ten plus years our household has undergone some changes. Life changes a lot quicker now then it did before. What we are dealing with on a daily basis is the same as many families are facing, especially those who spouse is a veteran. I don't have family support (on my side of the family) when it comes to dealing with this.  They don't believe my husband has the monster that lurks within...his name is combat P.T.S.D. Don't misunderstand me. My husband is not a monster. He loves me so much. He tells me I am his whole world. (he is mine as well)  He is not abusive to me or the kiddos. He is not a violent man in anyway shape or form. That is a misconception of combat P.T.S.D...vets are abusers. The media only shares those stories of soldiers shooting things or people up and then all the labels come out. My Joe, is the opposite. Quiet, keeps to himself, and loves with every ounce he can muster. He also has severe nerve damage in both his legs, though the right leg is worse. That injury came due to a training accident 6 months before his "vacation" the big sand box we like to call Iraq. The "gift" that has come with this two incidents is P.T.S.D...

Within the last 2 years P.T.S.D has tried to reek more havoc, but because we aren't quitters we don't give him room to grow. We have figured out how to heal and who we can count on to help. If you or your loved ones are struggling with combat P.T.S.D please please please...yes I am begging please seek out help. It will make life bearable and even enjoyable. Here is a list of organization who have helped us and continue giving us support.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Wounded Warrior has been such a wonderful resource. There mission is this:

"To foster the most successful,

well-adjusted generation of 

wounded service members in our nation's history."

with this purpose:

• To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.
• To help injured service members aid and assist each other.
• To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

The thing that I like the most about W.W.P. is that they have a family support program that is separate from the warriors support. 

www.veteranscrisisline.net/

This resource has come in handy for us. I just learned that spouses can call as well. They are a call, text, or click away. It is completely confidential and such a wonderful outlet for those in crisis. Remember crisis is different everyone.

Portland Vet Center

This has been another life saver for Joe. They provide free counseling to veterans. They also have free acupuncture and other programs for veterans and families. The counselors are all veterans who are licensed counselors. We are so thankful for all they have done for us.

Returning Veterans Project

http://www.returningveterans.org/

Our Mission: Returning Veterans Project is a nonprofit organization comprised of politically unaffiliated and independent health care practitioners who offer free and confidential services to returning veterans and service members of the current Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns and their families. Services are available in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Through returning vets, we have found an awesome marriage counselor. She has been so great to us and is helping us keep our marriage healthy.

The other program we linked up to is no longer up and running is No Soldier Left Behind. Founded by an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. This was such a wonderful non profit. Wish it was still up and running.

I am sure that if you looked and reached out you can find lots of resources that can suit you and your needs. If you need help please seek it out. My husband always says "real men get help." We are gonna keep fighting and healing. 

Oh how I love this man!! I am very blessed to be his wife!!