Vietnam

[Riverbud]

I left Vietnam back in 1971 and returned home to find everything different , No family or friends waiting to see me arrive home. Everyone seemed to dislike that I had gone to Vietnam I was drafted, and I didn't plan to to go there. My family and friends didn't talk to me much, it just took time to get it back to before I went. My wife had left me for another while I was gone. We did work things out and got back together again. I have seen Va. doctors who helped me get through the time I was there in Vietnam and what we saw there. After many years went by I thought I was better but it all came back and started all over again and now the doctors don't seem to help. I'm hoping I can find the help I need somewhere in one of the help groups if possible. I don't understand why I feel this way after all this time and years

They call me Riverbud

[Pizzapickles33]

Riverbud, welcome to the community and thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you were doing well for a while and are facing a setback. I'm glad you joined the community because there are a lot of kind people on here with great advice and support. I have been trying to take things one moment at a time. When my anxiety gets really bad, I try and ask myself what I was thinking about that may have caused some panic. Then I acknowledge that I am experiencing panic and I try and sit with it. Sometimes sitting with the discomfort makes it easier to overcome but not all the time. You're not alone and the community is here for you ❤️

[Spud-u-Like1982]

Hi Riverbud,

I'm sorry to hear of your current issues. Those of us from a younger generation who haven't been involved in war or the military or seen combat, can never fathom or comprehend what that must be like. We can try, but I truly believe it must be worse than our imaginations could ever evoke.

I worked with British ex military in my old job and we enabled people in similar situations to yourself, to gain access to mental health and physical health support. In the States do you have any military charities? Maybe some internet support groups for former soldiers? There is also the PTSD support network on this site that you might want to join.

Any war is a tragedy, but it shouldn't mean people shun you, because you had no choice and hindsight is a pointless thing in a situation like that. There are definitely people out there in a similar situation, so please try and locate message boards or networks for Veterans and hopefully shared experiences and knowledge will be able to help.

Have you even considered writing about it as a book? That might be quite therapeutic and there are definitely people out there who would be interested to hear your own writer's voice. It may even help to prevent people having to endure similar experiences in the future. Just a thought.

Best of luck!

[Carnationlove]

First I want to say thank thank thank you for your service, courage and sacrifice for us!! I understand in those days coming "home" was unfortunately not a good experience for the soldiers/veterans. My husband is also a Vietnam veteran as well, has told me many sad, and honestly infuriating stories of what was done when he landed in San diego. I have also known and befriended multiple Vietnam vets. Their way of dealing with their pasta were each unique/different on how they processed the horrors. I haven't been to war or had to fight for our country, but I have gone through some horrors, including near death situations (I have chronic PTSD, the nightmares, anxiety etc). My husband won't go to therapy and never has, his way of dealing with his stuff is drinking. I don't judge him and don't care but for myself I had to finally just let go and start therapy and medication. I know some or many might say to you "get over it, it's in the past" or "it was so long ago why does it bother you still?" When others haven't been through extreme horrors themselves they can't empathize or fully understand this is normal for many that have endured extreme pains. My heart breaks for our veterans, they honestly deserve so much more and my heart is with our vets because of everything you have sacrificed. It might not show on the outside but it seems the inside wounds are the worst and don't go away or at least not that easily. You do what you feel is best for you to heal or feel better even if temporarily. We aren't all the same, some keep their horrors inside others and aren't ready to talk feel better by talking. But I'm glad that you had enough courage to try and be vulnerable enough to share your thoughts)feelings with us. You didn't get the recognition you deserved when coming home but I want to say again you're more than appreciated now!