How can I feel so much survivor guilt?

That's what the doc asked me during my disability interview at the VA.
I'm not suppose to have PTSD or feel survivor guilt because I never was in a "combat" zone during the 20+ yrs I served.

Guess I'm just a woose for the way I feel. Seeing others come back and those that didn't come back. Watching friends disappear. Seeing/experiencing non-combat related events/injuries/deaths. Terrorist attacks and being constantly on alert.
None of this counts.

Guess I shouldn't post here. Sorry.

You don't have to justify your feelings.

I have not even been in the military but I post in this forum at times.

Yes you should post here. Same situation. Lost 3 people so far. Attempted the last lost. Have not seen combat but I do know it rips loved ones out of your life in some pretty horrific ways. Hugs for you- keep posting!

you are more than welcome here and to post here hon. you served our country for more than 20 yrs. it is bound to cause issues with losing friends over the yrs.

Those who so cavalierly dismiss the feelings of one who has been to war will are not worthy of respect. War affects everyone who touches it. Those who participate will never be the same; nor will their families. The tragedy is how veterans are used, discarded and treated as budget items.

Support the troops is a nice sentiment. Too bad it is so easy to forget when veterans need help.

Oh yes it does count and that doc must have his head up his butt...

Secret, do not apologize for posting here...you have every right to be here with us.
Combat is not measured by how many bullets we duck.The threat of imminent danger comes in many forms, my friend. Many.

Survivors guilt is a part of the PTSD package, PTSD partially comes from being consistently on alert to danger to ourselves and to others...there is no rest allowed under these circumstances.

Don't accept his "judgment" as correct...for all we know these docs/counselors have never been in our combat boots.

In Peace

Sorry, don't really post on here much, but this caught my attention. I go through some of the same things myself and I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. Don't let the VA get to you, they're all a-holes. I learned that it's much, much, much, much healthier to laugh at the VA's incompetence than it is to get angry at them - Getting angry only makes symptoms worse, and it's not worth the hassle of calming yourself down.