[Armstrong452]

i'll try to keep this brief. i served 4 years in the navy. overall i really hated it. it was such a high stress environment. i was very angry and depressed while serving. i abused alcohol quite a bit. blackout drunk by myself 4-5 days out of the week. since getting out i have cut back on my drinking alot and actually haven't had a drink in about 2 months now. i have been noticing some mental problems though.

after doing alot of reading, it sounds like depression to me, but i am lacking some of the major symptoms of depression; so i am rather confused. i saw a doctor a few days ago and he said it definitely sounds like ptsd and he prescribed me citalopram. i am moving from california back home to ohio in a few days, so he said that i will have to do a follow up with a psychologist when i get in ohio.

i am convinced that it is not ptsd because i am not having any flashbacks, nightmares, or paranoia. what i am experiencing is depersonalization, emotionally numb(i don't feel happy, sad, joy, no positive emotions), social withdraw(i really hate being around people and having to deal with people in general), irritability, anger issues, very severe problems focusing and concentrating, short term memory issues, overall a feeling of constantly being foggy or cloudy(goes along with the depersonalization i guess), and the last symptom is impulsivity(i have accumulating debt due to this and i have a horrible habit of seeing prostitutes due to random strong sexual impulses).

these symptoms are really starting to interfere with my schooling and obviously interfering with my personal and social life. i've been running around in circles dealing with the veteran medical center trying to get help, but constantly getting turned away. i'm definitely going to keep trying to get help once i move back home. but in the mean time, what does this sound like to you guys?

[online user]

Knowledge of PTSD is very limited with me--but I have lots of experience with depression. You could be suffering from that. I think your plan to seek out a psychologist once you get moved is a good one. You might start keeping a journal, recording how you are feeling about things and what you are doing. May help you see more clearly what is distressing to you and what suits you better. Will give you some good talking points once you get to your psychologist. In addition to the stress, you've probably learned some good things in the navy. Everyone I've met who has served is very disciplined and capable of rising to the occaision of some incredible tasks, when motivated. You just need some time, perhaps, to decide what you want now that you are liberated, and where you'd like to go.

Best of luck to you--keep in touch with us how things are going.

Susan

[Armstrong452]

thank you susan for the kind words of advice. don't get me wrong, i learned alot from the navy and most importantly, i learned to grow up into a man; but all those years of extreme stress and mental abuse have taken a toll on me unfortunately.

[bharani1008]

I also think you need a second opinion. You seem to have many symptoms of depression. There do seem to be other symptoms that need to be addressed. Mental illnesses don't come neatly packaged so even though you may not be a textbook case for any one of the diagnoses they still may apply somewhat. I'm glad you are taking a pro-active role in confronting your problems and since you automatically cut out your drinking it seems like you have the tools to get better.
I hope you are able to get ahead in school. It's so important.
Welcome to PC and post here as often as you want. We are here to listen.

[Armstrong452]

Originally Posted by bharani1008

I also think you need a second opinion. You seem to have many symptoms of depression. There do seem to be other symptoms that need to be addressed. Mental illnesses don't come neatly packaged so even though you may not be a textbook case for any one of the diagnoses they still may apply somewhat. I'm glad you are taking a pro-active role in confronting your problems and since you automatically cut out your drinking it seems like you have the tools to get better.
I hope you are able to get ahead in school. It's so important.
Welcome to PC and post here as often as you want. We are here to listen.

thank you for responding. it means alot. the reason why i am doubting that it is depression because i don't feel the worthlessness or sadness symptoms that are commonly attached to depression. however i do have a low self esteem, but i also am proud of myself. kind of a love hate relationship. as for the sadness, i just feel kinda numb and emotionless all the time. its difficult for me to feel joy or to look forward to anything. hard to feel ANYTHING at all really....

Once you get moved back home seek further help. It could be a combo of things. Hang in there!

Please go to Citolapram.com and read the side effects of that drug. You may be
having a reaction to that and, if so, contact your physician. Your dosage may need
adjustment for reduction of the mental symptoms or medication changed for greater
comfort.

Hope you feel well soon.

[Armstrong452]

Originally Posted by genetic

Please go to Citolapram.com and read the side effects of that drug. You may be
having a reaction to that and, if so, contact your physician. Your dosage may need
adjustment for reduction of the mental symptoms or medication changed for greater
comfort.

Hope you feel well soon.

no i am not having a reaction. i just started the drug two days ago and i don't feel any different. thank you for the concern though.