For soldiers who have seen active duty, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unfortunately common. It manifests in many different ways, often leading to mood changes, flashbacks, personality changes, difficulty keeping a job and much more. Many even end up getting divorced, sometimes because they just seem so different from the person they were before.
If you’re struggling with this, it’s a challenge, and it’s important to consider all of the options you have. You may be wise to think outside of the box.
For instance, one man said that he ended up with PTSD after a tour in 2011. He was almost done with the military and had really only joined it to get his college tuition covered. Unfortunately, after he got out, his PTSD ended his marriage and derailed his plans for his life.
To combat it, he started rock climbing. He had friends who forced him to go, at first, but it slowly became a needed escape. He called it a sanctuary, and he thinks that it saved his life. He said that he may have turned to alcoholism or even suicide without it.
This isn’t to say you should not get medical help for serious issues like this. You absolutely should. You need to work with professionals who can help you along the way. At the same time, though, you may find assistance in places you never expected, and it can change your life forever.
As you go through this process, make sure you are aware of all of the legal options you have regarding war-related injuries and disorders.
