"Bunkering Up"

PTSD’s don’t come on you when you first walk through the door after deployment. It is something that manifests itself after a while 3-6 months after you return from deployment. I guess you could almost compare it to a cancer; it starts to grow and get more and more noticeable as time evolves. The more you try and ignore it the bigger it gets. This is why your friends start acting strange around you; you are the one who is changing (or changed). Many of the changes involve your habits. Most of us start drinking (self-medicating); if you drank before deployment, you are more than likely drinking more now and not getting as intoxicated. It seems to take more alcohol to get that same buzz as before. Before long (if not already) you will find yourself distancing yourself from friends and family. You will start taking a six pack (or a pint/or both) and going to the basement and watching movies all night long. You find it more comfortable to be by yourself. This is referred to as “Bunkering Up”! This then progresses to “cleaning” your guns, sharpening your knives (you know the ones designed for killing people). This all comes under the part about ‘just keeping my family safe’ – while they (your family) are hiding in another room wondering, ‘what the hell is he doing’?

"Man in the Pit"

Man in a PIT

There was a man in a deep pit and he was yelling for help. An Attorney walks by, he hears the man; he throws his card down and says, “When you get out, come see me and we’ll sue the responsible party for digging the pit!” The man remained in the pit. A little while later a pastor walks by and hears the man. He writes down a scripture and throws it down to the man and says, “I’m on my way to a funeral; read this and pray!” The man is still in the pit. A little while later a friend of his walks by and hears the man. The man in the pit says, “Hay Fred give me a hand and get me out of this pit!” Fred jumps down in the pit. Now the man in the pit says, “No Fred, I wanted you to help me get out, now you are down here with me!” Fred says, “I have been down in this pit before and I know the way out! Come on follow me!” – THEY GET OUT TOGETHER! 

Tell your Buddies about this BLOG and have them contact Fred.

Inventory List for PTSD's

Many Vets Suffer from these symptoms!

1-Depression.        
2-Cynicism and distrust of Government Authority.           

3-Anger.                  
4-Alienation.         
5-Isolation.        
6-Sleep Disorders.              

7-Poor Concentration.         
8-Tendency to react under stress with survival tactics.                 

9-Psychic or emotional numbing thoughts.       
10-Negative Self-image.  

11-Memory impairment.          
12-Hypersensitivity to justice.

13-Loss of interest in Work or activities. 
14-Problems with intimate relationships. 

15-Survivors guilt.      
16-Difficulty with Authority.          
17-Hyper-alertness.

18-Emotional Distancing.          
19-Suicidal feelings &Thoughts.

20-Flashbacks to Danger and            
21-Fantasies of Retaliation and Destruction.

22-High Risk Employment/Recreation.

If you know of anyone suffering from any of these symptoms, have them contact me at “Bradysbunker.blogspot.com” or “fbschooner@yahoo.com” . I may be able to help them deal with their new life. There are no quick fixes of these Symptoms, but a person can learn how to live with them.