Post Traumatic Stress - A broad data collection study and discussion - Page 3

mcozad829 · 11/04/2014, 02:48 PM

Army 11B 2009-2013
1. Did you serve in combat? If so, please note the time frames and conflicts.
Yes Afghanistan OEF 10/11

2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD?
At 1 point in time very much so, I have gone through much counseling and am better able to cope at this point.

3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means?
Yes through the VA

4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD?
Yes especially immediately after I got home.

5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder?
Yes, Hunting and Fishing also allow me to relax and forget stuff for a bit.

Roger30 · 11/04/2014, 07:27 PM

1. Did you serve in combat? If so, please note the time frames and conflicts.
Yes, 2003, invading force, Iraqi freedom

2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD?
Yes, just started sleeping without a weapon near me. However I still do nightly firewatch.

3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means?
No, I figured it was expected.

4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD?
Yes, planning my tank clears my mind and allows me to sleep

5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder?
Yes, scuba diving has helped and I just started camping again (without weapons!) Also having dogs has helped me sleep, thinking they are on guard at night.

Airborne12B · 11/04/2014, 10:23 PM

First off, I'm impressed that there aren't any Force Recon-SEALs from the 3rd Ranger Bat posting in here. So genuinely, kudos to all of you. It's refreshing to see some integrity, and personal accountability on the internet these days.

1. Did you serve in combat? If so, please note the time frames and conflicts.

I spent a year in the stand from 09-10 running around finding IED's and kicking Hajj in the friggin face.

2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD

I do at times, mostly I'm in some stage of denial. Half the time I'm like that old college quarterback. The one that can't stop dreaming about the glory days. The other half is the part that get's me into trouble.

3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means?

Yes, but the VA is overrun with idiots. So, I'll probably turn on the tube one day and get confirmation that no one knew what they were talking about. Fingers crossed boys!

4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD?

It absolutely has. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. Within a week of being discharged from the hospital I tore into a light bird, gave the command hand to a 1SG and assaulted an MP. Now, that might sound like a rip roaring good time, but it was drastically out of character. Lucky for me, I had a PSG who recognized that, and went to bat for me. Turns out he was a reefer. I used to go over to his place do some labor, shoot some weapons, and watch his fish. He turned me on to it, and i'll never look back. I'm now an ichthyology major and am completely obsessed. It just goes to show the difference outstanding leadership (and fish) can make on someones future.

5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder?

Kayaking and snorkeling are cathartic too, but when I'm really in a jam It's hard to force myself to go do them. But the fish are always there. All I have to do is walk over, crack a beer and relax. I also hope to start diving soon. I'm just trying to scrape the pennies together.

bescher · 01/05/2015, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoop

I would like to start collecting data in regards to the impacts of Marine Life on post-traumatic stress.

I feel this would allow Reef Central to become a forum to provide subject matter information and become an asset by being able to provide visibility into an issue that is becoming prevalent in our society, and how our hobby may be able assist.

I served 3 combat tours in the USMC as a scout sniper and am a purple heart recipient. At the age of 18 I made a decision that before I would start my life, I would make something of it and serve my country. At that age I was not aware of the true repercussions that would bring. I now suffer from debilitating flash backs that are caused by triggers associated with my diagnoses post traumatic stress disorder. I also suffer from many sleepless nights and constantly waking up in a state of panic. My tank has been able to help me deal with some of these symptoms and I feel it has not only become a part of my life, bput has become somewhat of a staple in my journey to recovery.

Don't get me wrong, I love my reef from a pure hobbyist standpoint as well, but it really helps me to disassociate from those memories for awhile and become consumed in my reef. Sure disassociating won't get any of us through all of this, but we can work on that in other ways, and well its not alcohol(unless its vodka! (dosing! ).

It's nice to be able to get a break when I need to while I work through this stuff. I think a lot of veterans are finding their way to this hobby for that reason. Paul B, who I'm sure some of you may have seen around the forums, is going on something like 65 years with his reef. Paul is also a Viet Nam veteran. I don't think it's necessarily a coincidence at all, but I did not have any idea this would occur when I started my reef, a pure interest in the hobby brought me in and it was an added bonus. I think if more knew they could benefit as well.

I will outline a few questions to set as data collection points, but I would also encourage you to use this as a forum of open discussion in regards to how you feel marine life and your tank may influence your disorder. I also want to note, while we see an influx in post-trauma from the recent wars, this should also apply to any veteran who has served in combat and feels they suffer from PTSD.

1. Did you serve in combat? If so, please note the time frames and conflicts.
2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD?
3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means?
4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD?
5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder?

Beyond these questions, please feel free to openly discuss anything you may feel to be of value in regards to this study.

While I understand many may be reserved to share this information openly, if you are more comfortable PMing me whatever you may wish to add, I can certainly post in a manner that will maintain your anonymity.

Thank you and I hope we can get some good conversation and data points generated and maybe be able to help some of our brothers and sisters who are also suffering.

I am a VietNam vet, 65 years old, served 20, disabled with PTSD and other things at 100%. I wanted a aquarium for years, my wife ( who was Okinawan and we divorced in 85) was against any aquariums, I couldnt keep in barracks and we were required to stay in barracks until we made E-7. I made E-7 6 months before I got out. I lived in a apartment and no pets. I went downhill and went to the VA and got my ratings it took eight years but did. I always wanted a aquarium and I only have a 40gal planted community tank. But it keeps me going and my current wife says I spend too much time on it and spending money on it. I do plan on going to saltwater and coral. But I have only been back into a year and taking it slow. The VA diagnosed me with all my disabilities ( PTSD of 50%) Yes I served in combat I was a MP working convoy escort in VietNam and my very first trip out we were ambushed ( 1970) but I was also a traffic accident investigator at 6 different bases including Germany and I also covered domestic abused cases, getting shot at by drunk husbands so that also took a toll.
My tank is me. It takes me away to think and worry about something else. I enjoy it as I don't enjoy going out to places( always have to sit facing the door)
I have a physiatrist and a physicologist and attend group sessions twice a month other than going to the Va and store I make a beeline for home. My tank calms me down and soothes me, my SUDS can go from a 9 or 10 back down to 3 or 4 just checking and watching my fish. I relate guys and thank you all for your servicd

Fogvalley · 01/12/2015, 10:27 PM

1. Did you serve in combat? Jan 2004-April 2005
2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Everyday
3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes
4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? Yes
5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Yes

I think any hobby we can do that keeps us outta our mind is a great thing. Coupled with therapy that is. I go to the va a lot I spent 20 weeks in inpatient treatment for PTSD and substance abuse. It has been a long road. But I am at a place that is pretty good considering where I have been in the past. Good luck to you all, thank you

razorusmc · 04/17/2015, 12:17 AM

1. Did you serve in combat? USMC 1991 (Served 88-2000)
2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Everyday
3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes
4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? Yes
5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Yes, however this hobby is particularly helpful for me.

hatcher2014 · 05/05/2015, 02:57 AM

1. Did you serve in combat? yes Army OEF 8(May07-Aug08)
2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Yes
3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes was medically discharged for PTSD and TBI
4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? yes
5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? yes

I can only speak for myself when I say how my reef has helped me and maybe other vets can agree and others may not. But a little background first not sure if any has heard or seen the movie Restrepo. But that is about my unit when I was there. I was not in Battle Company, I was in Able Company which we all basically had the same living conditions and constantly in fire fights. It is an amazing movie and I encourage any and all people to watch the movie because it is a great documentary on the war and can give you a small idea on what all combat vets experienced in some similar way. As to the beginning of this post why I believe reef tanks help me and maybe other vets. I currently don't have one at the moment but have had a 125 and 400 which I miss greatly but had to break down after a divorce. But reef tanks are very much like military life. I mean everyday is almost the same you wake up **** shower shave formation then PT. After PT you change have breakfast then your day is planned out and you do as instructed. At the end of the day you have formation then your released and you have a few hours to yourself. Then you keep repeating this. It is like muscle memory. Same way for your tank its basically the same thing every day that you have to do with your tank to make sure it stays healthy and running properly much as the same way you would a soldier. And for me it was nice because it kept me on a schedule after I got and kept me busy. Then I found that on the days that I suffered more than I could find that bit of happiness of making my tank(soldier)better. Find a way to do some DIY project that would take me hours or days to perfect and then after words I would see the results and instantly feel better. Or on the days to wear I would have a bad day and just turn the TV off and just watch my fish swim so peacefully and graceful and watch my coral just sway with the current and I would get lost in my personal ocean. No matter my mood or what had set me off I could always find peace of mind in my tank either by just losing myself in watching it or constantly doing something to improve it. Building more shelves or a better light rack with adjustable cables. I always tried to look at my tank as if there was someone who had me in a giant tank. How well would I want that person to make my life and how comfortable would I want to live. So I always tried to improve my fish's living quarters and make it better for them and to constantly make sure that everything was as perfect as it could be. Hope this helps your study and im sure there will be plenty of people who disagree with what I have said but this is just my opinion on it and I love my reef and cant wait to start up one in the near future.

12_egg_Omelett · 05/14/2015, 02:42 PM

Matt if you want I can help you with the data analysis and run this through SAS using dummy coding variable and look for correlations and to see if anything is significant.

C.wooster1981 · 09/06/2015, 04:59 AM

1. Did you serve in combat?
2003-2004 OIF
2006-OIF
2007- JSOTF-P
2008- OIF
2009- JSOTF-P
2010-2011 OEF
2012-2013 OEF
2014- OEF

2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Not Sure
3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes and MTBI
4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? Yes
5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Not sure

I don't have an aquarium set-up now but prior to my last deployment it had an amazing effect. I would get home pop open some beer and just stand in my kitchen watching my fish for hours. It's like at that moment in time as long as they are happy I am happy. Problem I have is I always want a bigger better tank.

Deton8it · 09/06/2015, 05:53 PM

JSOTF-P, I forgot about Operation Enduring PerDiem. JK, I know a lot of Navy EOD that deployed there.

11/04/2014, 02:48 PM	#51
mcozad829 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Natchitoches, LA Posts: 619 Blog Entries: 1	Army 11B 2009-2013 1. Did you serve in combat? If so, please note the time frames and conflicts. Yes Afghanistan OEF 10/11 2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? At 1 point in time very much so, I have gone through much counseling and am better able to cope at this point. 3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes through the VA 4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? Yes especially immediately after I got home. 5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Yes, Hunting and Fishing also allow me to relax and forget stuff for a bit. __________________ "You'll have plenty of time for rolling doobies... when you're living in a van... down by the river!"

11/04/2014, 07:27 PM	#52
Roger30 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 339	1. Did you serve in combat? If so, please note the time frames and conflicts. Yes, 2003, invading force, Iraqi freedom 2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Yes, just started sleeping without a weapon near me. However I still do nightly firewatch. 3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? No, I figured it was expected. 4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? Yes, planning my tank clears my mind and allows me to sleep 5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Yes, scuba diving has helped and I just started camping again (without weapons!) Also having dogs has helped me sleep, thinking they are on guard at night.

11/04/2014, 10:23 PM	#53
Airborne12B Certified Soul Eater Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 171	First off, I'm impressed that there aren't any Force Recon-SEALs from the 3rd Ranger Bat posting in here. So genuinely, kudos to all of you. It's refreshing to see some integrity, and personal accountability on the internet these days. 1. Did you serve in combat? If so, please note the time frames and conflicts. I spent a year in the stand from 09-10 running around finding IED's and kicking Hajj in the friggin face. 2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD I do at times, mostly I'm in some stage of denial. Half the time I'm like that old college quarterback. The one that can't stop dreaming about the glory days. The other half is the part that get's me into trouble. 3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes, but the VA is overrun with idiots. So, I'll probably turn on the tube one day and get confirmation that no one knew what they were talking about. Fingers crossed boys! 4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? It absolutely has. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. Within a week of being discharged from the hospital I tore into a light bird, gave the command hand to a 1SG and assaulted an MP. Now, that might sound like a rip roaring good time, but it was drastically out of character. Lucky for me, I had a PSG who recognized that, and went to bat for me. Turns out he was a reefer. I used to go over to his place do some labor, shoot some weapons, and watch his fish. He turned me on to it, and i'll never look back. I'm now an ichthyology major and am completely obsessed. It just goes to show the difference outstanding leadership (and fish) can make on someones future. 5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Kayaking and snorkeling are cathartic too, but when I'm really in a jam It's hard to force myself to go do them. But the fish are always there. All I have to do is walk over, crack a beer and relax. I also hope to start diving soon. I'm just trying to scrape the pennies together.

01/12/2015, 10:27 PM	#55
Fogvalley Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: NW Kanas Posts: 107	1. Did you serve in combat? Jan 2004-April 2005 2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Everyday 3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes 4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? Yes 5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Yes I think any hobby we can do that keeps us outta our mind is a great thing. Coupled with therapy that is. I go to the va a lot I spent 20 weeks in inpatient treatment for PTSD and substance abuse. It has been a long road. But I am at a place that is pretty good considering where I have been in the past. Good luck to you all, thank you

04/17/2015, 12:17 AM	#56
razorusmc Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 1	1. Did you serve in combat? USMC 1991 (Served 88-2000) 2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Everyday 3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes 4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? Yes 5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Yes, however this hobby is particularly helpful for me.

05/05/2015, 02:57 AM	#57
hatcher2014 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 28	1. Did you serve in combat? yes Army OEF 8(May07-Aug08) 2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Yes 3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes was medically discharged for PTSD and TBI 4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? yes 5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? yes I can only speak for myself when I say how my reef has helped me and maybe other vets can agree and others may not. But a little background first not sure if any has heard or seen the movie Restrepo. But that is about my unit when I was there. I was not in Battle Company, I was in Able Company which we all basically had the same living conditions and constantly in fire fights. It is an amazing movie and I encourage any and all people to watch the movie because it is a great documentary on the war and can give you a small idea on what all combat vets experienced in some similar way. As to the beginning of this post why I believe reef tanks help me and maybe other vets. I currently don't have one at the moment but have had a 125 and 400 which I miss greatly but had to break down after a divorce. But reef tanks are very much like military life. I mean everyday is almost the same you wake up **** shower shave formation then PT. After PT you change have breakfast then your day is planned out and you do as instructed. At the end of the day you have formation then your released and you have a few hours to yourself. Then you keep repeating this. It is like muscle memory. Same way for your tank its basically the same thing every day that you have to do with your tank to make sure it stays healthy and running properly much as the same way you would a soldier. And for me it was nice because it kept me on a schedule after I got and kept me busy. Then I found that on the days that I suffered more than I could find that bit of happiness of making my tank(soldier)better. Find a way to do some DIY project that would take me hours or days to perfect and then after words I would see the results and instantly feel better. Or on the days to wear I would have a bad day and just turn the TV off and just watch my fish swim so peacefully and graceful and watch my coral just sway with the current and I would get lost in my personal ocean. No matter my mood or what had set me off I could always find peace of mind in my tank either by just losing myself in watching it or constantly doing something to improve it. Building more shelves or a better light rack with adjustable cables. I always tried to look at my tank as if there was someone who had me in a giant tank. How well would I want that person to make my life and how comfortable would I want to live. So I always tried to improve my fish's living quarters and make it better for them and to constantly make sure that everything was as perfect as it could be. Hope this helps your study and im sure there will be plenty of people who disagree with what I have said but this is just my opinion on it and I love my reef and cant wait to start up one in the near future.

05/14/2015, 02:42 PM	#58
12_egg_Omelett Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 86	Matt if you want I can help you with the data analysis and run this through SAS using dummy coding variable and look for correlations and to see if anything is significant.

09/06/2015, 04:59 AM	#59
C.wooster1981 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 1	1. Did you serve in combat? 2003-2004 OIF 2006-OIF 2007- JSOTF-P 2008- OIF 2009- JSOTF-P 2010-2011 OEF 2012-2013 OEF 2014- OEF 2. Do you feel you suffer from PTSD? Not Sure 3. Were you diagnosed with PTSD either through the VA or other reputable means? Yes and MTBI 4. Do you feel this hobby has an impact on your PTSD? Yes 5. Do you feel that any hobby of equal self enjoyment would have similar impacts on your disorder? Not sure I don't have an aquarium set-up now but prior to my last deployment it had an amazing effect. I would get home pop open some beer and just stand in my kitchen watching my fish for hours. It's like at that moment in time as long as they are happy I am happy. Problem I have is I always want a bigger better tank.

09/06/2015, 05:53 PM	#60
Deton8it Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Cabot Arkansas Posts: 134	JSOTF-P, I forgot about Operation Enduring PerDiem. JK, I know a lot of Navy EOD that deployed there.