Life As a Combat Medic: Enduring PTSD

Rolling Through Afghanistan: Life as A Combat Medic Enduring PTSD

by Larry E. Ivers

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29768 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	207 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This book is a memoir of a combat medic who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The book chronicles the author's experiences in war, including the horrors of witnessing death and destruction, and the challenges of returning home to a world that no longer made sense. The book also explores the author's struggle with PTSD, and how he eventually found healing and hope.

Chapter 1: The Calling

I was always drawn to the medical field. I liked helping people, and I was fascinated by the human body. When I was in high school, I joined the Junior ROTC program. I enjoyed the discipline and structure of the program, and I learned a lot about leadership and teamwork. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the Army and went to basic training. I then went to medic school and became a certified combat medic.

In 2003, I was deployed to Iraq. I was assigned to a combat support hospital, and my job was to treat wounded soldiers. I saw a lot of death and destruction during my time in Iraq. I saw soldiers who had been blown up by roadside bombs, soldiers who had been shot in firefights, and soldiers who had been burned in helicopter crashes. I also saw the aftermath of suicide bombings and car bombings.

The experience of war was traumatic. I saw things that no one should ever have to see. I came home from Iraq a changed man. I was no longer the same happy-go-lucky guy who had joined the Army. I was now a haunted man, filled with nightmares and flashbacks.

Chapter 2: The Return

When I returned home from Iraq, I had a hard time adjusting to civilian life. I was used to the adrenaline rush of combat, and I found it difficult to relax and unwind. I also had a hard time sleeping. I would wake up in the middle of the night with nightmares, and I would often have flashbacks to the things I had seen in Iraq.

I tried to ignore my symptoms, but they only got worse. I started to withdraw from my family and friends. I lost interest in my hobbies. I couldn't concentrate at work. I was even having thoughts of suicide.

Finally, I realized that I needed help. I went to see a therapist, and I was diagnosed with PTSD. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has experienced a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and changes in mood and behavior.

Chapter 3: The Healing

Therapy helped me to understand my PTSD and to develop coping mechanisms. I learned how to manage my nightmares and flashbacks. I also learned how to talk about my experiences in Iraq. Talking about my trauma was difficult, but it was also cathartic. It helped me to process my emotions and to move on with my life.

In addition to therapy, I also found healing in other ways. I started to exercise regularly, and I found that exercise helped to reduce my stress and anxiety. I also started to spend more time with my family and friends. I realized that I was not alone, and that there were people who cared about me and wanted to help me.

Healing from PTSD is a journey, not a destination. There are good days and bad days. But I have learned that I can manage my PTSD and live a full and happy life.

Chapter 4: The Future

I am now a civilian, but I am still a combat medic at heart. I volunteer my time at a local veterans hospital, and I am always there to help other veterans who are struggling with PTSD. I also speak out about PTSD and the importance of mental health care for veterans.

I believe that I have a responsibility to share my story and to help others who are struggling with PTSD. I want other veterans to know that they are not alone, and that there is hope for healing.

Rolling Through Afghanistan: Life as A Combat Medic Enduring PTSD

by Larry E. Ivers

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29768 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	207 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE