'Nother New Member - Retired Police Officer

[andy o'hara]

I just ran across this site and was delighted to see it. I'm a retired cop forced out of his career after 24 years with PTSD and depression. I've had two hospital stays and almost a third, and have learned that for some it can be a long-term but liveable project. I still meet the faces at night but not as badly, and can't watch movies with screaming in them, but I've been fortunate to have found loving people to provide me good care and now able to even pass a bit of it on to fellow sufferers.

Glad to be here.

[veiled]

Welcome to the forum.

[becvan]

Welcome to the forum, Andy.

bec

[She Cat]

Hi Andy,

Welcome to the forum.

[tude]

Hello Andy

[andy o'hara]

Hi all. I'm Andy, a retired police sergeant who was retired out after 24 years when I was suicidal with PTSD and depression in '93. I've been hospitalized twice in years past and almost a third time this year.

One thing I notice and appreciate is that, while stigma remains, there is a far greater understanding of PTSD now than back then, particularly among the psychiatric community. Still, I have my rough times and, because my PTSD was a long delayed onset, I'm resigned to grim "downs" for the future. I still struggle with the "Dreams," and have to get out of the room fast if a movie has screaming in it.

It's ok--I understand it. Therapy, CODA and medications have been my "team. Through them, I've learned that "we" are many. And "Many are out there, still suffering.

I'm glad to meet y'all.

Andy

[just tina]

Hey, Andy. There are a lot of us.

Nice to meet ya.

[anthony]

Welcome to the forum Andy....