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PTSD? or just anxiety?

It's difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that I may have issues with anxiety or PTSD. I have not been diagnosed with PTSD, but am beginning to wonder if I should consider it.

I've been working in Iraq and Afghanistan as a contractor for some time. My job takes me all over the region on a regular basis. I feel that I have handled it relatively well until the last few months.

Over the last few months, I have begun to feel increasing anxiety. I have been overly concerned about health issues. Loud noises (bangs, whistling, shouting) cause physical pain and destroy my calm for hours, if not days, at a time. I have a hard time sleeping - often resulting in 1-2 hours of sleep or no sleep for days at a time. The times that I have been home, I find that I could easily sleep for 12+ hours at a time if I don't have nightmares. The last time I was home, I had nightmares almost every night during the beginning of my visit. I woke up in cold sweats often. The list goes on...

I feel as though I have no one to talk to about these concerns. I let my friends, family, and fiance believe that because I am non-military personnel that I am protected while over seas. That way, the only time I have to calm them is when they see something on the news.

I originally took this job because the job market is crippled and my family needs the money. I will have to continue working overseas until I can find work back in the states or am unable to continue doing so.


Do you have any advice on how to help deal with the things that I've seen and experienced?

Does this sound like PTSD or do you have any thoughts on what it might be?

Thanks
5 Responses
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535822 tn?1443976780
I doubt if one pain killer will give many side effects ,sometimes the prescribed drugs taken for anxiety do have side effects ,good luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I take a daily NSAID for a herniated disc.

Other than that, no.
Helpful - 0
535822 tn?1443976780
are you taking any meds?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your input.

I've recently been tested for blood sugar disorders. Unfortunately, I can't blame my behavior on them.
Helpful - 0
535822 tn?1443976780
It could well be but a diagnosis would have to be made by your Doctor , it could also be anxiety, are you taking any meds or supplements ,do you eat enough , sometimes Low blood sugar ,Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms with anxiety, eating enough and regularly may help you, drinking plenty of water also,is useful. If it continues you may want to put a time frame on how long this job lasts .Loud noises,jumping,  are sympomatical of bothas is not sleeping. So I would say see your Doctor and get an evaluation of what could be going on .Good Luck  
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