How do I get diagnosed with depression while in Iraq?
I’ve been in Iraq for well over a year and while I have been pretty much out of harm’s way for the most part, it has been a rough year emotionally. I have not been diagnosed with depression before because I never saw a psychiatrist or anyone of that nature, however, I can tell you that for a good part of ten years, I’ve been having a series of depression which last for several days.
Here in Iraq, it’s been the most prominent. I would get depressed and feel empty inside and this will last for a week and then I would feel better for a week and get depressed for another week and feel better for three weeks. Usually, my depression is sudden. I would be at work and I will feel fine and then all of a sudden I would feel this uncontrollable saddness and empty feeling inside me. Almost like disappointment or like I lost something. Which would eventually turn into iritability and hostility and back to silence again.
I want to see a real psyciatrist but don’t know what to do. Thanks.
My husband served a year in Iraq, so I understand how emotionally draining it is. Talk to your commander or at least a close friend about this problem. They should point you in the right direction. Depression is a serious problem, and being in Iraq only makes it worse. They should have someone there who can help you. Please talk to someone. You really need to get some help. It won’t go away on it’s own. Good luck. Take care. And thank you for serving our country! God Bless you!
If you are serving in the military, start with asking to see a chaplain or medical officer. The American Consulate should be able to help you find a medical professional.
Not to be sarcastic at all but good luck!! My best friends husband is there, actually physically injured, along with several others in his platoon and they are doing NOTHING!! They don’t want to help you guys, which is awful, and I feel for you!! Myabe use your open door policy???
Hope this helps!!
my boyfriend was in iraq for 2 weeks guarding the border and he was in combat, although he doesnt like to talk about it, he wakes up in the middle of the night sweating or ready to strangle someone. Anyways, once he came back to the states, he was cleared sane and no problems at all but i insisted that he go to the VA and the doctors didnt see anythign wrong with him. 5 months later he was diagnosed with ptsd. you should see a doctor outside of the VA but i suggest you see a psychiatrist anyways. most of our soldiers just want to be home and have some r&r if you still feel the same when your back home, then you should definetley see a professional. hope this helps ! =]
Thank You for your service. May you be safe.
Please go to the Medical Unit. Surely there is a psychiatrist on the staff. I hope you can talk to this person.
You are number 1. Take care of yourself first. If you are not Ok, you will not be able to protect yourself or others.
Please Get Help!
I recommend talking to the chaplain. The emptiness could be the hole that God puts into every person’s heart to show them that they need Him. Only He can fill the emptiness. A chaplain can explain to you how God can fill that hole.