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| Guide to Recovering from PTSD Contents Introduction information copyright | What is depression? Depression is a common symptom of PTSD. It colors the way you feel, your attitude and believe about the world. Depression can look like sadness or the veteran may cover her depression with a smile making it difficult to detect. You will be sad when someone close to you dies. Depression lasts longer. Depression looks different in everyone, similar in most. Signs of depression may include moving more slowly than normal, or agitation, anxiety, fears, feelings of guilt, hopelessness, frequent crying, withdrawal, difficulty making decisions, low self-esteem, a negative view of the world, substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide or suicide attempt. It is very important to get help immediately if you or someone you know ever mentions thoughts of suicide. Suicide is a leading cause of death and must be taken very seriously. Have a safety plan ready with a number to call a friend or get to a local emergency room if you ever feel unsafe. . It is understandable that having experienced trauma in the service would lead to symptoms of depression. You no longer find interest in things or people you once enjoyed. There may be „survivor’s guilt“ because you came home and others did not. There is no shame in depression. It would be a shame not to seek treatment when depression is usually successfully treated. There is help and support for you . There is a listening ear for you. Log on or call the resources in the back of this booklet.
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How can I learn to communicate without using passive aggressive behaviors? There is always room for improving your communication skills. Passive-aggressive behavior will separate you from your family and peers eventually if it hasn’t already. Some passive-aggressive behavior comments are mildly sarcastic, like on sit-coms. Others are seemingly calm and cooperative but belie anger and rage from trauma suffered in the past. It is essential you seek help to discover the cause behind the behavior. Only then can you understand the behavior and seek to change it. It is important to learn to identify triggers to passive-aggressive behaviors and learn to express yourself in a positive and constructive way. Then and only then will your life improve. Physical reactions to passive-aggressive behavior may include headache, increased heart rate, or increased voice volume. It can help you to learn how to assert yourself in a positive, non-aggressive and polite manner in order to get your needs met. Learn to walk away from a situation that causes you to feel threatened and think about an appropriate, mature, response. You will be more apt to be heard when you use effective coping leadership skills. Your Vet Center staff will assist you with finding a group where you can practice your newly learned skills and get feedback in a safe and accepting environment.
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