Military
I just very recently got medically discharged from basic training - about two to three months ago. Since I've been back in civilian life, I'm finding it a lot harder to fall asleep every night cause of my experiences while I was in training. Sometimes the thoughts come randomly throughout the day and they linger there so long that I just want to drop what I'm doing and just pound my head until the thoughts stop. Is this a sign of anything concerning?
@acepionage
You are going through a tough transition, but I'm really glad you found us. Maybe it would help to chat with a listener 1-1?
We are here for you, you are not alone ❤️
I can relate to the symptoms/feelings you’re experiencing, but not relating to the military. Nighttimes are particularly rough for me too. And I also understand what you mean by wanting to just pound your head to try to rid yourself of your thoughts and memories.
These are what the mental health world calls intrusive thoughts. They’re repetitive, invasive, and they feel like you can’t control them. I haven’t figured out how to get rid of them myself. But I can tell you that you’re not alone in feeling that way, and the first step to dealing with intrusive thoughts is to recognize them. So you even writing this post is you recognizing your intrusive thoughts.
Again, I haven’t figured out how to conquer my own, but I have found writing/journaling to be helpful at times. I’ve also been trying grounding exercises, like temperature changes (holding ice for example), or focusing on the 5 senses (5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste). Today my therapist also had my just move and wriggle around for 30 seconds to release pent-up trauma from my body, and based on what you’ve said, it sounds like you experience some of that as well.
I hope you are able to find healing, peace, and a sense of safety. And thank you for your service.
