I've already commented on what you need to note on VAC claims on other threads. At the moment, the focus is on you. I guess I would give a few pieces of advice, based upon my own life with PTSD since 2010, and the observations I've made working with the IPSC and JPSU for years now.
Own your recovery - Don't be passive and assume that going to the Psychiatrist, or Social Worker alone will make things better. They're just giving you the tools to help. The meds help level and stabilize you, so that you can begin your recovery. You're in the driver's seat so practice the things they tell you, the breathing exercises, the mindfulness activities. If you do Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, some of it will open up nasty memories, but you need to be strong, confront the memories, and put them into their rightful place. Work at it, and expect that at first it will suck badly. If you stay with it, you will see progress.
Avoid Self Medicating - Alcohol and illegal drugs are not your friends. They may help numb you, or ease the anxiety for a few hours, maybe knock you out for a few hours, but what they give you in return is far worse than you can imagine. Too many of us have chosen that route, and too frequently it ends terribly.
Contact OSISS - The peer-based Operational Stress Injury Social Support network has been a huge benefit in my life. My wife and kids don't get it, my friends don't get it, but my OSISS peers do. For a couple of hours a every other week, I can be with people who understand and support. They can be found at OSISS.ca online. Or, contact your nearest Integrated Personnel Support Centre (IPSC). If you don't know where that is, send me a PM, and I'll get you in touch with them. Remember, OSISS also has groups to support your family, to help them as well!
Reach out - Don't isolate, don't hide from it, don't be ashamed of it. There is support out there. But, if you alienate too many people, you will find out how lonely it can be.
Get active - physical activity is a very significant benefit - and that's clinically proven. Contact Soldier On and get onto an activity with them. Try yoga - they've recently shown hard data on how much it helps people with PTSD. Don't sit idle, it lets the intrusive thoughts come in.
Don't become a professional victim - I see far too much of this on social media, and with some folks I've dealt with through work. People imploding on Facebook, blaming everybody else for what happens, etc.. I've also seen instances where I believe that some folks are subconsciously holding onto their injury, because it's all they know now, it's what defines them as a unique individual. Some few (and I say few) hold onto it because there's a cash payout from VAC. They are legitimately ill, but they don't want to get better, because that will reduce their Disability Award, and other payouts from SISIP and VAC. Even at 100% from VAC, is it really worth it, when you consider how many more decades you've got to live? Your recovery should be far more important!
Anyway, enough pontificating from me - good luck, and never give up. If you need to chat, send me a PM.
