 Leading a "normal" (American) life
I wasn't really sure what category to put this post in, but it had to go somewhere, so here it is...
2004-2005 I did a 1 year military tour in Iraq that completely changed my life. Involuntarily, my life perspective changed. Since I have been home (approx. a year and a half) I have found it increasingly difficult to readjust to living a "normal" life. The values, beliefs, attitudes, assumptions, and way of life of most Americans greatly disturbs me. As you might imagine, this makes me feel like an alien living in a foreign land. I find it nearly impossible to connect with most people. On top of this I am on-edge a lot of the time and easily startled. As a result, I have become withdrawn and busy myself with work to minimize my interaction with the outside world.
Before all of this I was an overly optimistic, happy person. Now I find my myself easily irritated and pessimistic. I've talked with various counselors/psychiatrists, attended group help sessions, and tried just about every prescription under the sun that might possibly help--all with no real improvement.
Does anyone have any advice for someone in my situation?  |