Online psychologist or help for overseas vet?

January 3, 2013 8:38 PM

Coming undone filter: Online psychologist or help for overseas vet?

Swear I'm about to lose it. Isolated, in pain, (mostly) immobile and severed from the outside world when my voice recognition is broken, I'm losing it. I'm in Shanghai, China. Too much to type, and it hurts to do so with a permanent wrist injury. The VA is shit if you are overseas. Been looking for help online but am at the end of my rope pain-wise. Looking for a way out=pain. Explainin g the problem=pain.

Several things going on in my life--most require computer work. Pain. Internet broken--requires texting HR = pain. Frustrated. Tired of it all. Feels like I am wearing a digital muzzle. Trying to find help seems tough as it is all fucking pain with this bloody wrist problem. Being in a wheelchair was easier than this, and I'm losing it. Who can I talk to beyond the int;l hospital shrink at $300 dollars an hour? Online/skype help or shrinks? Tried searching already.

I wouldn't even be overseas if I could physically do the job I went to school for. But no bitterness right? :-/ Sorry if I am so angry. Frustrated. Hope someone has some insights. Thanks!!

posted by chinabound to Health & Fitness (9 answers total)

You can talk to the folks at the Veterans Crisis Line. They have a chat option which may work for you from overseas:

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, responders at the Veterans Crisis Line online chat offer help that can make a difference. Caring, qualified VA professionals are standing by to provide free and confidential support. Use the Veterans Chat to get online support anonymously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year —even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Responders will work with you to help you get through any personal crisis, even if that crisis does not involve thoughts of suicide.

posted by Jahaza at 9:09 PM on January 3, 2013

You may or may not be able to call their 1-800 number from overseas.
posted by Jahaza at 9:11 PM on January 3, 2013

Response by poster: can't chat online. but thx,
posted by chinabound at 9:18 PM on January 3, 2013

Might the US Consultate in Shanghai have any resources available to you?
posted by Dansaman at 10:09 PM on January 3, 2013

Another idea: perhaps a veterans networking site like Together We Served might lead you to some helpful local contacts in Shanghai.
posted by Dansaman at 10:42 PM on January 3, 2013

This website compiles some therapists who offer phone or internet/skype counseling. Hopefully you can find one who is right for you.

http://www.theravive.com/therapists/e-counseling.aspx
posted by salvia at 12:13 AM on January 4, 2013

I've not logged on here in a long while, but saw your post and had to answer. I looked around online and found this organization. They're technically for Veterans (and their families) here in the States, but they specifically mention that their services are free, and that they will work by phone.

Maybe if you call, they can work something out, or will be able to Skype.

The Veterans Crisis Line specifically says that they work with the Red Cross for Vets that are overseas, so I don't know if that might be helpful.

I figure that you probably also know about this.

Good luck to you. Deep breaths. And keep checking in, OK?
posted by dancinglamb at 4:38 AM on January 4, 2013

Oh, I am so sorry you are in this position. I can't imagine it - I have been laid up alone from foot surgery for the last month, and I thought I was in bad shape. But I have lived for a long time with chronic pain, and it sounds to me like yours is terribly managed. Pain leads to muscle spasms and tension, which leads to more pain, and your body doesn't recover nearly as quickly when it isn't relaxed and able to rest. Pain isn't just something you should man up and bear, it's often the enemy of good healing.

I don't know where you are, but I think your first priority should be to DEMAND better pain management from whoever is charged with looking after you. They're seriously falling down on their job. If you are able to find someone to talk to, ask them to advocate for you, if you feel like that would help. But better pain meds will help you enormously. Don't let anyone feed you any silly lines about getting hooked on meds or crap like that. If you need it, you need it. That's all there is to it.
posted by backwards compatible at 9:54 AM on January 4, 2013

Please keep updating. I am not American, and I hope you get help through an American service. But I have several Chinese friends, who may be able to help you if all fails. Most are in Europe at this point in time, so we would be doing degrees of separation, however, I know everyone would take up the challenge.
posted by mumimor at 12:54 PM on January 4, 2013