All You Need to Know About Veterans with PTSD
Unsurprisingly, PTSD is extremely prevalent in war veteran, but despite the painful symptoms, there is hope.
There are currently 17 million veterans in the US. These men and women have served the country for several years, and ideally, they should be living comfortable lives, free of troubles.
But a comfortable life is far from reality for most veterans. Not only is veteran homelessness a growing concern here in the US, but many veterans also have PTSD.
Here’s everything you need to know about PTSD prevalence in the US veteran’s community.
Wars And PTSD
PTSD refers to a post-traumatic stress disorder, so the high prevalence of PTSD in war veterans is sort of self-explanatory. The fact is that war, no matter what reasons it’s fought for, is brutal and life-threatening for everyone directly involved. So even the strongest can be shaken to their cores during a mission.
The events that unfold during a war, of course, have a direct relation to veterans suffering from PTSD. This is very clearly exhibited by comparing the percentage of PTSD patients in veterans from different service areas. For example, those that served in the Gulf War had a PTSD prevalence rate of 12 percent, while 30 percent of Vietnam veterans had PTSD during their lifetime.
Other Contributing Factors During War
There are several factors that can cause stress during war. This includes everything from the war itself, the politics around it, camp conditions, and the location you’re deployed in.
Another leading cause of PTSD amongst veterans is military sexual trauma, which is caused by sexual harassment while you’re at service. While many people may not be aware of it, it can happen to both men and women, and it can happen during training or even while you’re away at war.
The experience of sexual harassment during military service can leave a lasting impact on one’s mind and can eventually lead to PTSD.
How Do Veterans Know They Have PTSD?
PTSD has some very obvious signs, and because it’s so common, most people around veterans can also sometimes identify these symptoms.
Veterans with PTSD often find themselves reliving entire events from the war—while sleeping or while being awake too. The memories can be triggered by the most minor thing, scent, or word and can transport them back to a time that they’d rather forget.
Moreover, some veterans may try to avoid situations and conversations that remind them of the war or specific events from the war. This in itself is a sign of PTSD since they’re using avoidance as a coping mechanism.
Other common and less common symptoms include experiencing negative emotions consistently and hyper vigilance or other unhealthy coping habits like drug abuse.
Can PTSD In Veterans Be Treated?
While it’s not impossible to cure PTSD, there is also no one-size-fits-all definitive treatment that would work for everyone.
But there are several ways mental health professionals can help veterans suffering from PTSD. This includes therapies and certain medications as well.
And one great way veterans with PTSD can get better is by talking to other veterans experiencing similar emotions. If you can’t find a support group, don’t lose hope.
We suggest you read A Notebook of Love by Luis Trivino. He’s a former war veteran with an inspiring story, and he too suffered from PTSD and might have a lesson or two for you.