Types Of Mental Health Illnesses War Veterans Can Develop

Servicewomen and men have traditionally prioritized their physical well-being. In modern society, mental wellness is as crucial. The military lifestyle can be gratifying, but it can also be challenging. According to research, one in four active duty service members had symptoms of a mental health issue.

War veterans’ mental illnesses are distinct. Their long-term mental health may be impacted by things they may have witnessed or encountered during their time in the army. This can make it challenging to adjust to everyday life. Even soldiers who have effectively made the transition could experience ongoing mental health issues. Keep reading to learn more about the mental conditions that people in the army have to deal with after their service years.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Most commonly known as PTSD. It is a frequent mental health condition amongst service members. It can be brought on by events such as violent crime, natural catastrophes, violence, and sexual assault.

A person with PTSD frequently experiences flashbacks of the horrific event in their dreams or thoughts and takes steps to stay away from settings that bring back those memories. As a result, they may be unable to live productive lives and may find adjusting more challenging. Some of its symptoms include:

• PTSD-affected veterans may experience frequent nightmares or reminders of terrible experiences. Occasionally, flashbacks or emotional torment might be brought on by sights, noises, or sometimes scents.
• They avoid scenarios that bring up the incident. It’s normal to stay away from large groups or locations that make you think of a distressing experience. When experiencing PTSD symptoms, an individual may put off getting help because they want to avoid speaking about or reflecting on the incident.
• PTSD can make a person feel negative about people they love. This can occur since people with PTSD may feel insecure when they develop attachments. Particularly with strangers, leading them to isolate themselves and shun interactions completely.

Depression

Depression frequently follows unpleasant experiences. It can leave you in a low mood for days on end, affects your sleeping and eating habits and your desire to socialize with others.

It can co-occur with PTSD. Books written by US Army war veterans usually highlight that people with PTSD develop depression 3–5 times more than people who don’t show any PTSD symptoms. Some of its symptoms include:

• Feeling down for more than two weeks
• Losing interest in activities you enjoy
• Have trouble concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts

Traumatic Brain Injury

PTSD books refer to this as TBI, and it occurs when the head is struck by an external force, enough to affect the brain. This includes shocks caused by explosions or assault-related traumas. It’s labeled as an “invisible wound” since it has no physical symptoms. But, it causes temporary impairment or alteration of brain activity. Some of its symptoms include:

• Memory gaps
• Insomnia
• Difficulty focusing
• Organizing and judgment challenges
• Lack of self-control
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Depression
• Light or touch sensitivity
• Seizures
• Continuous vomiting or nausea
• Balance issues

If you’ve been dealing with any of these issues and want to further explore them through the lens of an Army War Veteran, then we’ve got just the thing for you! Luis Trivino’s “A Notebook Of Love” describes his time in the U.S. Army, his bipolar disorder, PTSD issues, and fight with alcoholism. Get your copy and see how his life turned out for the better!