Veterans all over the world struggle with an invisible battle when adjusting to life after serving for our Country. Have you too ever felt disconnected from the world moving around you? Moving through life wondering if it will ever go back to normal?
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may arise after someone experiences a severe trauma or a life-threatening event. In the past, PTSD was called “Shell shock” or “combat fatigue.” which undermined the severity of the trauma that those were going through. Today people have a much better understanding of PTSD and how the emotional and psychological condition can have lifelong effects.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 7 to 8 percent of the population will experience PTSD at some time in their lives. Yet, this rate is much higher for military veterans.
Symptoms?
- Avoiding places or things that remind them of their experience: Veterans may avoid places or people that may remind them of any traumatic experiences they went through.
- Revisiting the traumatic event: Nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive negative thoughts are the most common. When this happens mental as well as physical symptoms could appear such as heart palpitations or panic attacks.
- Negative changes in mood and thoughts: Veterans can experience feelings such as hopelessness, guilt, or shame. They may struggle to feel connected to family or peers causing their views of relationships to shift.
- Self-destructive behaviors: Some may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as Abuse of drugs and alcohol, reckless careless behavior, and self-harm.
- Hypervigilance: Many report feeling ‘on edge’ or may be overly alert or emotionally reactive. Some may even be constantly scanning their surroundings for dangers. In everyday settings, they are always ‘on guard’.
Supporting Our Veterans: Journey to Healing
Be Patient: Healing from PTSD is not a linear journey. Some days are good and some are bad. Some people may even withdraw until they are ready to face the world. Offering support and having patience can help them know they have you in their corner.
Understand: Many veterans are reluctant to speak about their experiences because they fear judgment or misunderstanding. Listening without judgment could go a long way.
Stay educated: Understanding PTSD in veterans is also a huge part in providing effective support. The more informed you are, the more support you can offer.
At Boots to Health Foundation, we offer spiritual coaching and life coaching for all veterans at 0 cost. Providing a safe space for veterans is our main goal. Supporting our veterans is not only important in the military community because we all have a role to play in helping them heal, by raising awareness around PTSD and providing resources or support.
References
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2014). PTSD Basics - PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Va.gov. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2019). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Va.gov. https://www.research.va.gov/topics/ptsd.cfm
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