Did you know that as many as 30.9% of male veterans and 24% of female veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? What do we need to know about PTSD in veterans, and how do we help our brave soldiers who have risked their lives for our country? Here are the answers you need.
1. Symptoms of PTSD in Veterans
Symptoms can manifest differently in people, so it is important to know what they look like.
- loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- emotional distancing from family and friends
- nightmares
- heightened aggression
- intense fear
- severe anxiety
- mistrust or paranoia
- agitation
- flashbacks
- self-harming behavior
- excessive alcohol or drug use
- reduced coping abilities
- sleeplessness
- low concentration
These symptoms can range from mild to very serious. A mental health professional can assess the severity and develop a treatment plan to address the root causes of PTSD for relief from symptoms.
2. Why Do Veterans Get PTSD?
Anybody suffering trauma or a shocking event can experience PTSD. Because veterans are more likely to be exposed to war-related trauma than an average civilian, the prevalence of PTSD among veterans is higher than it is in civilians.
When engaged in war-time combat, veterans are repeatedly placed in life-threatening situations. They often experience violent injuries and deaths of comrades, opposing soldiers, and civilians. These experiences cause a shock to the nervous system, resulting in an ongoing “fight or flight” response.
For veterans, this heightened fight or flight response can become fixed where they become stuck in this state. While it is normal for people to have this kind of response as a means for self-protection, it is meant to a temporary response for a potentially dangerous event.
When a person, in this case, a veteran, becomes stuck in the flight or fight state, their brains become rewired in a way that can cause a significant imbalance in their brain chemistry. Without professional help, it is extremely difficult for veterans with PTSD to find equilibrium and mental wellbeing.
3. Domestic Violence
Research shows that 27.5% of veterans with PTSD have reported perpetrating domestic violence. With aggression, emotional distancing, and reduced coping abilities among the list of symptoms of PTSD in veterans, it is not too surprising that there is a higher prevalence of domestic violence as well.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers support for veterans and their families through Supportive Services for Families of Veterans (SSFV). These supports include counseling and emergency housing for veterans and their families who may be fleeing from domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
4. Divorce
The National Center for PTSD has determined that veterans with PTSD experience divorce rates that are twice as high as veterans without PTSD. Additionally, veterans with PTSD are three times more likely to have multiple marriages end in divorce.
Currently, there are more options for families-centered preventative and post-deployment supports. One such program is Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS). This resilience training organization supports couple reintegration, communication strategies, and educational workshops.
Another family support program is After Deployment Adapting Parenting Tools (ADAPT). This multi-lesson program gives parents the tools to strengthen relationships and develop better communication skills after a parent or caregiver returns from deployment.
Family-centered support and treatment are becoming well documented as the best approach for helping veterans with PTSD. However, even if only one member of the family finds support, the family unit benefits. Learn more about their veteran program.
5. Substance Abuse
The VA reported a 76% increase in veterans presenting with PTSD and a substance abuse disorder (SUD) between 2008 and 2014. It is projected as increasing even more since then. As a way to block pain, either physical or emotional, veterans may lean on alcohol or prescription pain medication.
This becomes their coping mechanism to manage the intense feelings that stem from PTSD. Without professional support, SUDs can take hold and form devastating addictions. Although there are many addiction recovery programs from which to choose, there are ones specifically designed to work with veterans.
Scottsdale Recovery Center has a treatment program that addresses the unique needs of veterans with PTSD and addiction. Being among other veterans who can relate to the aftermath of combat adds to the success of recovery.
6. Suicide
Along with higher rates of SUDs and domestic violence, veterans with PTSD also have higher suicide rates than veterans without PTSD. According to the VA, nearly 17 veterans die each day from suicide. It can be very difficult for veterans with PTSD to recognize their symptoms as a condition that can be treated.
Many veterans feel it is impossible to heal from the intense feelings resulting from their traumatic experiences in combat. As such, they may need a loved one to reach out on their behalf. If you experience suicidal ideology or are worried about someone who may have these thoughts, seek immediate support.
7. Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is an excellent resource for all information regarding veterans. They have services that support healthcare for veterans, emergency relief, financial wellbeing, disability benefits, employment, support groups in your area, and family care.
Take advantage of this agency as a veteran or a family member of a veteran. If you aren’t sure what you need, get in touch and they will guide you to the right department for help. They were created to support every aspect of veteran life.
8. Vets Helping Vets
Find support with other veterans who understand the experiences of combat and deployment and the difficulty of dealing with the aftermath. Just as you support each other in battle, support each other at home. Whether you are looking for help or would like to help another struggling vet, the National Veterans Foundation is a good place to start.
Thank a Vet!
PTSD in veterans is an unseen wound, but they are still among our wounded heroes. They need and deserve our support and appreciation after sacrificing so much. American veterans risked their lives protecting our freedom, and now it is our responsibility to help them live their best lives.
Reach out a hand, write letters of appreciation, but most importantly help them get the support they need: Thank a vet, save a vet.
