Today’s veteran faces a range of physical and psychological injuries that have lasting, if not permanent, effects. While Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is somewhat familiar, it is becoming evident that what we call PTSD is actually a collection of issues related to combat stress, brain injury, and sexual trauma. It is imperative that veterans recognize the signs of PTSD and seek assistance right away in order to maximize their treatment and support services.
The National Center for PTSD advises that the most common symptoms are:
- Reliving a traumatic Event: This often happens through nightmare or flashbacks.
- Avoiding situations that remind you of the event: A veteran can quickly become isolated if he or she avoids people, places, and activities that will them to think of or talk about a traumatic event.
- Negative Changes in beliefs and feelings: while everyone has evolving opinions, this is a strong change in beliefs that can create a feeling of helplessness or lack of meaning.
- Feeling keyed up or Jittery: Also called
hyperarrousal . It can be difficult for a veteran to release the tension of battle and return to daily life. - Depression or anxiety: Loss of interest in activities and hobbies, sleeping too much or not enough, changes in eating habits, feelings of hopelessness or uselessness.
- Drug and Alcohol problems: many veterans use alcohol and drugs to cope with the pain and fear of PTSD.
- Chronic pain
Symptoms can vary between people and range in severity. PTSD can be a very serious issue and veterans should seek medical help if these symptoms are present. While PTSD is not a new phenomenon, treatment
