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Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Support for Iraq Vets Struggling with PTSD and Emotional Trauma

Oct 13, 2008

Soldiers returning from war cannot be expected to come home unchanged. For both troops and their families, the transition to normality can be a difficult one.

Military personnel returning from combat in Iraq have seen many horrendous things. Many have been shot at or seen their friends killed. Some have been permanently wounded. Most are used to being alert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Many veterans grew accustomed to containing their emotions during stressful moments, and many dealt with their anxiety or stress alone while overseas. They were taught self-control and secretiveness in order to maintain safety.

How Veterans May Feel Returning Home

Veterans returning home from combat may feel a host of emotions. They may be relieved to be out of the war zone. They may feel guilt at leaving comrades behind. They may be excited to see spouses, children, parents or siblings. They may be comforted by thoughts of home. And they may be traumatized by remembrances of war.

Family members waiting at home may be unsure how to react. These are people they love and are proud of – but will they still know each other? What will they say? Are the soldiers the same people they were before? How will they assume their old roles as husband, wife, father, or mother? Will children know or respect parents that they haven’t seen in months? Some children may have felt anger, resentment, abandonment or sorrow when a parent went to war, and may take these emotions out on the returning parent.

Veterans still in war mode may have problems in relationships, the workforce, with friends and with finances. It may be difficult to communicate effectively when they are used to maintaining control privately. Some veterans may have difficulty maintaining a civilian job. Others come home to find that it seems life has moved on without them. The divorce rate is high among returning soldiers.

Many veterans suffer from depression, suicidal behavior, anger, self-blame and guilt; others suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Definition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

According to the DSM-IV definition of PTSD, the disorder is characterized by:

A person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which they "experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with…actual or threatened death or serious injury."
The person suffers recurrent distressful recollections of the event, including dreams, images, or the feeling that the event is actually recurring.
Psychological distress at these recollections.
Efforts to numb the recollections of trauma, including denial, avoidance of people or places that stimulate remembrances, or sudden inability to remember the trauma.
Excessive drinking, smoking, or drug use
Diminished interest in regular activities of daily living
Feeling detached from people, especially to those who did not suffer trauma.
Feeling numb or incapable of feeling
Taking risks, having a "death wish," by driving drunk or erratically, or other such activities.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Temperamental outbursts
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling nervous, helpless, and fearful
Feeling on-guard, edgy, and alert
Feeling hopeless about the future

These symptoms must be present longer than one month and cause significant distress in one’s life for it to be considered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is estimated to effect at least 20% of soldiers currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Advice for Returning Soldiers

It takes time to become reacquainted with family and friends after returning from combat. Veterans should be given an open, safe arena for talking about their experiences if they choose to do so. However, no veteran should be forced to talk if it makes him or her uncomfortable. A soldier may be more comfortable talking to fellow military personal or military counselors.

Spouses and children should be prepared that their loved one may return a changed person. Give them adequate time and space to air their emotions and frustrations. However, if the soldier is using harmful methods of coping or suffers strong emotions for longer than one month, encourage them to seek assistance. Remind them that it will not hurt their image or their military career and it does not mean that they are weak or incapable. They are simply having a normal reaction to a terrible circumstance.

Soldiers can seek counseling through their nearest VA hospital’s Mental Health Department. They can file a statement of disability letter and, if eligible, a claim with the Veteran’s Department if receiving ongoing treatment.

The Iraq War Veterans Organization, Inc. has a list of support groups for both veterans and active military personnel and their families. They also have resources for soldiers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans for America also have many books and resources available to help soldiers survive life after combat. The VFA also has a Wounded Warrior Registry in which service members can contact each other and tell their stories. The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs also has a directory of veteran’s service organizations around the country and a guide for families of military members.

Conclusion

Soldiers returning from combat should not be expected to forget their experiences or to pretend that they did not happen. The reality of war is harsh, brutal, and life-changing. Veterans across America need the support of their friends, family, and counselors.

Stop-loss in the United States Military

The Wounded Warrior Project

The copyright of the article Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in US Armed Conflicts is owned by Abby Deliz. Permission to republish Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.