Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition prevalent among individuals who have undergone traumatic events. Affecting approximately 7% of Americans, PTSD is a natural response to experiences like sexual abuse, physical assault, violence, or severe accidents.
While about eight million adults grapple with PTSD, American veterans are disproportionately impacted. The nature of their service often exposes them to injuries, death, and other life-threatening situations, both in combat and non-combat scenarios. Regrettably, the severity of these traumatic experiences can lead to enduring PTSD symptoms in veterans.
The Impact of PTSD on Daily Life
For many veterans, PTSD symptoms can complicate the transition from military to civilian life. Cognitive and emotional effects of the disorder can strain relationships and hinder career progression. Memory lapses regarding traumatic events are common, accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, social detachment, negative self-perception, self-blame, and difficulty accepting positive reinforcement.
Factors Influencing PTSD in the Military
While PTSD manifests uniquely in each individual, certain factors can heighten its likelihood:
- Gender: Both men and women in the military face risks of military sexual trauma, though women are more susceptible to harassment and unwanted sexual advances.
- Exposure: Combat isn’t the sole trigger; exposure to military hospitals or learning of a comrade’s death secondhand can also induce PTSD.
- Access to mental health services: Post-service, some veterans struggle to access therapeutic programs, exacerbating their condition.
- Deployment location: The specific time and place of deployment can impact the likelihood of developing PTSD, with certain conflicts posing higher risks.
Supporting Veterans with PTSD
Once discharged, veterans confront numerous challenges, from securing employment to reintegrating into society. Unfortunately, they often lack the necessary support, leading to complications like PTSD that affect personal growth and relationships.
PTSD is a pervasive disorder, challenging to diagnose and treat due to its requirement for discussing and confronting trauma directly. To truly grasp the experiences of those grappling with this debilitating condition, it’s crucial to comprehend its facts and severity. For further insights, statistics, and symptoms related to PTSD, refer to our comprehensive resource.
Infographic provided by Veteran Car Donations, a top company for Texas car donations
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164108/
https://www.verywellmind.com/ptsd-from-the-vietnam-war-2797449
https://www.veterancardonations.org/blog/what-are-ptsd-triggers/
https://www.heroesmile.com/veteran-ptsd-statistics-that-everyone-should-know/
https://www.veterancardonations.org/blog/types-of-ptsd-treatments-and-therapies/
https://www.hillandponton.com/veterans-statistics/ptsd/
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/tx_basics.asp
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/complementary-and-integrative-health-approaches-ptsd
