Servicemen and women returning to civilian life can face many obstacles, including challenges to their mental health. Many returning from military service struggle with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). With the right treatment, PTSD in veterans can improve. However, veterans face unique barriers to accessing adequate treatment including long waiting lists at VA medical centers and social stigma associated with mental illness within military communities.
Mental Health Treatment That Works
Understanding PTSD in Veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition that affects veterans who have experienced traumatic events. In the case of military personnel, these traumatic events usually occur during times of war. PTSD in veterans is more common than in the general population.
Living with untreated PTSD can be challenging and affect all areas of a person’s life, including their ability to function day to day. Only about half of veterans with PTSD seek out treatment. Many do not get the treatment they need due to stigmas surrounding mental health treatment, lack of access to care, and fear of negative consequences. Most specialized therapies for PTSD require engaging with traumatic memories and their associated emotions, which can make it difficult for veterans and military personnel to engage in treatment due to their self-discipline, self-control, and hypervigilance.
Causes and Triggers of PTSD in Veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans is sometimes referred to as shell shock or combat stress. It occurs after experiencing severe trauma or a life-threatening event. Veterans are at higher risk for developing PTSD because they are more likely to experience a threat to their life, witness the wounded and dying, and loss of others compared to civilians. Other events that can cause PTSD in veterans include:
- Training accidents
- Military sexual trauma
- Natural disasters
- Physical violence
- Moral injury (i.e., acting in a way that goes against a person’s beliefs, such as killing or harming others)
Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD include getting injured during an event, intensity or duration of the event, stress after the event, and previous traumatic exposure. Only 10 to 30% of veterans who experience traumatic events develop PTSD. For some, the nervous system can become immobilized after too much stress which makes them unable to move one from the event and return to normal. Chronic stress can also break the body’s feedback loop, leading to elevated cortisol response and making even small stressors seem threatening.
PTSD in veterans can be triggered by many things, including sounds, sights, smells, places and situations. Every person will have unique triggers, but some common reported triggers among veterans with PTSD include:
- Movies or TV shows depicting trauma or war
- Unexpected or unwanted touch, even from loved ones
- Crowded events, like games or concerts
- Situations involving disputes or anger
- Loud noises, such as fireworks, something falling on the floor, etc.
Recognizing Symptoms of PTSD in Veterans
Every person experiences PTSD differently and symptoms can vary. Some veterans may develop PTSD within hours or days following a traumatic event, and others may not develop symptoms for months or even years later. Main signs and symptoms of PTSD include:
- Reliving the traumatic event, including nightmares, flashbacks, and distressing thoughts. Extreme emotional and physical reactions can follow such as panic attacks, heart palpitations, and uncontrollable shaking.
- Avoiding situations that remind you of the event, including people, thoughts, places, or situations. The person may withdraw from friends and family or lose interest in activities.
- Negative changes to thoughts and mood, such as negative beliefs about yourself and the world. You may have persistent feelings of guilt, fear, or shame and a diminished ability to experience positive emotions.
- Being emotionally reactive, jumpy, and constantly on guard, as indicated by sleeplessness, irritability, anger, trouble concentrating, and hypervigilance.
The Impact of PTSD on Veterans’ Lives
Post-traumatic stress disorder can significantly impact the lives of veterans, including their ability to work, relate to others, and perform daily activities. Often PTSD causes problems with relationships as it can affect trust, closeness, communication, and problem solving. Veterans with PTSD may withdraw from friends and family, leading to isolation. PTSD can also lead to drug or alcohol misuse and even addiction as a way to cope with symptoms. They can also develop other mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Some people may manifest PTSD symptoms physically and experience chronic pain.
Treatment Options for Veterans with PTSD
There are several treatment options for veterans with PTSD that range from weekly therapy sessions to more intensive, structured mental health programs. Various types of mental health therapy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy have been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans. Trauma-informed care can be especially effective as it focuses on how trauma affects all aspects of a person’s life and aims to improve overall wellness. Medications can also be beneficial alongside individual and group therapy.
Specialized Programs for Veterans at Moment of Clarity
Moment of Clarity has created a specialized outpatient treatment program tailored to address the unique need of veterans with PTSD. We provide our veterans a tranquil environment with supportive staff and peers to allow proper healing. Our programs are personalized with various evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments. Outpatient mental health treatment at Moment of Clarity allows patients to receive the structured care they require while continuing to live at home. Clinicians will ensure veterans receive proper diagnosis of all mental health disorders they may be dealing with and create a program that improves their quality of life and overall well-being.
Building as Support Network for Veterans
At Moment of Clarity we find it necessary to help veterans build a support network. Many veterans feel isolated or misunderstood by friends and family, leading to feelings of loneliness. Having social connections is necessary for mental wellbeing as it helps people to feel a sense of belonging, love, and value. We help veterans build support networks through peer support groups, family therapy, and connecting them with local veteran organizations. Our programs also help veterans reintegrate back into civilian life to promote healthier relationships and social interactions.
Coping Strategies for Veterans with PTSD
PTSD treatment can provide veterans with the right coping skills and tools to overcome their symptoms. However, there are some coping strategies you can begin using today while you seek out treatment, including:
- Practicing positive self-talk
- Regular exercise to release stress
- Journaling to release thoughts and emotions
- Manage triggers by avoiding situations, objects and people that trigger traumatic memories
- Use breathing techniques such as deep breathing
- Create safe and calming spaces in your home
- Engage in relaxation, such as meditation, reading, or listening to calming music
Mental Health Treatment That Works
Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Help
Stigma surrounding mental health is an ongoing societal issue and affects military personnel more in seeking help. It is important to know that most people struggle with their mental health at some point in their life. Mental health disorders are not controllable and having one is not because you are not strong enough to overcome it. These disorders can occur from dysregulated nervous systems and chemicals in the body. Some ways you can overcome stigma is to educate yourself on mental health, find support groups, and reach out to loved ones about the struggles you are facing.
How Moment of Clarity Supports Veterans with PTSD
At Moment of Clarity, we offer comprehensive, specialized treatment programs for veterans with PTSD and other mental health disorders. We understand the difficulties you have faced during and after service. Our programs provide veterans with a community and safe space to heal from trauma. Mental health treatment can help you and your family develop a better quality of life. To learn more about our veteran and active military programs, please contact us today at (949) 625-0564.
