It was known as “shell shock” during WWI.
Then during WWII, it became “battle fatigue,” followed by “Post-Vietnam Syndrome.”
Today we know it as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
Would it surprise you to discover that as many as half a million U.S. troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past 13 years have been diagnosed with PTSD? If you’re a combat vet, probably not. June is PTSD awareness month, but with statistics as high as that, it’s a subject we should be talking about every day.
PTSD is More Than Just “Shell Shock”
Although the psychologically damaging effects of war were first documented as far back as 490 B.C., (describing the Battle of Marathon), it wasn’t until 1980 that PTSD was recognized by medical professionals as a legitimate diagnosis.
PTSD is one of the leading factors of severe depression in our vets. It makes it harder for them to reintegrate back into their communities, find work, and begin or maintain personal relationships, leading to higher divorce rates.
According to recent statistics, 18 to 22 veterans die by suicide every day caused by PTSD-related afflictions. But only 30 to 40% of veterans and military personnel diagnosed with severe mental or emotional distress seek professional help.
What about the other 60 to 70% that don’t seek help? What happens to them, and more importantly are you one of them?
PTSD Symptoms
When a service member is wounded in combat, he or she usually bears some type of physical mark that others can see. They’re even awarded a purple heart for their pain. But what about the wounds that aren’t visible? The ones that are kept inside to fester and grow?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are 4 types of PTSD symptoms:
- Re-experiencing:
- Flashbacks: You may find yourself reliving a traumatic event. This could include physical symptoms such as a racing heart or sweating.
- Bad dreams: These might include dreams related to the event
- Frightening thoughts
- Avoidance: avoiding thoughts, feelings, places, activities, or objects that remind you of the traumatic event
- Arousal and reactivity: being easily startled, feeling tense, having trouble sleeping
- Cognition and mood: experiencing negative thoughts, feelings of guilt or blame, or loss of interest in hobbies
When these symptoms last for a month, it is considered PTSD.
The Wound No One Sees
Male soldiers are trained to be stoic. And female soldiers have long known that any sign of emotion or weakness from them could be viewed negatively. The symptoms of PTSD can be frightening and challenging to handle.
One of the most common reasons vets suffering from PTSD don’t seek help is the shame and social stigma surrounding mental health care. They’re worried about what a diagnosis might do for their military or civilian careers. As a result, sometimes, the symptoms seem easier to just ignore. But that’s the worst thing you can do.
The good news is that help is out there.
Over the past decade, the Department of Defense and the VA have invested $100 million into research to improve the diagnosis of PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury. There has even been a push by the military and some psychiatrists to change the name to post-traumatic stress injury, in an effort to reduce the stigma.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have PTSD?
Seek Professional Help Immediately. While lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and meditation can help, the most important thing you can do if you are suffering from symptoms of PTSD is seek professional help. Two good resources are the U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD, and the Wounded Warrior Project
Help Educate Others. Having PTSD is not a sign of weakness or a reason to feel ashamed. Mental health conditions are common and many of the factors that cause a psychological disorder (such as exposure to combat) are out of a person’s control. There is no evidence that PTSD develops as a result of someone not being strong enough. When you feel comfortable, talk to your family and friends about your diagnosis and your treatment. There is a strong chance that they will want to help you.
Join a support group. Sometimes the best way to deal with PTSD caused by combat is to be in the company of other vets who’ve gone through a similar experience.
A couple of months ago, Tucker Disability Law’s V.A. newsletter featured veteran Kris Morgan, a disabled vet who spent a decade dealing with seizures, headaches, heart problems, anxiety, and depression. Kris turned his love of woodworking into a way to help himself and his fellow vets. Veteran Flags By Vets, a non-profit organization run by Kris and staffed by volunteers like him, provides custom-made wooden flags to their fellow vets.
You can access the article HERE if you missed it.
Tucker Disability Law is dedicated to seeing our veterans get the benefits they deserve. If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, please get help right away. If you have filed a claim and the VA denied your claim for PTSD disability benefits, we want to help. You can click this link to schedule a free denied claim evaluation to see if we can assist you, or call us at 866-282-5260.
And If you know of a fellow vet who is struggling or has been denied his VA disability, please consider referring Tucker Disability Law Group to your friend. As a way of saying thank you for your referral, We will happily make a donation to Veteran Flags by Vets in your name. Not only will you receive a beautiful custom-made wooden flag, but you’ll be helping out a fellow vet and a worthy cause.
