We are forever thankful for our brave troops. They put their life on the line for the betterment of our country, providing an incredible service that is both selfless and heroic. The sacrifice doesn’t stop for veterans when they come back home, as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can terrorize them at night and stress them out during the day. While PTSD can affect various professions, it is most commonly associated with veterans and for good reason, as the symptoms of PTSD for veterans can be especially severe.
What is PTSD in Veterans?
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a reaction to traumatic and life-threatening events. When you are a veteran, the likelihood that you are exposed to a traumatic event is much higher than that of a civilian. This can include seeing gruesome acts of violence, being constantly on edge, having your life put in danger, feeling a lack of control over the events around you, or witnessing a friend get injured or die. Veterans who get injured in combat are also at a great risk to suffer PTSD. PTSD can dramatically infringe upon the ability of veterans to live a normal life, with debilitating symptoms that impact the veteran and those around them.
What are the Symptoms of PTSD in Veterans?
There are a wide variety of different symptoms associated with PTSD. Each individuals battle with PTSD will be shaped by the traumatic experiences that are at the root of the disorder, but there are common threads to be found in all cases.
Nightmares from PTSD
One of the most common symptoms of PTSD in veterans is nightmares. These nightmares can be vivid flashbacks to their time under duress in the armed forces, forcing them to relive over and over one of the very worst moments in their entire lives.
Feeling Emotionally Distant or Cutoff
It can be difficult for those with PTSD to emotionally connect with people when they come back to civilian life. They have accumulated a wealth of experiences that the average person just cannot relate to, and this distance can make it feel like they cannot share their thoughts and emotions with others.
Feeling Jumpy or Constantly Guarded
It can be difficult for a veteran suffering from PTSD to relax. Every noise, flicker of movement, or word can trigger them and bring them right back into their awful experience. This can lead to them constantly being on guard and unable to relax, including difficulty sleeping at night.
Losing Interest, Feeling Numb, and Outbursts of Anger
A veteran with PTSD has trouble feeling emotions, and each individual deals with this differently. Some feel constantly irritated and will snap in fits of anger and rage. Others go numb, closing themselves in and losing interest in things they used to love and take joy from.
What Are Treatment Options for Veterans With PTSD?
If you or someone close to you is suffering from PTSD, it is essential to get help as soon as possible. Effective treatment can drastically reduce symptoms and lead to a higher quality of life.
Most treatment for veterans with PTSD will consist of a combination of medication and counseling. Medication will help reduce irritability and anger, as well as help veterans fall asleep at night. The counseling will help those with PTSD learn coping techniques to help deal with and address the everyday challenges that PTSD brings about.
Clinical Research Studies for Veterans With PTSD in San Diego
San Diego is proud of its military presence and does everything it can to support them. Synergy Research Centers in San Diego offers PTSD research studies for those with PTSD, providing an opportunity to learn more about posttraumatic stress disorder and try new treatments. For more information, call Synergy Research Centers at (888) 619-7272.