Understanding PTSD in Veterans
How it works
Contents
Introduction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events, causing significant physical, emotional, or psychological harm. While various incidents—including sexual assault, car accidents, natural disasters, and physical abuse—can trigger PTSD, it is notably prevalent among military veterans due to their experiences in war zones (Trakalo, 2015). This essay delves into the prevalence of PTSD among veterans, its impact on society, and the role of effective coping mechanisms, particularly social support, in alleviating its symptoms.
By exploring these dimensions, the paper aims to underscore the critical importance of addressing PTSD among veterans to enhance their quality of life and societal integration.
Coping Mechanisms
Coping refers to the cognitive, perceptual, and behavioral strategies individuals employ to manage stressors, which may be physical, psychological, or a combination of both (Giddens, 2013). Inadequate coping skills can exacerbate health issues, including malnutrition, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal behavior. For veterans returning from deployment, the stressors are particularly acute. A study highlights that 23% of American soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan were diagnosed with PTSD, a rate significantly higher than the national average (Smith et al., 2017). Symptoms commonly include nightmares, irritability, depressed mood, agitation, anxiety, social isolation, and substance dependence (Trakalo, 2015). These symptoms underscore the necessity for robust coping strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of PTSD on veterans.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans
Military veterans are especially susceptible to PTSD due to the hazardous nature of their work and, often, a lack of familial support. The disorder typically manifests following exposure to traumatic events such as gunfire, the loss of comrades, severe injuries, bullying, or sexual assault. Without appropriate treatment, prolonged PTSD can lead to severe outcomes, including suicide. Alarmingly, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs report that 22 veterans die by suicide each day (Finley et al., 2015), translating to at least one in five veterans. Treatment options for PTSD include pharmacological therapies—such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics—and non-pharmacological approaches like counseling, meditation, art and music therapy, acupuncture, physical activity, and, crucially, social support (Trakalo, 2015). Support from family and society is pivotal in helping veterans regain their pre-deployment stability and well-being.
Prevalence and Societal Impact
According to the Veteran’s Health Administration Office of Public Health, over 2.7 million military personnel who served in Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with war-related PTSD (Ciarleglio et al., 2018). For these veterans, everyday occurrences can trigger distressing flashbacks, complicating their reintegration into civilian life. If left untreated, PTSD can escalate into societal threats, including violent outbursts or mass shootings. Social support plays a vital role in mitigating these risks by enhancing veterans' coping skills and fostering a sense of community and motivation (Johnson, 2018). This support can come from family, friends, coworkers, and organizations that provide material and psychological resources during stressful times (Lincoln, 2000). Effective social support enables veterans to adapt to civilian life and continue contributing positively to society.
The Problem: Suicide and Depression
The primary issues associated with PTSD in veterans are suicide and depression. Veterans with war-related PTSD often experience severe depression, alcohol abuse, and non-alcohol substance abuse. A study by Ciarleglio et al. (2018) found that 36.7% of veterans experienced depression, 2.2% experienced alcohol abuse, and 1.9% experienced non-alcohol substance abuse. Although the general population has lower suicide rates, post-Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have seen a worrying rise in suicide rates among younger veterans and active-duty service members (Finley et al., 2015). This paper seeks to elucidate the effectiveness of social support in reducing suicide and depression risks among veterans with PTSD.
The clinical question guiding this inquiry is: In veterans with PTSD, does social support reduce the risk of suicide and depression compared to those without social support? This question is essential for measuring the outcomes and benefits of social support in treating veterans with PTSD. Success in this context is indicated by reductions in suicide, anxiety disorders, and depression, as well as improvements in veterans' quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PTSD among veterans is a significant concern, given the profound impact it has on individuals and society. While pharmacological treatments are available, non-pharmacological interventions, particularly social support, play an essential role in managing PTSD symptoms and enhancing veterans' quality of life. By fostering strong support networks, society can help veterans overcome the challenges posed by PTSD, facilitating their reintegration into civilian life and enabling them to lead fulfilling lives. Addressing PTSD in veterans is not only a matter of improving individual well-being but also a societal imperative that can lead to broader social stability and harmony.
Understanding PTSD in Veterans. (2019, Jul 28). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/research-on-veterans-with-ptsd/