PTSD in Military Veterans: Symptoms & Treatment

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Veterans and other trauma-exposed groups are at high risk for PTSD, which can cause debilitating symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, night terrors, anxiety, and flashbacks. PTSD can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their interpersonal relationships and overall quality of life.

Although PTSD is often associated with veterans, it is important to note that it can develop in anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. This includes people who have survived natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent crimes. PTSD is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting an estimated 6.2 million adults each year.(FN1)

Why Is PTSD in Veterans So Common?

The prevalence of PTSD among military veterans is double that of the general population, with 12% of veterans experiencing PTSD in their lifetime. The increased risk of developing PTSD is largely due to combat exposure, as it involves witnessing violence and death. Additionally, there are non-combat risk factors for PTSD in veterans, including prolonged periods of stress and separation from loved ones.

Causes & Triggers for PTSD in Veterans

PTSD in veterans can be caused by both combat-related and non-combat-related violence. Multiple deployments can have a cumulative effect because each deployment exposes the veteran to new traumatic experiences. Transitioning back to civilian life can also be a significant stressor for veterans. They may have difficulty adjusting to life outside of the military, and they may miss the camaraderie and sense of purpose that they had during their service.

Combat-related causes of PTSD in veterans include:(FN3)

• Exposure to violence
• Loss of comrades
• Direct enemy engagement
• Witnessing death or destruction
• Repeatedly hearing loud noises, such as explosions or gunfire

Non-combat causes of PTSD in veterans include:

• Military sexual trauma
• Training accidents
• Witnessing harm to civilians
• Discrimination or harassment
• Financial difficulties
• Relationship problems

Symptoms of PTSD in Veterans

Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD in veterans is essential for early intervention and effective treatment. PTSD in veterans can show up in many ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. Some veterans may feel emotionally numb, easily startled, constantly on edge, or have trouble focusing.

• Flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Night terrors related to the trauma
• Persistent feelings of fear and unease
• Intrusive thoughts or memories related to the trauma
• Emotional numbness
• Hypervigilance
• Increased anger and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

Treatment for PTSD in Veterans

PTSD in veterans can be debilitating, but there are various effective treatments available. Trauma-focused psychotherapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are commonly used to help veterans process traumatic memories and reduce the impact of PTSD symptoms. Medications for PTSD, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, may be prescribed. Finally, veterans’ organizations and support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding.

Therapy for Veterans With PTSD

Trauma therapy is essential for veterans with unresolved trauma. Evidence-based modalities such as trauma-focused CBT, DBT, and EMDR can help veterans process traumatic memories, regulate emotions, and build resilience.

Therapy options for PTSD in veterans include:

• Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): TF-CBT is a specialized type of CBT that focuses on helping people process and overcome traumatic memories. This is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD in veterans.(FN4)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a therapy that teaches people skills for managing strong emotions and difficult situations. DBT for PTSD can be helpful for veterans who struggle with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts due to their trauma.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR for PTSD is a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help people process traumatic memories.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT is a therapy that helps people accept their thoughts and feelings, even if they are unpleasant, and commit to living a meaningful life.

Body-Centered Therapy for Veterans With PTSD

Body-centered therapies are a valuable complement to traditional talk therapies for treating PTSD in veterans. By focusing on the mind-body connection and bodily expression, these therapies can help veterans process trauma, regulate emotions, and build resilience. For example, somatic therapy involves paying attention to the physical sensations in one’s body when they are feeling triggered and noticing how they change as the person practices relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathwork.

Medication Options for Veterans With PTSD

There are a variety of medications that can be prescribed for PTSD in veterans. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can be helpful in alleviating PTSD symptoms. Prazosin may help reduce nightmares and improve sleep quality. Additionally, anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines are occasionally used for short-term symptom relief.

Medication should be used in conjunction with therapeutic interventions, such as trauma-focused therapy, for optimal results. Additionally, everyone reacts to medication differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to find the right medication and dosage for you.

PTSD Group Therapy & Support Groups

Group therapy and peer support groups provide a safe space for veterans to connect and share their struggles, successes, and hopes for the future. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to learn coping skills that other individuals with the same struggles are using. The importance of shared experiences in group therapy and support groups cannot be overstated.

5 Coping Strategies for Veterans With PTSD

Empowering veterans to actively engage in their healing journey, coping strategies, and alternative treatments play a crucial role in relieving PTSD symptoms. Self-care involves personalized activities that promote mental and emotional well-being, encouraging veterans to prioritize their needs.

Here are five coping strategies for veterans with PTSD:

1. Self-care: Self-care involves doing things that make you feel good and help you relax, like spending time in nature, doing hobbies, or reading a book. This can help you stay well and manage your PTSD symptoms.
2. Journaling for Trauma: Writing about your thoughts and feelings can help you process your trauma and understand yourself better. Journaling about your trauma can also be a helpful way to cope with difficult emotions.
3. Grounding exercises: Grounding exercises involve focusing on the present moment by using your senses. For example, the 54321 method is a type of grounding exercise where you notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you. This can help you feel calmer when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
4. Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help with anxiety and depression stemming from PTSD. Thin needles are inserted into specific points on your body to relieve physical and emotional tension. This can help you manage your PTSD symptoms over time.
5. Trauma-informed yoga: Trauma-informed yoga is tailored to meet the needs of people with trauma histories. It can help you to reconnect with your body and promote overall well-being.
6. Painting your emotions: Art therapy offers a unique way to process trauma without having to put feelings into words. Through drawing, painting, or sculpting, veterans can express their deepest emotions in a creative and safe space.
7. Connect with horses: Equine-assisted therapy is a non-verbal way to connect with other living beings, fostering trust, communication, and emotional regulation. Working with horses can help many overcome trauma-related challenges and develop coping mechanisms in a mutually supportive environment.

Where to Find Professional Help for Veteran PTSD

Military veterans’ mental health is often stigmatized, preventing veterans from seeking the help they need. Remember, PTSD is a common mental health condition that affects many veterans, and seeking help for PTSD is a sign of strength, not weakness.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to PTSD. What works for one veteran may not work for another. It is important to be patient and explore what works best for you. An online therapist directory can help veterans connect with local mental health professionals who specialize in military veteran mental health. Alternatively, an online therapy platform can be a convenient, affordable, and private way to receive mental health care. Online psychiatry services can also help with medication management.

Finding the right therapist is a crucial step. Prioritize your well-being, explore your options, inquire about costs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to programs specifically designed to support veterans on their journey to mental health recovery. Remember, seeking help is a courageous step, and the resources available are designed to make this journey as accessible and supportive as possible.