GUIDE: PTSD – The Truth & The Numbers

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as combat, sexual assault, or a serious accident. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety

How common is PTSD among veterans?

The results, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry (8 October 2018), estimate the rate of PTSD among UK veterans of all conflicts to be a minimum 7.4% (Reported Cases)

The rate of PTSD is even higher for veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Among those who’d deployed to the conflicts, the rate of PTSD was 9%. For veterans who deployed to those war zones in a combat role, 17% reported symptoms of PTSD and 30% were predicted to develop a mental health condition.

ALMOST A THIRD OF SERVICE PEOPLE THAT SEE COMBAT WILL DEVELOP A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION

SOURCE: https://combatstress.org.uk/new-research-reveals-higher-rate-ptsd-among-veterans

What are some of the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD can include:

• Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Avoiding things that remind you of the traumatic event
• Negative changes in mood and cognition, such as feeling guilty, ashamed, or constantly on guard
• Hypervigilance or being easily startled
• Intense distress when reminded of the traumatic event
• In severe cases, dissociative symptoms, such as feeling detached from oneself or feeling like the world is not real

How does PTSD affect veterans’ relationships and family life?

PTSD can have a significant impact on veterans’ relationships and family life. Symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anger can make it difficult for veterans to form and maintain healthy relationships.

They may withdraw from loved ones and have difficulty trusting others. They may also have difficulty with intimacy and may avoid physical touch. It can also cause strain on the relationship with their partner or family members due to their changed behavior or mood

Can PTSD be cured?

PTSD is a chronic condition, and a complete cure may not be possible for everyone. However, with proper treatment and support, the symptoms of PTSD can be managed and individuals can lead fulfilling lives. Recovery is possible and many veterans who receive treatment are able to improve their symptoms and return to a more normal life, however treatment is critical in most cases

What are some ways veterans can receive treatment for PTSD?

There are a variety of treatment options available for veterans with PTSD. These can include therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or prolonged exposure therapy (PE), medication, and alternative therapies such as yoga or acupuncture. Many veterans also find support groups to be helpful in their recovery. As well as support groups, many services offer vocational and educational counseling which is found to be usefull

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE YOURSELF:

• Practice self-care: Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep
• Try to relax: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation
• Stay connected: Reach out to friends and family, or attend support groups from similar-minded people
• If you prefer more one-on-one sessions, talk to a therapist or counselor about your experiences
• Find ways to cope with triggers: Create a safety plan for when you feel overwhelmed or triggered so you know what to do and have a plan when needed

What should someone do if they think a loved one is experiencing PTSD?

If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing PTSD, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to go with them to their first appointment or help them find a local support group. It’s also important to be patient and understanding, as recovery will take time

DISCLAIMER: It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with PTSD is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to work with a mental health professional or governing body to find the right treatment plan. REMEMBER You’re not alone in this, a lot of people are in the same position and you can take positive steps to come out the otherside

To find out more about how you can help us support research, care and advance in PTSD treatment, please contact us or come see us at one of our events – CLICK HERE