Experiencing a traumatic event increases the risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition can impact anyone who has been through trauma, and it is notably prevalent among military personnel who have been in combat. Statistics, according to the VA, show that 7 out of every 100 veterans (7%) will experience PTSD, with a higher prevalence among female Veterans at 13%, compared to 6% among male Veterans. Over the past few decades, there has been significant progress in understanding and studying PTSD.
Despite growing public awareness, recognizing PTSD isn’t always straightforward. The symptoms are highly variable and often overlap with other psychiatric disorders. In some cases, PTSD symptoms might not manifest until months or even years after the traumatic event. Are you or someone you know a vet struggling with PTSD? Contact the National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), which is dedicated to assisting Veterans in need across Central Florida. Get help today to start feeling better tomorrow.
Who Can Get PTSD?
Anyone who undergoes a traumatic event may develop PTSD. While this is not exclusively tied to military service or combat exposure, Veterans statistically face a higher risk of experiencing PTSD, with a lifetime likelihood of 7% compared to 6% among non-veterans. PTSD can also stem from other sources such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, surviving natural disasters, encountering dangerous situations, or accidents. These experiences can leave individuals traumatized, triggering feelings of fear or stress even in safe situations.
Effects of PTSD on Veterans’ Lifestyle
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can profoundly affect the lives of veterans. This condition often leads to difficulties in maintaining relationships, holding down jobs, and engaging in everyday activities. Veterans with PTSD may experience severe anxiety, depression, and emotional numbness, which can hinder their ability to connect with loved ones and enjoy social interactions. Access to proper treatment and support systems is crucial for helping veterans manage PTSD and improve their overall quality of life.
Recognizing the Warnings Signs of PTSD
Recognizing the warning signs of PTSD is crucial for providing help to those suffering. PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, can manifest in various ways, and its symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Understanding these signs is essential for offering timely and effective support. While PTSD can look different for everyone, here are some common symptoms:
Symptoms of PTSD
Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts
Flashbacks: These are vivid, distressing memories that feel as if the traumatic event is happening all over again. During a flashback, a person might feel or act as though they are reliving the trauma, which can be extremely overwhelming.
Repeated Memories: Individuals with PTSD often have recurring, unwanted memories of the traumatic event. These memories can pop up at any time and can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells, or situations that remind the person of the trauma.
Intrusive Thoughts: These are involuntary, distressing thoughts about the traumatic event that can be difficult to control. They can interrupt daily activities and make it hard for a person to focus on anything else.
Nightmares: People with PTSD may experience frequent nightmares that revolve around the traumatic event. These nightmares can be so vivid and distressing that they cause sleep disturbances and anxiety about going to sleep.
Avoidance
Avoidance: This can include avoiding places, people, conversations, activities, objects, or situations that trigger memories of the trauma. This avoidance can interfere with daily life and lead to social isolation.
Distress
Emotional Distress: This can manifest as intense feelings of fear, sadness, anger, or helplessness when thinking about or being reminded of the trauma.
Physical Distress: Physical reactions can include sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness, or even panic attacks when faced with reminders of the traumatic event.
Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal: People with PTSD may be in a constant state of heightened alertness, always on the lookout for threats. This can make them easily startled by sudden noises or movements.
Lack of Focus: Concentrating on tasks can be challenging, as intrusive thoughts and hypervigilance can distract and overwhelm the person.
Insomnia or Sleep Disruptions: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is common. Nightmares and hyperarousal can make restful sleep difficult to achieve, leading to fatigue and other health issues.
Mood Changes
Mood Changes: Individuals with PTSD often find themselves stuck in a loop of negative emotions and thoughts, which can be hard to break. Experiencing joy, happiness, and other positive emotions can be difficult. This can lead to a general feeling of numbness or detachment from life.
Anger or Irritability: People with PTSD might find themselves irritable and angry, and this may sometimes lead to angry outbursts over minor issues. Outbursts from those struggling with PTSD can be disproportionate to the situation and can strain relationships with others.
Social isolation: People with PTSD may withdraw from friends, family, and social activities. This isolation can stem from a fear of being reminded of the trauma or simply from a lack of interest in socializing and, therefore, disassociating from life.
Difficulty Maintaining Relationships: Maintaining personal and professional relationships can be challenging for those suffering from PTSD due to emotional numbing, irritability, and avoidance behaviors.
Behavioral Changes
Indifference in Activities: Hobbies and activities that once brought pleasure may no longer hold any interest, leading to a lack of engagement in life.
Self-Destructive Behaviors: In an effort to cope with the overwhelming emotions and memories, some individuals with PTSD may turn to risky or self-destructive behaviors. In some cases, this may be defined as substance abuse. These actions often lead to further problems down the line.
Memory Issues: Problems with memory can manifest as difficulty remembering details of the traumatic event or having trouble recalling everyday information. This can be frustrating and impact daily functioning.
By recognizing these symptoms, we can better support those who are struggling with PTSD and guide them toward the help they need. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, reaching out to a mental health professional can be a critical step toward healing and recovery.
Next Steps
Understanding these symptoms is essential not just for veterans but also for their families and those trying to lend a hand and support those who are struggling with this mental health condition. Being able to recognize the less common or more subtle signs of PTSD can make a significant difference in getting timely help and support.
Treatment
Supporting veterans with PTSD involves providing effective treatment options, including specialized therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). These therapies aim to help individuals address and process traumatic events. Additionally, medications such as paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating PTSD symptoms. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to receive personalized care and determine the most suitable treatment approach. Treatment has proven effective in helping those affected by PTSD. It’s important to get help for oneself or others to facilitate recovery and regain a sense of well-being.
Resources
For veterans struggling with PTSD, there are numerous resources available to provide support:
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): VA Medical Centers across the country offer specialized PTSD treatment programs. Veterans can use the VA’s PTSD Program Locator to find nearby treatment options.
Vet Centers: These community-based counseling centers offer free individual and group counseling to veterans and service members, regardless of VA health care enrollment. They assist with transitions to civilian life and provide support after military trauma. Vet centers also take active-duty military, including National Guard and Reserve members. All visits remain completely confidential.
1655 East Highway 50
Suite 102
Clermont, FL 34711
1620 Mason Avenue
Suite C
Daytona Beach, FL 32117-5513
5575 South Semoran Boulevard
Suite 30
Orlando, FL 32822
2098 Sarno Road
Melbourne, FL 32935
VA Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans can reach out to counselors anytime by calling 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1, or they can chat online. Spanish-speaking counselors are available at 1-888-628-9454.
How NVHS Can Help
National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) is dedicated to eliminating homelessness among veterans in Central Florida. Founded in 2008, NVHS has expanded its mission to include a comprehensive range of prevention services for Veteran homelessness.
Homelessness Prevention
NVHS assists those currently experiencing homelessness and takes proactive steps to prevent it altogether. By identifying veterans at risk and offering timely support, NVHS provides financial assistance, budget counseling, and crisis intervention to prevent homelessness before it happens.
Housing Assistance
NVHS helps veterans transition from homelessness to temporary or permanent housing. This includes navigating the housing application process, securing rental assistance, and providing support to maintain stable housing. NVHS also operates transitional housing facilities that offer case management, counseling, and life skills training.
PTSD Awareness
NVHS offers post-traumatic stress awareness, action, and anonymity through its PTSA Program. The program helps veterans understand and manage PTSD, providing support and resources for recovery.
By addressing the immediate needs of homeless veterans and providing ongoing support, NVHS is making a significant impact in the fight against veteran homelessness. The organization’s holistic approach ensures that veterans receive the comprehensive care they need to overcome challenges and rebuild their lives.
Join Our Mission
If you or someone you know is a veteran struggling with PTSD or homelessness, NVHS is here to help. Our proactive, intervention-based approach aims to meet veterans where they are and assist them in rebuilding their lives.
Ways to Support
Your contributions enable us to provide essential services and support to veterans in need. By joining our team as a volunteer or donating, you can directly impact the lives of veterans in your community. Together, we can work towards eliminating veteran homelessness and ensuring every veteran has the support and resources needed to thrive.
Learn More and Get Involved
By focusing on these key areas and leveraging community support, NVHS continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans affected by PTSD and homelessness. Join us on our mission to create a healthier, more supportive environment and help prevent homelessness for our veterans. Learn more about how to help our Veterans get back on their feet.
