Military Veterans, Active-Duty, & First Responders

Trauma is a common experience in the lives of military members, veterans, and first responders due to the nature of their work. Exposure to traumatic events can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, leading to conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. In the case of military, veterans, and first responders, this may include being in combat, witnessing violence or death, or responding to emergencies and disasters. 

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after exposure to a traumatic event. It can develop in anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. PTSD can cause a range of symptoms, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety and fear. It can also lead to avoiding certain situations or people, feeling numb or detached, and experiencing strong feelings of guilt or shame.

• Trauma and PTSD in the Military

Military service members are at a higher risk for developing PTSD due to their exposure to combat and other traumatic events during their service. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), about 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD in a given year. PTSD can significantly impact a veteran's transition into civilian life, their relationships, and their overall quality of life.

• Trauma and PTSD in Veterans

PTSD can develop in anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, including veterans who have served in noncombat roles. According to the VA, about 10-20% of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, 30% of Vietnam veterans, and 15% of Gulf War veterans have the PTSD. However, it's estimated that less than 40% of veterans with PTSD seek treatment, which is often due to the stigma surrounding mental health in the military culture.

• Trauma and PTSD in First Responders

First responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, are also at a higher risk for developing PTSD due to their exposure to distressing and traumatic events on the job. A study by the Ruderman Family Foundation (2017) found that first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, with PTSD being a significant contributing factor.  

If you've been through a traumatic experience, you might find yourself:

• dealing with intense thoughts and emotions that linger long after the event
• often reliving these experiences through flashbacks and nightmares
• having overwhelming emotions like fear, anger, and sadness
• sense a detachment from friends, family, and even yourself
• avoiding situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event
• experiencing strong and uncontrollable reactions, provoked by everyday sounds or incidents, like a door banging or an accidental touch in a crowd

What kind of treatment can help?

Treatment for PTSD and other trauma/stressor related disorders, varies for each individual but often includes a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. 

Evidence-based treatment options for military, veterans, and first responders have been strongly recommended by the VA and SAMHSA, including:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); 
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT); 
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Trauma therapy can help you...

• Develop coping strategies tailored to the unique stressors you face.
• Address the impact of trauma on your relationships, and enhance teamwork and communication.
• Navigate feelings of guilt or shame related to tough decisions made in the line of duty.
• Transition to civilian life smoother.
• Manage symptoms like hypervigilance, nightmares, and flashbacks.
• Learn crisis intervention techniques to effectively manage your responses during emergencies, preventing potential negative outcomes.
• Foster leadership skills that are mindful of trauma's impact, turning you into a leader who understands and supports your team's mental health.
• Acquire resilience-building tools to navigate the unique stressors associated with your role.
• Process the grief of colleagues or comrades.
• Develop alternatives to cope with trauma-related stressors without relying on substances.

PTSD is a significant issue in the military, veteran, and first responder communities, and it's essential to raise awareness and understanding of this condition. 

With the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage PTSD and improve one's quality of life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Reference: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma related or PTSD symptoms, know that help and support are available. I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.