Mental Health Needs of Returning Veterans, including PTSD and Addictions
Research suggests that 1 out of 3 veterans returning from military service abroad will come home with psychological issues in one way or another. One out of 6 of these will suffer from PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. All members of the military, upon their homecoming as civilians, are required to have a medical and psychological exit exam. Often times, these veterans do not admit to any problems needing treatment in fear of a discharge delay from the military. As a result, veterans returning to civilian life will need additional attention once they are home, safe and sound. This attention is readily available from professional counseling for military men and women.
When a disabling disorder such as PTSD is experienced by a returned veteran, unrelenting dreams, thoughts, and memories will force that individual to feel further removed from his or her loved ones and all of society. To remember the witnessing of a traumatic event, and the feeling of helplessness at the time, will surely haunt anyone in such a position. The following are various symptoms which will be noticed by returning veterans in need of psychological counseling for PTSD:
• Vivid dreams of past events. • Disturbing invasive memories at random moments. • Distress from unexpected similar cues. • Avoiding of conversations pertaining to related incidences. • Estranged and detached feelings from others. • Abnormal sleep patterns including falling and/or staying asleep. • Inappropriate bursts of anger. • Lack of concentration. • Depression.
Other psychological conditions warranting attention by a professional would be addiction problems, anxiety and depression, and panic disorders. When experiencing a full blown panic attack, one will be overcome by a powerful fear, and sometimes physical discomfort, when real danger is non-existent. Someone suffering from a panic attack may actually feel that he or she is having a heart attack. The following are various symptoms experienced by veterans who suffer from panic attacks:
• Increased heartbeat • Sweating • Trembles and shakes • Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath • Numbness and tingling in toes and fingers • Dizziness • Chest pain • Fear of dying
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, panic attacks, addictions, and depression are among some of the common conditions suffered by veterans once they are home with their families. Left untreated, these psychological issues will affect the everyday lives of these individuals, as well as their families, friends, and employers. For this reason, the mental health needs of returning veterans are of the utmost importance. There are resources for assistance with mental suffering experienced by our returning veterans. With the proper counseling by experienced professionals, post traumatic stress disorders, panic attacks, and other related post-war issues can be treated to put normalcy back into the life of a military service man or woman. After all, these men and women deserve to live their best life after sacrificing a part of theirs to fight for our country. In order to treat returning services members suffering from mental disorders due to their time in service, counseling is paramount as soon as possible in order for these veterans can get back to leading normal and happy lives.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds is the President/CEO of CounselingDirectory.com, an online directory dedicated to helping consumers get the help they need from competent and caring mental health professionals located in communities across the United States.
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