PTSD: The Unseen Challenges of Traumatic Stress

   A sizable segment of the veteran and active duty population suffering from the unseen challenges of Post Traumatic Stress Conditions do not have the range of support services that they need and deserve.  One of the early writings regarding “Readjustment Problems Among Veterans” was authored by Psychologist Jim Goodwin.. and published by the Disabled American Veterans Foundation in the early 1980’s. 

     Goodwin wrote that “following their wartime experiences.. most Vietnam veterans.. have adjusted well to life back in the United States.  That’s a tribute to these veterans, who faced a difficult home-coming, to say the least.”  However.. a very large number of veterans.. haven’t made it all the way home.   Many still lead lives plagued by serious war related readjustment problems – Depression.. anxiety.. flashbacks to combat.. Isolation.. feelings of alienation.. avoidance of feelings.. anger.. resentment… survivors guilt.. shame.. nightmares.. and sleep disturbances.. often drug or alcohol problems … and .. perhaps.. even suicidal feelings.”

      Today.. significant concerns.. need to be directed.. to the current generation of Warriors; the post 9/11 veterans. Many researchers believe.. that due the duration of the most recent conflicts.. and multiple deployments.. into these combat zones.. these young men and women.. will quite likely experience greater PTSD challenges than prior generations.

    By some estimates.. as many as 7,500 veterans commit suicide every year..  over 20 per day.. nearly 1 per hour.  While veteran suicide.. is not limited to younger veterans.. a recent poll found that.. more than half of post 9/11 veterans.. know at least one colleague.. who has committed suicide.. or .. are having thoughts of suicide.

      In his book WAR and The Soul, Edward Tick addresses these Veterans – “Thankfully… not every returning warrior.. is going to commit suicide;  but.. upon return from Combat.. many discover that their outlook and feelings have changed dramatically.   The innocence of the 19 year old recruit.. has long since been shattered.”

      According to the prevailing fantasy -- Now that they are home.. all is to be well again.  But.. The reality for many.. is quite different.  For many .. their reality is a life of chaos.. confusion.. disruption.. divorce.. financial distress.. homelessness… substance abuse.. addiction..  risky behaviors..  occasional incarceration..  and sadly for some .. suicide .. 20 per day.  These dedicated warriors deserve.. the transition support that they need.. and we as a society that sent them to war.. owe it to them to properly welcome them back home.

     As the study of Post-Traumatic Stress continues to develop.. the expectation and hope is that our understanding and treatment will improve as well.  The problem is that as we wait for a breakthrough in treatment.. those who are struggling resign themselves to a life where their primary goal is to make it from one day to the next.  And so .. instead of identifying the trauma as a serious life event and learning how to move beyond it .. many will allow that event to define who they are.. and a moment in time .. a traumatic and abnormal one to be sure .. now becomes the lens through which every action, thought, and relationship, is filtered  ..  often with devastating effect.   

     So  ..  Is it really a mystery that the suicide.. divorce.. and substance abuse rates.. among those who suffer are so high.  This is why instead of accepting the label and the diagnosis … it is essential to understand the practical implications that Traumatic Stress has on our everyday lives.. and then develop a plan to move forward …  to offer hope to those who are suffering.  We need to provide these warriors with compassionate.. holistic.. continuing care .. for however long they may need it.. to  address the challenges they face in their daily lives. 

     By doing so.. we can facilitate a life-altering transformation in the quality of their lives, and the lives of their loved ones ~ and maybe .. just maybe .. we can live up to Edward Tick’s hopeful message.. that – “The impact of war.. need not lead to disability.. and debilitation.”