PTSD can develop after an individual witnesses or experiences a traumatic event. This includes military combat but can also result from terrorist attacks, natural disasters, violent crime and abuse, or serious accidents.

The first step in addressing PTSD is understanding the condition. This will make supporting a loved one struggling with the disorder easier.

Symptoms

PTSD symptoms include serious avoidance of people, places, things, thoughts and feelings that remind you of or trigger traumatic memories. This can lead to withdrawing from friends and family and losing social life.

You may have nightmares or frightened thoughts that feel like the trauma is happening again, which can cause severe physical reactions such as a racing pulse, sweating, nausea and shaking.

You may have distorted beliefs about yourself or others, such as blaming yourself for the event or feeling shame, guilt or anger. You can also feel disinterest in activities you once enjoyed or need help experiencing positive emotions.

Military veterans are often at risk of PTSD from exposure to the physical, emotional and sexual violence associated with combat and other types of military service. You can get help for PTSD from healthcare veterans professionals with experience treating trauma. The techniques they use are effective in helping people recover after traumatic events.

Diagnosis

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty in remembering the event.
• Hyperarousal.
• A state where you are constantly alert.
• Negative changes in mood or thinking.

These symptoms can cause poor sleep, reckless behavior, substance abuse, and isolation. This can make it difficult to transition back to civilian life.

A mental health professional trained in diagnosing PTSD can review your past experiences and ask about symptoms you’ve been experiencing for at least a month. Your doctor will want to exclude physical illnesses as the cause of PTSD.

A study of veterans with PTSD found that about two-thirds received some form of VA mental health care six months after diagnosis. About half of those receiving care received a minimally adequate treatment trial.

There are many PTSD treatments available, including medication and psychological therapies like prolonged exposure. These therapies involve gradually confronting your PTSD symptoms in a safe environment (imaging the event, talking about it, writing about it and then, over time, taking small steps toward the triggers) to help you gain control of your fear and distress.

Treatment

Symptoms of PTSD can include difficulty sleeping, uncontrollable anger, reckless behavior and feelings of isolation. They can also cause problems with family and friends. Talking about the trauma and finding a support group can be helpful.

However, many veterans and active military personnel do not seek help for mental health issues. Some people may be afraid of asking for help or fear the repercussions.

There are a variety of treatments that can be used. Cognitive-behavioral and exposure therapy are the most effective treatments. CBT teaches the person how to cope with their symptoms. In exposure therapy, a person visits or re-enacts places and people associated with trauma to overcome negative emotions and thoughts.

Eye movement desensitization (EMDR) is another form of treatment for PTSD. It combines CBT with rhythmic left-to-right stimulation, such as hand tapping or sounds.

Support

PTSD can be challenging to live with, but many resources are available. Veterans in distress should contact a mental health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of PTSD include unwelcome thoughts and memories (flashbacks), avoidance of people, places, activities and objects that remind them of the trauma, a hyper-vigilant state and negative alterations in cognition and mood like depression or irritability. These symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to work and study, have meaningful relationships and live a normal life.

Supportive therapies like face-to-face interactions, exercising, volunteering, eating well and avoiding substance misuse are helpful. Other treatments can also include medication and talk therapy.