Veterans with PTSD

Veterans With PTSD
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Veterans With PTSD
Introduction
As the human species evolve, exposure to conditions that are likely to trigger trauma such as violence, disasters, illnesses, domestic violence among other unbearable acts in the human mind becomes almost inescapable. The survivors of such disquieting conditions often experience a great deal of discomfort that under certain diagnostic criteria can be classified as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It was until the 1980s when the American Psychiatric Association (APA) introduced the concept of PTSD into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-III), becoming a major milestone in the history of psychiatric and mental health (Friedman, n.d.). Although the diagnostic criteria for PTSD have dramatically changed since the 1980s, wars, rape, natural and man-made disasters, and illnesses remain the core trauma stressors because of their potential to put the life of the subject and others in great danger or even harm the physical integrity of a person (Friedman, n.d.). Wars, which is a major traumatic event, explains the reason why a large population of army veterans is battling PTSD. Army veterans battling PTSD often exhibit symptoms such as strict avoidance of any event that might remind them of the traumatic event, recurrent episodes of distressful thought, and the veteran might appear extremely alert and cautious in every life-threatening situation (Smith et al., 2020).
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the number of military personnel battling PTSD varies significantly depending on their missions and military services they were deployed to. The most notable service eras that have had a massive impact on the army veteran’s mental health and triggering PTSD include Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Desert Storm (ODS), and the Vietnam war. The OIF and OEF have as high as 20% of troops deployed in the mission battling PTSD, while operation Desert Storm and Vietnam war has 12% and 30 % of its troops battling PTSD respectively (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.-a). Military sexual trauma has also accounted for the high prevalence of PTSD among war veterans, both male and female. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that about 23% of male army veterans have experienced military sexual trauma while 38% of the females have reported sexual trauma throughout their military experience. Due to the high population of male military persons, male veterans remain the dominant victims of sexual trauma despite the high rates of females reporting sexual harassment during military service.
Healthcare Needs for Veteran with PTSD
Mortal combat requires the army personnel to be super vigilant and hyper-aggressive, and they are trained to quickly trigger their adrenaline reflexes, the most notable culprits for causing PTSD among military persons post the army services (Smith et al., 2020). Such reactions, although necessary while in a military battle, are deemed inappropriate post-military services, necessitating veterans to devise means of overcoming the stress factors triggering traumatic events or even seek assistance from professionals. Also, considering their high expertise with firearms and military training, the army veterans with PTSD pose as potential culprits to commit suicide or even partake in aggravated acts that may pose danger to others. Research indicates that army veterans with PTSD have a high tendency of firearm possession and demonstrate a high likelihood of engaging in dangerous activities that involve the use of firearms (Heinz et al., 2016). Higher suicidal thoughts and the danger they pose considering their possession and expertise with firearms necessitate the creation of intervention mechanisms to minimize risks including anger management training and routine firearm safety awareness.
Other than the physical injury risks and suicidal though, PTSD increases victim’s susceptibility to other non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart diseases, and even obesity (Cohen Veterans Bioscience, 2015). Psychological conditions associated with PTSD are the ones that causes dire health conditions, in particular, depression, substance abuse, social phobia, and anxiety. The horrendous experiences with PTSD have let to most veterans resorting to drugs and substance abuse in a bid to seek solace and yet in reality they are delving into a double tragedy. Stigma as a result of being diagnosed with PTSD is another health issue that army veterans may have to overcome. War-related disabilities, which often cause complex medical problems can be further amplified by PTSD, making the condition even dire and difficult to overcome.
Interventions to Help Veterans with PTSD
Policies and Programs
The U.S. Army prides itself of being one of the most sophisticated fighting forces in the world, courtesy of high technologies and a team of dedicated and fearless military personnel, who are ready to serve in whatever parts of the world. However, the country has lost quite a huge number of troops in wars, with the American Civil War registering the highest ever number of fatalities (O’Neill, 2021). The involvement of the U.S. military in high-risk battles justifies the high rates of army veterans diagnosed with PTSD annually that has called for the enactment of policies and programs aimed at helping them overcome the traumatic situations associated with wars. Besides, the welfare of war veterans during and after their services is considered paramount for the public trust and thus the U.S. government has the responsibility of ensuring the quality of life and access to quality care for army personnel even after their active duties (NAMI, n.d.).
The most notable legislation that directly impacts the lives of veterans battling PTSD is the Choice Act of 2014 aimed at improving access to care for the veterans, strengthening the Veterans Choice Program, and also enhancing collaboration between the Department of Veteran Affairs and other healthcare facilities to allow veterans to seek medical assistance at their convivence outside the VA systems (Korb, 2019). In addition, the Choice Act also authorized the introduction of counseling on Military Sexual Trauma (MST) for army personnel both in active and inactive duty. MST is a menace for both male and female military person and a major cause for PTSD. VA Mission Act of 2018, enacted during the reign of President Donald Trump, aimed at increasing efficiency within the Veteran community care program by redefining access and competency standards as well as putting in the effort of third parties in running the VA community program (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2019).
Resources
Alongside the policies and programs that help improve service delivery to the veteran community, the U.S. government through the Department for Veteran Affairs (VA) has put in place measures and resources that will help the veterans overcome mental and physical health challenges arising from participation in mortal combat. With the advent of technology, VA has launched a myriad of programs, both web-based and mobile applications, that are capable of delivering useful information online to veterans seeking recovery from PTSD. Notable mobile apps include PTSD Coach, PTSD Family Coach, and Mindfulness Coach, and there is also AboutFace, which is an interactive ...