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Veterans Day: Senior war vets may suffer anxiety from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Reflection of sailor on the Vietnam Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Many World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans continue to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs after a stressful incident.
During the event you feel that your life or the lives of others is in danger. Events that precipitate PTSD include auto accidents, assaults, kidnappings, and rape. Anyone who has gone through a life-threatening event can develop PTSD. In the case of military veterans the trauma is usually combat-related.
Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, having a hard time sleeping, being startled easily, being easy to anger, having trouble concentrating, anxiety, or always being on-guard. People with PTSD may have related problems, such as using excessive alcohol or drugs, employment problems, relationship problems, or always feeling down.
PTSD was recognized after the Vietnam War, so many veterans of previous wars were not treated. Some World War II Veterans, for example, are still suffering symptoms. No matter how long someone has been troubled by PTSD or related anxiety there is always some type of treatment that will help.
PTSD occurs because of physical changes in the brain, not because of personal weaknesses.
Resources
To learn more about PTSD
Veterans Administration information sheet, “What is PTSD?”
Additional information from the Veterans Administration
Medline Plus
To get help for symptoms of PTSD
If you have private insurance, contact them for information about how to access mental health services.
Professionals who can assess and treat PTSD include psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, or social workers.
Click here for information on additional resources.
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