As a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise, it is important for us to provide resources to other veterans walking the same path. Some of our team members at The Belcastro Group have dealt with the mental health challenges that came with the traumas of the battlefield so wanted to provide some information mental health information on PTSD.

PTSD is common among Veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is relatively common among veterans. Studies have found that about 11-20% of veterans who have served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. In addition, about 12% of Gulf War veterans and 15% of Vietnam War veterans have PTSD at some point in their lives.

It’s important to note that not all veterans who have experienced trauma will develop PTSD, and many people who develop PTSD are not veterans. PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a car accident, or a physical assault.

Think you may have PTSD? Here’s what to look out for:

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be grouped into four categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

• Intrusive memories: These are unwanted memories of the traumatic event that can come back in the form of nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts.
• Avoidance: Individuals with PTSD may try to avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event, including people, places, and activities. They may also try to avoid talking about the event or thinking about it.
• Negative changes in thinking and mood: People with PTSD may have negative thoughts about themselves, other people, or the world in general. They may feel hopeless, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, or have trouble feeling positive emotions.
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions: Individuals with PTSD may be easily startled, feel tense or on edge, or have difficulty sleeping. They may also have angry outbursts or feel irritable.

It is important to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity and duration and may not always be present. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are affecting your daily life, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can assess your symptoms and provide you with the support and treatment you need to manage your condition.

Where you can reach out for help:

Helplines

• Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
• Call the Veteran Center Call Center hotline to talk with another combat veteran at 1-877-927-8387;
• In-person: use the PTSD Program Locator to find specialized VA PTSD treatment

More information

• Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment (PDF) – Includes treatment andNational Center for PTSD)
• National Center for PTSD – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – More in-depth information for veterans with PTSD and their family members.
• About Face – Learn about PTSD, hear real stories from other veterans, and get advice from experienced clinicians. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

What can you do on your own?

Try relaxation techniques:

There are several relaxation techniques that can help reduce anxiety and stress, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. Here are a few:

• Deep breathing: Deep breathing is a simple but effective relaxation technique that involves focusing on your breath and taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body to help you become more aware of physical tension and release it.
• Mindfulness meditation: This involves focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you feel more grounded and better able to manage stress and anxiety.
• Visualization: This involves creating a mental image of a peaceful place or situation and using your imagination to focus on it. This can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
• Yoga and tai chi: These practices involve physical postures and movements that can help relax the body and mind. They can also improve overall well-being and reduce stress.

Practice self-care:

Take good care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and finding ways to blow off steam.

Create coping gameplan:

• Identify negative thoughts: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or triggered, it’s common to have negative thoughts. Notice what these thoughts are and write them down.
• Challenge the negative thoughts: Consider whether the negative thoughts are accurate or realistic. Are there any evidence to support them? Are there any alternative ways of looking at the situation?
• Develop positive coping statements: Create a list of positive statements that reflect more accurate and realistic ways of thinking. For example, “I can handle this challenge” or “I have successfully coped with difficult situations in the past.”
• Practice using the positive coping statements: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or triggered, try repeating the positive coping statements to yourself. You can also write them down and carry them with you as a reminder.
• Be patient: Changing negative thinking patterns takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see improvement right away. Keep using the positive coping statements and they will become more automatic over time.

Reach out

If you are a disabled vet looking to start your own venture, drop us a line here. We are a thriving Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and we would like to see other vets do the same.

The Belcastro Group