Military personnel and the challenges of mental health recovery
In the context of war, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) becomes one of the most widespread psychological pathologies, especially when it comes to military personnel in combat zones. PTSD is diagnosed in military personnel very often, making this issue relevant today and likely to remain so for a long time.
Symptoms of PTSD in military personnel
PTSD is a broad term used to denote a mental disorder and neurosis that arises after one or several traumatic events for an individual. In military personnel, there are always sufficient reasons for its occurrence, but most often, the immediate trigger is the death of comrades or the necessity to use lethal weapons with corresponding consequences. During a traumatic event, a soldier experiences intense fear and a loss of control over the situation. PTSD typically develops approximately a month after such an event. During the first 72 hours, acute stress reactions are present, followed by acute stress disorder in the subsequent days.
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in military personnel include:
- regular recollections of the traumatic event, often manifesting as flashbacks;
- hyperarousal, sleep problems;
- the need to control everything, excessive alertness;
- nightmares often associated with the traumatic situation;
- memory disturbances;
- loss of interest in usual activities;
- unstable emotional state;
- alienation from other people, even close family.
For many military personnel, PTSD leads to accompanying disorders, such as depression or substance abuse. Additionally, the risk of suicide significantly increases.
Which categories of military personnel are most vulnerable to PTSD?
For every person involved in combat, the risk of developing PTSD is very high. According to statistical data, approximately 60-80% of military personnel show signs of acute trauma. If they do not receive the necessary psychological support at that moment, it can lead to PTSD. The risk increases in the following cases:
- if the person had a previous diagnosis of any mental disorder;
- if there was prior experience of a traumatic event;
- if the trauma is associated with the death of loved ones, the death of a large number of people, or if it caused significant life changes;
- if the person has no close ones with whom they can share their experiences.
Where to seek help for military personnel suffering from PTSD?
In military personnel, symptoms of PTSD are most pronounced after returning to civilian life. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the problem promptly and provide appropriate treatment. Often, decompression camps and veteran centers provide assistance in this direction. Moreover, there are many civic organizations working with individuals who have suffered psychological trauma during war. Directly approaching a psychiatrist or psychotherapist is also an option. It is essential for the specialist to be familiar with the specifics of PTSD in combatants and have relevant experience.
At Molfa Hub, experts successfully assist with PTSD, acute stress, and sequential trauma in military personnel.
Specifics of therapy for PTSD in military personnel
Treating military personnel suffering from PTSD should occur on two fronts. Primarily, psychotherapy, which can be either group or individual, is essential. It includes various techniques:
- psychological debriefing intervention, in other words, a detailed discussion of the traumatic event;
- trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy;
- developing stress management skills and refining them;
- eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and others;
- resource psychotherapy.
If necessary, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication therapy. Its main goal is to reduce symptoms. Antidepressants, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics are commonly used.
Post-traumatic syndrome in military personnel requires a special comprehensive approach to transform psychological trauma into post-traumatic growth. In the treatment of PTSD, it is essential not to forget that simple activities like regular exercise, outdoor activities, and interaction with animals can have a positive effect.
At Molfa Hub, veterans, military personnel, and their family members can receive free psychological assistance and psychotherapy.”