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Friday, April 21, 2017

How To Help Veterans Struggling With Depression

By Martha Perry


Depression and anxiety are two of the most common psychological disorders. Veterans struggling with depression is not uncommon, because it can be so traumatic when you are on the battlefield. You don't realize this at the time, but it only really hits you when you get back to the real world and start to live your life once again. This sense of reality is the most difficult part of the situation.

It is difficult to know how to deal in a situation like this, when you don't know where to turn. A lot of people simply think it is part of the process and it will pass in time. However, by not dealing with it you will find that it is going to become worse. You will find that there will be other things that will crop up which are going to be difficult to cope with on your own as well.

Of course, in the past it was much more difficult for a soldier to cope in this type of situation. There was little information on PTSD or panic attacks. They often thought that they needed time to adjust to their old way of life. They thought that they had to get a job and get on with life. However, these experiences stay with you for a lifetime.

Besides depression and anxiety, people will also be stressed much of the time. They will prefer not to go out, thinking that something might happen. A loud noise may just set them off. Flashbacks are common occurrences with veterans. They may look up and see a helicopter, thinking they are back in combat, and of course this is very frightening.

It is a long, lonely process when you decide to work through this on your own. In fact, many people find that they are not able to adapt to the changes. Coming back to a more tranquil setting after you have had your mind focused on a mission for so long can be difficult to cope with. You will become anxious which leads to depression.

A good therapist will be able to help someone like this in more of a practical way. Often, they need a routine to get into. It is important to have structure because this will help you lead a more balanced life. You won't feel as if you are lost. Vets also need to talk about what is on their mind. It is important for them to know that someone understands them.

Veteran suicide is not uncommon when you think of how chaotic and how difficult this is to manage, emotionally. PTSD was only noticed after Vietnam where soldiers came back to their homes and were unable to adjust. This is also known as combat exposure which is similar as being abused, tortured or held prisoners of war. In some instances it is something you can't really get over.

Something like this can destroy families. The family is so grateful to have the soldier back in one piece. However, there is a lot that they are not aware of and what they will be dealing with emotionally. It can lead to mood swings within the person, temper tantrums, and many other disorders. It is important for the vet to realize that they are unable to cope on their own and they need to seek help.




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