Previous to the Vietnam experience, we referred to battle fatigue and shell shock. Today, we’ve got a term that became common in the Vietnam time, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or more commonly PTSD.

We all have anxiety when something atrocious happens. What’s different about PTSD is the anxiety comes back after the fact. That can be in 1 or 2 days, weeks, years or decades.

There are veterans of WW II who still have fear and anxiety just hearing a gun go off. Veterans infrequently have horrible nightmares where they relive their war experience time after time, night after night. They may all of a sudden have what we call a flashback, where it seems like they are right back in the middle of a battle. They are shocked all over again. Depression, anger, marital issues, drug use, sudden upset when reminded of the event (like in a picture or TV show) are just some of the things that will happen to a vet with PTSD.

When you or a friend has PTSD related to battle injury, the most important thing to do is be aware of what it is. Realize it’s not real. It’s a memory. Remember the person must stop and keep respiring. Wait for the flashback or feeling to pass. Target the now.

Say to yourself, I know this is a flashback ( or dream or a TV show ) . By talking to oneself, you can work your way out of the anxiety. If your loved one is experiencing a PTSD event, just sit there with them. It’s not helpful to try and talk them out of it or give advice. Just sit there, and your presence will reassure them. If they are speaking, listen.

Our hope should always be that the vet will gradually return to his ( or her ) former state and advance in their life. We want to be ever so grateful. If you’ve got the opportunity, say thank you to a vet this week. Our lives are miles better for what they did for us.

Thanks to all who have served.

Source: The Argus Observer