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Writer's pictureThe Open Mind Team

How Therapy Can Enable Military Service Members and Veterans to Heal from PTSD



How therapy can help Veterans deal with PTSD

 

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as combat-related events. The symptoms of PTSD can be intense and long-lasting, significantly impacting a person's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being both while they are serving in the military and after they leave. Open Mind Health explores the symptoms, treatment options, and how therapy can help active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.

 

Primary PTSD Symptoms:

 

  1. Intrusive Thoughts: This includes flashbacks, distressing memories, and nightmares related to the traumatic event, often feeling like the person is reliving the experience.

  2. Avoidance: People with PTSD may go out of their way to avoid reminders of the trauma, which can include avoiding certain places, people, or activities. They might also try to suppress or ignore thoughts about the traumatic event.

  3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: PTSD can lead to persistent negative beliefs about oneself or others, feelings of guilt or shame, or a sense of detachment from loved ones. People may experience difficulty feeling positive emotions.

  4. Heightened Arousal and Reactivity: This can include being easily startled, feeling on edge, experiencing difficulty sleeping, or having anger outbursts. It's a state of heightened stress that's often disproportionate to the environment.

 

Why Treatment is Vital for Active-Duty Military and Veterans

 

  1. Prevalence of PTSD: According to studies from the VA and the National Center for PTSD, roughly 11-20% of veterans from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are affected by PTSD, compared to a 6.8% lifetime prevalence in the general population. Among Vietnam War veterans, about 30% have struggled with PTSD at some point in their lives, showing the lasting impact of combat trauma.

  2. Therapeutic Effectiveness: Research has shown that treatment options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are highly effective in managing PTSD symptoms. For instance, a meta-analysis revealed that about 67% of veterans undergoing prolonged exposure therapy experienced significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, as reported by the Journal for Traumatic Stress.

  3. Long-Term Benefits: Veterans who undergo therapy for PTSD report significant improvements in their mental health and overall quality of life. Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shows that those who complete PTSD treatment have over 50% lower rates of depression and substance abuse, which are common comorbid conditions with PTSD, compared to those who don't receive treatment.

  4. Suicide Prevention: PTSD treatment is linked to decreased suicide risk. In 2020, the suicide rate among veterans was 52% higher than that of non-veterans in the U.S. Treatment access and therapy for PTSD are crucial, as they reduce symptoms and help veterans develop healthier coping mechanisms, which may lower their risk for suicide.

 

How Therapy Helps Military Families

 

Therapy is beneficial not only for the person directly receiving treatment but also for their familial relationships.

As PTSD symptoms are reduced, emotional regulation and communication skills are improved.

 

  1. Reduced Family Strain: A study by the Department of Veterans Affairs found that veterans who receive PTSD treatment report a 25% improvement in family functioning and a reduction in family-related stress. This is because therapy helps veterans manage symptoms like anger, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing that can strain relationships.

  2. Lower Divorce Rates: PTSD is associated with higher divorce rates among veterans—about 38% compared to 30% in the general population. However, veterans who participate in therapy report significantly higher marital satisfaction. Veterans undergoing PTSD treatment experience a 15-20% lower likelihood of spousal issues, as therapy helps them develop coping strategies that improve their ability to maintain stable relationships.

  3. Improved Parenting Skills: The National Center for PTSD found that veterans with PTSD who engaged in cognitive-behavioral therapy or family therapy reported a 30% improvement in parenting satisfaction and ability to bond with their children. Treatment helps veterans reduce irritability and stress, allowing them to be more present and patient with their children.

  4. Increased Communication: Therapy can enhance communication skills, which PTSD often impacts. For example, a study published in The Journal of Marital and Family Therapy showed that veterans who completed a family therapy program exhibited a 40% improvement in open communication with their spouses and children, leading to closer, healthier family connections.

  5. Reduced Domestic Violence: PTSD can contribute to domestic conflict and aggression, but therapy can help mitigate this. One study found that veterans who completed trauma-focused treatment had a 50% reduction in aggressive incidents at home, creating a safer and more supportive environment for family members.

  6. Overall Mental Health Benefits for Families: When veterans seek therapy, their family members also experience positive mental health outcomes. According to a VA report, spouses and children of veterans who received PTSD treatment reported a 20-30% improvement in their own mental health, as reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans often lessen family stress.

 

Types of Treatment

Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is often effective in managing PTSD symptoms. Other options include:

 

  1. Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to trauma-related memories or stimuli to lessen the fear associated with them.

  2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Involves processing traumatic memories while focusing on specific eye movements.

  3. Medication: Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), can help manage some symptoms.

  4. Alternative Therapies: Music can stimulate the brain's reward pathways, providing a sense of pleasure and relief from traumatic stress. Both art and music therapies can be used in conjunction to provide a holistic approach to trauma recovery.

 

Summary

Military personnel and veterans who have PTSD can recover. However, the symptoms may worsen over time if not treated. It is crucial to seek help and not try to manage it alone. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous step towards improving your quality of life and that of your loved ones. You have the power to make a positive change.

 

Dealing with PTSD is hard. Getting help doesn't have to be. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, don't hesitate to seek help. Learn how Open Mind Health can help.

 

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