While many veterans are aware that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common amongst people who have served in the military, people don’t always recognize the symptoms right away. Maybe you’ve been suffering from frustrating symptoms after your service. But labeling your feelings as “depression” or “anxiety” doesn’t seem to fit. Perhaps another friend of yours who served has been struggling with their mental health lately, and you simply want to learn more about PTSD so you can help them along their own journey.
PTSD symptoms can vary across people with this condition, even if they endured similar circumstances in the military. However, there are some common symptoms that often serve as early warning signs. Understanding these symptoms could be the key to getting the help you need.
Hypervigilance and Trouble Concentrating
If you’ve lived through a traumatic event, you might feel like you have to stay on high alert for potential danger at all times. You may be easily startled, and hearing loud noises can shock your system and throw you off balance. Fireworks, balloons popping, tires screeching, and other unexpected sounds can be deeply distressing.
Hypervigilance can also get in the way of concentration. When part of your brain is always scanning the room for threats, it’s not easy to focus on anything else. You may have trouble focusing at school, work, or with friends.
Nightmares, Flashbacks, and Intrusive Thoughts
Lots of people with PTSD have difficulty falling asleep at night. This is another area of life where hypervigilance can be particularly disruptive. As you’re trying to relax, every noise can signal to your brain that your environment might be unsafe. If you do manage to fall asleep, you might have nightmares about your past trauma.
Nightmares aren’t the only instances in which these memories can resurface. You may encounter triggers throughout your day that prompt flashbacks, and as a result, you might try to avoid certain people, places, or situations. But despite these efforts, intrusive thoughts can pop up at anytime, reminding you of your past when you least expect it.
Depression and Low Moods
PTSD is often accompanied by low moods. It can feel like you’re trapped in the past, and your trauma will always define you. As a result, it’s hard to see a brighter future. Even if your time in the military is far behind you, your difficult experiences might hang over each day like dark clouds.
Maybe your circumstances have improved, but the positives don’t quite sink in when your past still feels so heavy.
Persistent Guilt and Shame
For veterans, PTSD can bring a strong sense of guilt and shame. You might feel guilty about actions you did or didn’t take, even if you were doing your best to respond to a difficult, chaotic situation.
While guilt refers to negative feelings about what you did, shame refers to the belief that something is wrong with who you are. Persistent guilt can fuel shame.
Feeling Isolated and Detached
Veterans trying to cope with PTSD can feel isolated and detached from the people around them. Your friends and loved ones might encourage you to open up and share what you’re going through. But part of you feels like other veterans are the only ones who will understand what you’ve experienced.
Because of this, you shut down around your loved ones who haven’t been in your shoes. Talking to a therapist who has experience working with veterans, or joining a support group, could be good steps forward.
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If you’re a veteran struggling with likely symptoms of PTSD, we encourage you to connect with our practice to learn more about our trauma-informed therapy services.