Not all wounds of War are visible

ost-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and relationships. They can also interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks.

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

• Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
• Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
• Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
• Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
• Symptoms of avoidance may include:
• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
• Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event
• Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
• Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world
• Hopelessness about the future
• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Feeling detached from family and friends
• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:
• Being easily startled or frightened
• Always being on guard for danger
• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
• Overwhelming guilt or shame

 
According to the Pew Research Center, 96% of Veterans who have served, post-9/11, are proud of their service; however, nearly half say that readjusting to civilian life was difficult, most often citing family issues. About one in six Veterans were wounded in combat and slightly more than half experienced emotional trauma or distress while serving. Tragically, even with the positive, supportive culture we have, 84% of post-9/11 veterans feel like the public just doesn’t understand the sacrifices made by them or their families. This touches on one truly hidden wound of war.

     3 phone numbers to remember:

• 211      non-emergency phone #
• 988    suicide hotline, then press 1
• 911     emergency phone #

“When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.” — Mark Twain
 
“To close your eyes will not ease another’s pain.” – Chinese Proverb
 
Chaplain Chip Hanson

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