PTSD can affect a multitude of different people who have suffered a traumatic event or experience. From children to war veterans PTSD does not discriminate but it does affect people differently. With combat military personnel there are many risk factors that can contribute to developing PTSD after combat. Researchers have worked hard to identify these risk factors to not only understand more about PTSD but also to hopefully help cure or even prevent PTSD.
Risk Factors Of Developing PTSD AS A Combat Veteran
✅Previous Exposure To Adverse Life Effects
✅Witness To Injury or Death
✅Military Rank/Branch of Service
✅Gender (females tend to exhibit more symptoms of PTSD)
✅Deployment Stressors
✅Level of Education
✅Race
There are normally 4 types of PTSD symptoms that may be exhibited depending on the person. These symptoms are not the exact same for everyone and everyone experiences PTSD in their own way. That is why it is very important to not assume that everyone suffering from PTSD should be treated in the same manner. To really help a combat veteran or anyone suffering from PTSD you must understand and treat each person on an individual basis to see positive and lasting results. Some may experience symptoms shortly after the traumatic event, while another person may take a while longer to begin to display symptoms.
4 Symptoms of PTSD
✅Reliving/Flashbacks of The Event
✅Nightmares
✅Easily Irritated/Jumpy or Distracted/Absent
✅Upset By Reminders/Triggers
Getting outside help for both you and the person suffering from PTSD or PTSD like symptoms is the best thing you can do. First, take time to notice and understand the person’s behavior and things that seem to trigger the worst symptoms. Understanding the person can help you to decide the best course of therapy for the individual. And remember you are not alone, there are many Veteran organizations throughout the world that are there to help!