The Silent War Zone: Shedding Light on PTSD in U.S. Veterans

Cara Leonard

Seminar in Science Writing

October 6, 2024


The Silent War Zone: Shedding Light on PTSD in U.S. Veterans


     For one day out of each year, November 11th, the country celebrates veterans’ prowess, bravery, and sacrifice in the military. This day is dedicated to honoring the service of retired military personnel and is filled with parades, discounts, and other various celebrations. Once this day ends and the celebrations conclude, it is as if veterans no longer exist. Society swiftly returns to its normal routine, and the significant challenges veterans face—such as homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues—fade back into obscurity. Unbeknownst to many, numerous veterans struggle to reintegrate into civilian life, often battling these serious issues after their service.

     As someone who was born into a military family, I heard many amazing stories of my father’s flights on C-130s (a type of cargo plane) and my grandfather’s experience flying the first fighter planes approved for use in the United States air force. While my family is grateful that neither my father nor my grandfathers faced mental illnesses as a result of their experiences on duty, few can say the same. In fact, one term always arises in conversation regarding veterans and a consequence of military service: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

     Also known as PTSD, this mental condition often results from “an extremely stressful or terrifying event - either being a part of it or witnessing it” [1]. Such situations can occur in both combat and non-combat situations, with the affected individual witnessing events that they may not be able to control or are a part of a situation where they see injured or dying individuals. From these traumatic events, they can experience symptoms ranging from flashbacks to memory issues, resulting in being constantly on edge, undergoing drastic mood swings, and insomnia often associated with recurring nightmares [2]. These symptoms only begin to scratch the surface of the complexities of PTSD. In addition to this disorder, veterans have to deal with a multitude of other issues, including depression, bipolar disorder, and suicidal tendencies. This reality is often unspoken when a citizen enlists in one of the military branches. Once they join the military, they are considered part of that organization for life, even after retirement. Unfortunately, the trauma they carry with them also remains long after their service.


Figure 1. PTSD in Veterans by Service Era [3]


     Research from the U.S. Department of Veterans affairs suggests an increasing rate of PTSD amongst veterans from conflicts ranging from WWII up until Desert storm, an operation which occurred during the Persian Gulf War. As referenced in figure 1, up to 29 percent of individuals from the conflict in Iraq (which took place in 2003) had PTSD at some point in life, excluding individuals who may have passed away with the condition or those who declined to participate in the survey [3]. This staggering rise in PTSD could be attributed to the increased lethality of today’s advanced weaponry, resulting in higher casualties and increased chances that military personnel witness injury or death. Additionally, Dr. Christopher Palmer, a psychiatrist from Psychology Today, notes how research suggests that PTSD is not just a “manifestation of psychological distress but may also be linked to altered metabolism” [4]. Constant exposure to high-stress situations in addition to inadequate nutrition due to the constant rigor and being on edge can affect the way that the brain responds to stress. This combination of experiences creates a challenging path for the individual, especially if they are not receiving the help they need. Accessing this help, however, presents numerous obstacles.

       My father, a retired pilot and Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col.) of the U.S. Air Force, had to wait 10 years to get a disability designation for his foot from the Veterans Health Administration (a division of veterans' affairs, also known as VA). Even for somewhat visible injuries, the lack of efficient health care presents challenges to Veterans. Now imagine something as severe as PTSD, a condition not easily recognizable through physiological symptoms and often demonized by American society. According to the national center for PTSD, 23 percent veterans using the VA care had PTSD at some point in their life versus 7 percent that do not [3]. Initially, this statistic suggests an issue within the VA healthcare as the primary reason for the staggering difference in PTSD rates. Upon further inspection, however, the statistic actually refers to the number of veterans diagnosed with the disorder. This is most likely due to the stigma surrounding mental health disorders including PTSD, which often prevents military personnel from acknowledging their condition, fearing it will harm their careers or affect public perception.

To elaborate, military personnel are expected to perfectly adjust to civilian life after facing months or even years of deployment. In addition, they must adjust to societal expectations that can easily bounce back and maybe have another job or a family. This immense pressure can make it difficult for veterans to seek help if they have PTSD.  

Similar to many mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, PTSD also exists on a spectrum and does not conform to a single perception. For example, some veterans may have some minor flashbacks, while others suffer from severe insomnia or anxiety relating to their experiences in deployment. Because of the perception of this mental illness, many health facilities may only offer a one-size-fits-all approach to care, lacking the time and resources to create a personalized treatment plan.

However, there are still multiple options available for individuals with PTSD. Some of these options include visiting VA hospitals and clinics such as the Water Reed Medical Center. Additionally, with ongoing research into the causes of PTSD in combat zones, more efficient treatments are being developed as a way to combat it. Some of these treatments include nutritional interventions aimed at optimizing brain energy production, specific exercise and stress reduction regiments, enhanced psychotherapy, and even light therapy to support mitochondrial function within the brain [4]. Some appealing treatments such as psychotherapy focus on optimizing the brain’s energy and its process of metabolism, utilizing new research suggesting specific causes of PTSD within the warzone.

Ultimately, the best paths of treating PTSD come from comprehensive care teams and social support. However, if veterans feel isolated by a society afraid to interact with them, they will be less likely to seek treatment. Addressing this issue requires a mental shift in both the military and American societal perspectives to bring light to PTSD and treat this illness. There are several promising options including new treatments in healthcare, support groups, and utilization of the VA, but none of them can be effective if PTSD continues to be stigmatized or oversimplified, as is the case with many mental disorders. American society and the healthcare system must reconsider how they approach mental health, particularly in supporting military personnel with PTSD, rather than limiting their recognition to a single day of remembrance. 

                                 

           

References:

[1] Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Mayo Clinic. (2024). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967 (accessed October 6, 2024). 

[2] Understanding veterans and PTSD, NVHS. (2024). https://nvhs.org/veterans-and-ptsd/?msclkid=d5acc59177a81e9a797fa293df8b213a&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NVHS+-+Blog&utm_term=PTSD+in+veterans&utm_content=Veterans+And+PTSD (accessed October 6, 2024). 

[3] Va.gov: Veterans Affairs, How Common Is PTSD in Veterans? (2018). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp (accessed October 6, 2024). 

[4] C.M. Palmer, The crisis in veterans’ mental health and new solutions, Psychology Today. (2023). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/advancing-psychiatry/202311/the-crisis-in-veterans-mental-health-and-new-solutions#:~:text=Key%20points%201%20Veterans%20suffer%20from%20high%20rates,metabolic%20health%20simultaneously%20may%20lead%20to%20better%20outcomes.?msockid=18cca8c80a8a67d31f4ebacd0be866f5 (accessed October 6, 2024).


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