Psychological Counseling For Veterans
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Even if you’ve never been on the battlefield, psychological counseling is recommended for all veterans reentering civilian life. It can be difficult to enter an office environment, or even home life, after months or years spent in the armed services. A soldier has had extensive training and experience dealing with life and death situations. Even if a soldier did not see battle first hand, it can be difficult to make a smooth transition into everyday civilian life.
From the Battlefield to Civilian LifeIf, however, a soldier or other military personnel has been to the front lines, psychological counseling is a necessity. It has been estimated that one in eight veterans coming back from the war in Iraq suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Of this number, it has been estimated that only a third of returning veterans choose to go into psychological counseling. The military teaches a soldier to be strong and resilient. As a result, he or she might not be as willing to find outside help.
There is more of a stigma with psychological counseling than other types of medicine. If a soldier was to get a shrapnel wound in the leg, he or she would not think twice about getting immediate professional attention. Psychological issues are less immediately obvious than a wounded leg or other physical injury. They may take years to manifest and it can be more difficult to pinpoint cause and effect symptoms.
Post Traumatic Stress DisorderThe most significant issue facing soldiers returning from any military engagement is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD can manifest in anyone who goes through a tragic or traumatic experience. As soldiers may see friends wounded or lose their lives, they are prime candidates for the disorder. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, depression and general anxiety. A soldier may have reoccurring nightmares or daydreams of the battlefield, perhaps of seeing a fellow soldier lose his or her life.
Drug and alcohol addiction is also very high with people suffering from PTSD, as is the potential for suicide. PTSD is separated into three types: acute PTSD, chronic PTSD and delayed-onset PTSD, which may take months, or even years, to manifest. Even one symptom of PTSD is enough for a returning soldier to seek psychological counseling.
Where to Find Help for PTSDGoing to any therapist isn’t necessarily recommended for military personnel, as not every therapist will have experience dealing with combat-related issues first-hand. It’s important to see a licensed therapist, psychiatrist or psychoanalyst who has significant experience treating veterans. Contacting your local veterans administrator can lead you to experienced therapists in your area. There are several methods for treating PTSD and other military-related psychological problems. These include one-on-one therapy, group therapy and exposure therapy. Anti-depressants, such as Prozac or Zoloft, are also widely used.
Other Psychological Issues for Military PersonnelA returning veteran does not have to suffer from extreme PTSD to warrant some degree of psychological counseling. In some cases, anti-depressants may be necessary and useful, but in others just talking about military experience can be effective in treating minor problems with re-entering civilian life. Family therapy can be especially helpful for returning veterans and their families. The most important thing may be eliminating the stigma surrounding therapy and treating psychological issues like any other type of injury.
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