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Coping with the Invisible Wounds of War

Just as it has been the case after world wars, the War in Korea and in Vietnam, some soldiers return from military service in combat zones with wounds that cannot be seen. Many veterans returning after service in Afghanistan and Iraq - service members who have seen combat, have been shot at, who have come under mortar fire, been ambushed or have watched as others within their unit have been injured or killed - have returned from service suffering with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Though different individuals will be impacted by PTSD in different ways, many will quickly find that they are unable to cope entirely on their own. Some will need help processing the numbness that they feel - their inability to experience sadness, anger, fear or even joy. Others will need help overcoming those times when they cannot stop reliving the traumatic event either in their waking life or within their numbness. Still others will need to re-learn ways of becoming attached to family members and friends, how to form relationships without allowing their anxiety and trauma to influence their actions.

Fortunately, for those who have returned from military service and who are experiencing the limitations of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, there are programs and benefits available. Once diagnosed with PTSD, those who are unable to work and are severely limited by their condition will find that they are eligible for Veterans' Disability Compensation benefits, and will be able to get the documentation that they need in order to qualify for those benefits.

Additionally, there are programs that are in place designed specifically for veterans who are struggling with their symptoms. Some of these programs are offered by the Veterans' Administration's Readjustment Counseling Service; others are provided at outpatient clinics as well as Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. In addition to one-on-one services provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors and nurses, other counseling programs are available.

There are group education, counseling and therapy programs designed as general programs - as well as specific programs for women and for veterans who have turned to drugs and/or alcohol to cope with their trauma - that offer help on an outpatient basis. There are also more intensive PTSD support programs.

In some cases, these programs provide services within a residential setting that last from one to three months in which veterans live with others who share their experience and are able to focus on resuming a productive life after treatment. For others who require more concentrated therapies, there are inpatient hospitalization programs as well as day hospitals where veterans are able to receive more intensive therapy - four or eight hour blocks of time spend working with counselors, doctors and therapists to process their emotions and coping abilities.

Though many are reluctant to seek treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because of stigmas surrounding mental illness, it is important to recognize that, without help, many symptoms will get worse over time. With treatment, however, many will find that they do develop the coping strategies necessary to lead a normal life.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of PTSD, you'll find that taking advantage of programs and benefits designed for people like you will provide you with an increased quality of life. The Resources section of our website can help you with locating a healthcare facility or provider and offers links to organizations that may help you cope with your disability.

Contact the Law Office of LaVan & Neidenberg now for a FREE consultation. Call us toll-free at 1-(888)-234-5758 or fill out our contact form.

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