PTSD Bothering Veterans Badly After Covid-19

PTSD Bothering Veterans Badly After Covid-19

Michael (name changed), a 55-year-old war veteran, has recovered from his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And, then the world was hit by one of the deadliest all time pandemics – COVID-19. The pandemic that emerged as a global mental health crisis spared no one, forget the ones like Michael who were already struggling with mental health issues like PTSD or were recovering from it.

Social distancing may be conceived as the best way to avoid the virus, but in cases like Michael’s it is disastrous. The most inevitable truth about people living with PTSD is that wounds become painful anytime they suffer fear, pain, or stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among army veterans after they have served for a considerable period in the military fighting wars and facing combats.

What is surprising and completely unjustified is the level of stigma these people face that simply disallows them to discuss their problems in the open. While people world over do not find it much of a difficulty to accept people afflicted with the most serious and contagious kinds of physical disorders, many are still apprehensive of dealing with returning troops exhibiting trauma and anxiety as most common mental health problems.

Fearing the backlash on their careers, many military people during their service tenure tend to keep their struggle to themselves. The military readiness is transformed into increasing vulnerability as constant enduring of the silent suffering takes a toll on one’s psychological health. Some slip into lifelong depression causing them to contemplate suicide, while there are others who seek necessary treatment to be cured of the disorder.

Are Veterans Still Ignored

The inclination to end one’s own life comes after a protracted period of struggle and fear against seeking expert advice for fear of social and personal consequences. Psychologists working in sync with mental health treatment programs have revealed in the past how their patients have shown disinterest in taking therapy or exhibited mistrust in being prescribed medications. Patients have often complained of embarrassment and fear of being labeled as dangerous if they continued to be under treatment.

Veterans are now realizing that prolonging their fear of being typecast as psychologically distorted will only procrastinate their decision of availing necessary medical intervention. Many veterans who have recovered following timely treatment are now encouraging their colleagues and peers to come forward, share their experiences and join recovery management groups as a part of their mental health treatment program.

Treating mental disorders

Mental illnesses must be given due importance just like physical diseases, especially in testing times like COVID-19. At California Mental Health Helpline, treatment facilities for the distressed and disturbed include utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients develop healthy responses to stimuli.

If you or your loved one has concerns about PTSD, it is important that you seek professional help. Talk to a therapist or other healthcare provider about available treatment options to help manage the symptoms of PTSD. If you are looking for assistance in dealing with a mental health disorders like PTSD, you can call our 24/7 mental health helpline (855) 559-3923 or chat online with one of our representatives to discuss your options for mental health facilities in California and associated California mental health services.