No population in the United States suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a higher rate than military veterans. Despite this, it often goes unidentified and untreated due to people failing to recognize the signs, resulting in a lower quality of life and losing out on disability benefits they might otherwise be entitled to. Here are some of the ways you can identify if a veteran may be suffering from PTSD:
- They were exposed to violence or extreme danger during their service
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- People tend to develop PTSD when they experience violent or dangerous circumstances, whether it happened to them personally or they witnessed it happen to someone else. This may include active combat, training accidents, natural disasters, sexual assault, or other similar circumstances.
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- They struggle to get a good night’s rest
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- People with PTSD often struggle to get restful sleep, often struggling with nightmares related to their trauma. Even if they don’t, they often have issues with anxiety or depression that can interfere with their sleep schedule.
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- They suffer from flashbacks
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- Flashbacks are the term for when someone finds themselves reliving their past trauma, often (though not always) as a result of something that reminds them of their negative experiences. This horrific experience is not universal among people with PTSD, but it is a significant sign that someone may be dealing with the disorder.
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- They have become overly sensitive to light, sound, or other stimuli
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- It is common for people with PTSD to become unusually sensitive or reactive to intense or unexpected stimuli. This may include things like bright lights, loud noises, or even being touched unexpectedly.
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- They avoid things that remind them of their bad experiences
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- People with this disorder will often tend to avoid things they associate with their past trauma, even if they previously liked them in the past. This may include people, places, and certain objects or activities, depending on the nature of their trauma.
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- They struggle to express their feelings
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- Many people suffering from PTSD experience “flattened affect,” which refers to a general loss of ability to express emotions. Their voice may become more monotone or lifeless, their face will become less expressive, or they may have less intense body language or use of gestures.
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- They get unusually irritable or angry
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- While PTSD is often associated with anxiety and depression, it can also manifest as irrational levels of irritability or anger. In more extreme cases, it can even escalate to the use of violence.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
