People who served in the military are at a substantially higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, than the general population. Despite this, however, a large number of veterans who suffer from this psychological disorder never get treated for it, or put off treatment for years. Why do veterans not get treated for PTSD, and what can be done to help them?
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, refers to a psychological condition caused by exposure to life-threatening situations, or from witnessing someone else undergo a life-threatening situation. Someone may develop PTSD even if they were not physically injured by the event that caused it. Some common reasons that people develop PTSD include things like being the victim of violence or sexual assault, getting attacked by wild animals, or going through a natural disaster.
What Are the Signs of PTSD?
PTSD can cause a number of different symptoms in its victims, though different people may express symptoms differently. These include, but are not limited to:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Increased difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Intrusive thoughts
- Increased sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Memory problems, especially related to the traumatic event
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Worsened mood or increased irritability
Why Do Veterans Not Get Treated?
One of the biggest reasons that veterans do not get treated for PTSD is that they often do not realize they have it, or do not recognize that it is a serious problem. Other times, they may be aware that they have psychological issues, but attempt to simply endure it rather than seek treatment, often out of fear of looking weak. Unfortunately, this also means veterans are at a much higher risk of issues such as substance abuse, self-harm and suicide.
What Should You Do?
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms related to PTSD, you should seek psychological treatment. As a veteran, you can get treated through the VA, and you may be entitled to seek disability benefits for your psychological issues. However, to know what options may be available to you, the best thing you can do is speak to a lawyer who can advise you on seeking veterans disability benefits.
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.
