Improving care for veterans is also a key role that I do.  Both CBT and EMDR work effectively for PTSD, which if not treated can lead to feeling anxious, re-experiencing a traumatic event, relationship difficulties and alcohol consumption. Therapy helps Veterans to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety in a safe and secure way, and start to enjoy a fulfilled and happy life and relationships.

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Research indicates that armed forces personnel who served in recent conflicts are no more prone to mental health issues than personnel not deployed to these areas. But it's completely normal to experience anxiety or depression after traumatic events. This can be tough for veterans to deal with, and the culture of the armed forces can make seeking help for a mental health problem appear difficult.

 

Some people may not experience some of these symptoms until a few years after leaving the armed forces. They may also delay seeking help for a number of reasons, such as thinking that they can cope, fear of criticism or feeling that NHS therapists will not understand.

 

Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after the Veteran experiences a traumatic event. During this type of event, the Veteran believes his/her life or others' lives are in danger. She/he may feel afraid or feel that they have no control over what is happening. Note: this information is described as applying to Veterans, but is applicable to any individual. Anyone who has gone through a life-threatening event can develop PTSD.

 

These events can include:

• Combat or military exposure

• Child sexual or physical abuse

• Terrorist attacks

• Sexual or physical assault

• Serious accidents, such as a car wreck

• Natural disasters, such as a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake

 

After the event, the Veteran may feel scared, confused, or angry. If these feelings don't go away or they get worse, the symptoms may disrupt the person’s life, making it hard to continue daily activities. All Veterans with PTSD have lived through a traumatic event that caused them to fear for their lives, see horrible things, and feel helpless. Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD. Most Veterans who go through a traumatic event have some symptoms at the beginning. Yet only some will develop PTSD; the reason for this is not clear.

 

How likely someone is to get PTSD depends on many things:

• How intense the trauma was or how long it lasted

• If someone close was lost hurt

• Proximity to the event

• Strength of the reaction to the event

• How much the Veteran felt in control of events

• How much help and support the Veteran got after the event

 

Many who develop PTSD may improve, though about 1 out of 3 with PTSD may continue to have some symptoms. Even with continued symptoms, treatment can help; symptoms don't have to interfere with everyday activities, work, and relationships.

When a Veteran has PTSD, dealing with the past can be difficult, and feelings are generally kept “bottled up”.