by Kate Walker
Military personnel spend years training and preparing on how to protect their country from those who mean it harm.
They encounter many dangerous and traumatic encounters in the line of duty. Some, such as natural disasters, military combat, sexual assault, or terrorist attacks, leave them scarred for life. No one prepares them for what such encounters can do to their mental and psychological health. The aftermath of service in the military is a daunting part of military personnel’s lives.
Most of them fight PTSD, anxiety, and depression each day. They have trouble concentrating, experience haunting flashbacks, fears, and guilt. It is an overwhelming experience even to the strongest personalities. When the weight of all this becomes unbearable, it might result in some committing suicide or engaging in life-threatening activities. However, there is a way a military person can take control of their life once again.
Here are 6 tips on how to recover emotionally and physically from military trauma.
Stress inoculation training
Life after violent military encounters can leave someone in a turmoil of reactions such as anger, anxiety, lack of sleep, and trouble concentrating. It can make life hard both for the military personnel, and those around them. Attending a stress inoculation training might help in overcoming these issues. It is a type of therapy that will assist in managing trauma and recovering from it. It combines stress relief techniques such as relaxation and mindfulness with stress management strategies.
Cognitive behavior therapy also matters
If someone is experiencing negative changes in their thoughts and moods, this therapy is the road to recovery for them. These negative feelings could be guilt, fear, or shame that make it difficult to think positively. Cognitive behavior therapy will help in changing the pattern of thoughts that ultimately changes behaviors. The therapy is also effective for veterans who avoid particular things that remind them about a traumatic event. It encourages them to re-experience the traumatic event under controlled conditions until they can cope with the memories.
Join group therapy
Many other military people are suffering from PTSD. Meeting with people who are having the same traumatic experience is effective in promoting military trauma recovery. After all, a problem shared is a problem half solved. There, one can discuss their experience and listen to what others are doing to recover from the trauma. Participating in group therapy is one step closer to recovery.
Medication
If symptoms persist, a doctor might prescribe particular medications, such as antidepressants, that help to cope with anxiety symptoms or get some sleep. They will monitor the progress for any side effects. The medication will help to feel less worried, sad, or on edge. However, such medication doesn’t provide a permanent solution for the trauma, but they will help have better days.
Practice self-care
Military people find it easy to engage in activities that put their health in harm’s way, such as reckless driving, daredevil sports, or drug abuse, when diagnosed with PTSD. They use these clandestine ways to distract themselves from the jumpiness, insomnia, and anger that comes with PTSD. However, doing this only puts their life in more danger. Exercise self-care through the following ways;
- Regular exercise – Workouts such as running, dancing, and swimming improve the mood and switches focus from negative thoughts.
- Use safe ways to calm down – Vigorous activities have been known to reduce stress and ease symptoms of anxiety. If one feels they want to blow off steam, engage in activities such as pounding a punching bag, singing along to loud music, or screaming in a secluded place.
- A healthy diet matters – Avoid foods such as processed foods as well as sugary or refined carbs. They increase symptoms of mood swings as well as energy fluctuations. Eat foods rich in omega 3 or fatty fish, walnuts, or flax seeds.
- Get enough sleep – Lack of enough rest is responsible for mood swings, anger, and other PTSD symptoms. The insomnia is usually caused by intrusive nightmares and flashbacks that make it hard to sleep. If one is struggling to get enough sleep, they should use dark curtains in the bedroom and make it as quiet as possible, use relaxation techniques, or take a hot shower before sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and drug abuse – Although these might help in sleeping or get the mind off things, they do more harm than good when one is suffering from trauma. Avoid the two at all costs for quick recovery.
Connect with loved ones
The symptoms of PTSD might prompt one to push away their friends and family. It is also common for military personnel to withdraw from activities that interested them before, which then slows down recovery. One should let people those who care about them know what they are going through. They will listen without judging, and sometimes talking lifts the burden off the shoulders. Hangout with them and engage in fun activities that help in forgetting the traumatizing experiences. Tell them where they can help too, as this will go a long way towards recovery.
Parting words
Adjusting to life after serving in the military can be difficult, not only to the soldier but also their loved ones. By following the above tips, one can recover more quickly. Like any other disease, as soon as one recognizes the symptoms of military trauma, they should report the issue to the relevant personnel at the base. If diagnosed with trauma, the sooner they begin getting treatment, the better. It is not the end, you can still get back to their everyday life.