From Battlefields to Homefront, Memorial Day Also Recalls the Toll of PTSD

The Pasadena Public Health Department has declared May to be Mental Health Awareness Month

As America observes Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom, It’s important to also bring attention to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that impacts numerous veterans.

Upon returning home from deployments abroad, individuals who have faced traumatic events such as combat, terrorist attacks, accidents, or sexual assault may encounter nightmares or flashbacks associated with PTSD. This condition causes individuals to relive these experiences, which become deeply ingrained in their memories and have detrimental effects on their mental well-being.

With PTSD affecting more than 13 million people in the U.S, including 8% of all veterans, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD notes it is common to have symptoms right after a traumatic event such as combat. However, if they last longer than a month, it may be PTSD.

“Veterans with PTSD are impacted in different ways,” said Dr. Juan-Carlos Zuberbuhler with Kaiser Permanente, which maintains its Southern California regional headquarters here in Pasadena.

“What many have in common, however, is that PTSD can negatively affect how a person handles daily activities such as a job, going to school or having healthy relationships with your spouse, children, friends and loved ones. That can often lead to shame, social withdrawal, anxiety, sleep disorders, or even suicide.”

Dr. Zuberbuhler noted the simplest triggers can make someone with PTSD feel like their nervous system becomes hijacked by a panic reaction, which can cause you to fight (get angry), flight (avoid), or freeze (feel numb).

“Certain factors increase the chances of someone developing PTSD, including having directly experienced or repeatedly witnessing the aftermath of a very intense or long-lasting traumatic event,” he added. “Thus, in addition to direct victims, many first responders or healthcare providers can be at risk for developing PTSD.”

For those with PTSD, doing the following may improve a person’s path to recovery:

• Always attend scheduled counseling sessions and doctor’s appointments.

• In times of anxiety, reassure and comfort yourself by saying, and keep on going.

• Make sure you get sufficient rest.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and illegal drug use, as they can raise your anxiety level and cause problems with sleeping.

• Exercise.

• Use proven relaxation techniques.

• Get involved in your community.

Because there are times when PTSD can cause severe anxiety and other mental health challenges, Dr. Zuberbuhler emphasized it’s important to know when to seek help.

“If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, then call 911,” he said. “Also, contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or you feel your state of mental health isn’t improving.”

Kaiser Permanente offers valuable care instructions for those with PTSD.