“I’m in distress and have a lot of anxiety”: a brief journey through the mind of a Combat Veteran struggling with PTSD.

(This photo does not represent a real client)

“A Day in the Life Navigating Combat PTSD”

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Combat Veterans often struggle after their military service to understand their traumatic experiences and feel confused by their unexpected reactions to civilian life, which they could previously handle without a problem. PTSD is one of the mental disorders that impact quality of life and often lead to substance abuse.  Combat-related PTSD is usually manifested by angry outbursts. 

Sadly, many military veterans have not received effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after combat stress, for a significant amount of time.  Unfortunately, military Veterans affected by traumatic memories, physical symptoms, moral injury, and alcohol use disorder do not seek mental health services despite the availability of several treatment options such as cognitive processing therapy and exposure therapy.     The following excerpt depicts the typical experience of a combat Veteran dealing with the aftermath of combat experiences, based on a previous client during my time working as a mental health professional in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

“It's 12/18/2013, and let me tell you, it's another challenging day for me. As I wake up, my body is already consumed by anxiety, courtesy of my ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's like an invisible weight pressing down on my chest, making it hard to breathe.
Throughout the day, I find myself facing numerous triggers that remind me of the traumatic events that haunt my thoughts relentlessly. Each situation, no matter how small, sparks an overwhelming sense of distress within me. It's as if my mind is on constant high alert, anticipating danger around every corner.
My thoughts, plagued by extreme beliefs, amplify my anxiety. I find myself trapped in a loop, convinced that the world is a dangerous place. I feel the need to constantly protect myself, as if any hint of vulnerability will lead to further pain and suffering. This fear-driven mindset makes it incredibly challenging to trust others or feel safe in my surroundings.
Unfortunately, this manifestation of my fear sometimes leads me to behave assertively or even aggressively. It's not that I want to lash out at anyone; it's just my way of trying to regain control and create a sense of security. The world feels chaotic, and I can't help but respond intensely, believing that this is the only way to safeguard myself.
When I do speak, my words often come out in a hyper way, with a rapid pace and intense fervor. It's as if the thoughts in my mind are so urgent and overwhelming that I can't help but let them spill out in urgency. It's not easy for others to understand what I'm going through, and sometimes I struggle to articulate my emotions effectively.
The world outside seems to be in constant motion, but I find myself restless and agitated. My body resists calmness, as if relaxation is a foreign concept. It's challenging to sit still or find solace in silence when every fiber of my being is on edge, ready to react to any perceived threat.
My mood swings back and forth between irritability and sadness, with fleeting moments of feeling somewhat "normal." It's a rollercoaster ride that I can't seem to get off. I try my best to manage these fluctuations, but sometimes the weight becomes too heavy to bear, enveloping me in a cloud of despair.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges I face each day, there is a glimmer of hope deep within me. I know that with proper guidance and therapy, I can learn to understand my triggers, challenge my extreme beliefs, and find healthier ways to cope with my anxiety. It's a journey, but I am determined to regain control of my life and find peace amidst the chaos.”

If you are a Combat Veteran struggling with PTSD, you are welcome to explore my services or contact me to see if I might be able to support you as you journey forward.
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Disclaimer: The above response is a portrayal of a past client's experiences and should not be used as a diagnostic tool. If you or someone you know is struggling with similar symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional help from a licensed therapist or mental health practitioner.