How Terroristic Acts May Affect Veterans
A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet
By Candice Monson, Ph.D.
What might veterans experience as a result of terroristic acts?
Veterans, like other individuals, respond to traumatic situations in a variety
of ways. They feel concern, anger, fear, and helplessness, which are all normal
responses to an abnormal event. However, research indicates that people who
have previously survived traumatic events may be particularly sensitive to
the effects of later traumatic events such as terroristic acts and war. In
general these events can cause a range of symptoms from general distress to
an increase in PTSD symptoms, irritability, anger, alcohol and substance use,
sensitivity to military stimuli, sleep disturbance, and avoidant/phobic reactions.
Some individuals might anticipate and prepare for the worst possible future
circumstances so they are not retraumatized by a subsequent shock. Studies
of a recent American terroristic situation and of a recent military situation
have provided information about some of the effects such events have on veterans.
Following the Oklahoma City bombing, some veterans of World War II, the
Korean War, and some of those in the war during the Vietnam era reacted by
experiencing the following more than they had before the bombing:
o
More frequent military and homecoming memories
o
Depressed mood
o
General distress
o
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms
Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder may be particularly susceptible
to reactivation or a worsening of their PTSD symptoms if reexposed to military
situations.
During the Gulf War:
o
Vietnam veterans followed media coverage of the Gulf
War closely and reported that the coverage brought back thoughts and feelings
of Vietnam.
o
The reactivation or worsening of PTSD symptoms
experienced by some veterans may have been related to similarities in the
traumatic experiences (e.g., planes were a major part of both events).
Situations that have high emotional or symbolic value, such as veteran
gatherings or American symbols, also can reactivate or worsen PTSD symptoms.
How can veterans take care of themselves when current events cause distress?
Below is a list of potentially helpful strategies that veterans with or
without PTSD can use to help them cope during periods of disaster.
For Yourself
·
Consider limiting your exposure to television coverage.
While watching television coverage of terroristic or military action may be
compelling, increased viewing can raise stress levels. Monitor yourself for
signs of anger, rage, depression, anxiety, etc., and take a time-out from the
coverage to allow yourself to recover from these feelings.
·
As much as possible, keep up with daily schedules and
routines. Try to incorporate positive activities into your day, even for brief
periods of time.
·
Keep up with your physical needs relating to exercise,
food, and sleep.
·
Feel what you feel. It is normal to feel a range of
emotions. Having these feelings is to be expected; how you deal with them is
most important.
·
Slow down and give yourself time and space to deal with
what has happened.
·
Remember that people have their own pace for dealing
with traumatic incidents, and it is important to listen to and honor your own
pace.
·
Count on feeling angry, but temper your actions with
wisdom. Try to stay calm and avoid reacting with impulsive anger toward any
group or persons. Consider the long-term consequences of these actions for the
overall benefit of the country.
·
Talk with someone close to you who might understand
what you are going through.
·
Studies suggest that if you do not feel like talking,
writing in a journal may be helpful for dealing with intense feelings.
·
While it may feel more natural to avoid other veterans
as a way to avoid reminders of military involvement, studies show that seeking
support along with other veterans can be very helpful when stress is
increasing. This can be done through the VA, Vet Centers, and Veteran's Service Organizations.
·
Seek assistance from your medical doctor or a mental-health professional who
is skilled in working with survivors of trauma if:
o
You are experiencing any symptoms that are causing
significant distress, causing significant changes in relationships, or
impairing functioning at work
o
You are self-medicating with alcohol or drugs
o
You are unable to find relief using the strategies listed above
For Children in Your Life
·
Honestly and openly answer any questions that children
in your life may have. Safety is of primary concern for them. Reassure them
that adults are working hard to make society safe.
·
During this traumatic time, kids will be looking to adults to help them understand
and cope with their feelings. Be a positive role model for them by showing
them how you are able to handle this national crisis.
For Your Community
·
Support your neighbors, friends, family members, and
fellow veterans.
·
Talk to others whom you trust. Talking can help you
process painful feelings.
·
Expect that you may have fantasies of revenge. Try to
transform these feelings by contributing to support efforts in a positive way
(e.g., donate blood, give money to the Red Cross, volunteer, donate to a food
bank). Encourage others to do the same.
·
Avoid blaming people whom you may associate with a
particular religious or ethnic group. Rather than decreasing distress,
depression, and other PTSD symptoms, increasing anger toward and blame of
others has been shown to increase veterans' debilitating symptoms.
·
Try to join together, demonstrate patience, and help other Americans in times
of hardship.
Related Fact Sheets
Female
veterans
Some findings from a National Study of Women Vietnam Veterans
Help
for veterans with PTSD
Answers to some questions about PTSD and service-connected disability that
are frequently asked by veterans and their families
Seeking
help
A general overview of the nature of PTSD and the resources available to individuals
suffering from PTSD
What is
PTSD?
Answers basic questions about the signs and symptoms of PTSD, who gets it,
how common it is, and what treatments are available
