For returning veterans there is a likely-hood that about 20-25% will have some sort of PTSD.PTSD is anxiety run riot. Along with it are other diagnosis of stress Acute stress, Combat stress. The war theatre produces images and memories that the brain cannot handle so it goes to panic. Unfortunately society still has a stigma about mental illness. But as the veteran goes into a panic state their reality is distorted to constant fear of some danger. The get irritable quickly and have few brakes to control it. They feel helpless, they don’t sleep they get exhausted. Frequently it gets dealt with by drinking, over medication, depression and outbursts. The family gets effected, no one feels safe, spouses or children. Unemployment can result furthering the downward spiral.
Whilst anger management is not the only solution, the basics of anger management can contribute to a veterans understanding of their cognitive impairment and specific techniques to use to develop resilience. Understanding their own triggers, awareness techniques all help to ‘manage’ their issues. They need to set goals, develop relaxation strategies, learn how to nurture themselves constructively, how to get social support. Move from aggressive responses to assertive response. More specialised treatment such as rapid eye movement (EMDR) should be in the hands of specialists
Like early childhood trauma, war trauma also casts a long shadow. It is not something that will easily go away.
Source Veterans Affairs
