November 7, 2020
Why Veterans Have High PTSD Risk Factors – Combat Exposure Brings Higher Risk
Photo by engin akyurt under Unsplash License
During earlier times, PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder was called by other names. It was labeled as “combat fatigue” and also “shell shock,” referring to the stressful and traumatic situations that our troops experienced during their time on the battlefield.
Today, PTSD is described as a distinct mental condition that can happen to anyone — not just to our troops.
PTSD may afflict someone who witnessed or experienced traumatic events such as rape, child abuse, torture, grisly deaths, and getting caught in the middle of a firefight or natural disaster. These can all leave scars that can take a long time to heal.
For veterans, however, especially those who had been in combat missions, the likelihood of developing PTSD is much higher. Their traumatic experiences haunt them even years after the end of their service.
Since PTSD is a mental illness, it’s not guaranteed to be 100% curable. Some sufferers manage to overcome it even without professional help. Others, however, are not as lucky. They’re unable to free themselves from this mental disorder no matter how hard they try. The treatments currently in use are more on managing and controlling the condition.
If an individual is showing symptoms of PTSD, it is highly recommended that they seek the advice of a mental health expert immediately. Even though PTSD isn’t curable, seeking professional help early on may reduce the effects or lessen the duration of the condition.
The PTSD Risk Factors for Our Veterans
Several risk factors have been identified as probable causes of a veteran developing PTSD. These factors manifest during and even after a combat mission. Experts say PTSD can develop even after soldiers transitioned out of active service.
Here are some of the PTSD risk factors for veterans:
- Exposure to combat
This stands as the topmost reason why veterans contract PTSD. Those who were not able to experience combat and mostly had office duties have a lower percentage of developing the disorder, compared to those who were deployed or participated in actual combat missions.
- Family worries
These worries plus the length of time away from home also add to the risk of developing PTSD. If a veteran had several tours of duty overseas without a break in between, they are more likely to develop the condition.
- Witnessing traumatic events
Veterans who witnessed grisly injuries or deaths during their deployment, especially if someone they knew personally (a squad member or a friend) was the victim, also have a strong chance of developing PTSD. Such traumatic events can create intense feelings of fear and awareness of one’s mortality.
- Exposure to attack and handling human remains
These also serve as strong PTSD risk factors for veterans. Participation in rescue missions, risking enemy fire to get comrades to safety, or even just randomly being fired upon on patrol are some examples of these.
- Post-service stresses
Life stressors such as lack of financial support, medical issues, and family problems can act as triggers for veterans to develop PTSD.
Don’t Leave Our Suffering Veterans Alone
Many of our veterans are living with PTSD, enduring the pain and trouble it causes them. Because of this condition, they’re unable to find decent and stable jobs to support themselves and their families.
The good news is that you can help provide them great opportunities to overcome their mental health condition and other transition issues they face. All you have to do is donate any vehicle you no longer need to us at Veteran Car Donations.
We’ll auction off your donation and use the proceeds to support the critical programs and services being provided by our military and veteran charity partners.
Some of these IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofits provide free psychotherapy and other related services specifically for veterans suffering from PTSD. Our other nonprofit partners provide their beneficiaries with quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, mentoring, family support, educational scholarships, and many other benefits.
You will also get benefits when you take part in our vehicle donation program. Not only will you get our free pickup and towing service wherever you are in the country, but you’ll also qualify to receive a top tax deduction in the next tax season.
You can donate almost any type of vehicle, whether relatively new or not. In most cases, we accept even vehicles that are no longer running.
You can check out our FAQs page to get to know our quick and convenient donation process and other details. If you have questions and concerns, feel free to call us at 877-594-5822 or leave us a message here.
Support Our Heroes In Their Time of Need!
This is an opportunity for you to touch the lives of our suffering heroes while getting rid of an unwanted car at the same time. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: March 8th, 2023