Internal Struggles When Veterans Explain Trauma Symptoms
Veterans have an incredibly difficult time discussing their traumatic experiences due to a variety of reasons. One reason is because the trauma itself can cause them great distress. In fact, many times, veterans don't even realize what has happened until years later after it has already begun manifesting as anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. When they do begin to recognize these symptoms, they often experience internal struggles when trying to explain them to loved ones.
The Challenge of Putting into Words What They Can't Understand Themselves
Explaining something that you yourself are struggling to comprehend is extremely challenging. This is particularly true for veterans who suffer from trauma, which affects each person differently. It's possible that a veteran may have seen something so horrific that they can never forget it, but they can't articulate it adequately enough to put into words. Even if they manage to find the right words, they may struggle to explain how those events have impacted them in the long run. As a result, they may avoid bringing up their symptoms altogether or simply brush them aside as "normal."
Self-Stigma
Another major challenge that veterans face when explaining their symptoms is self-stigma. Because they themselves feel ashamed about their experiences, they may fear being judged by others. After all, society at large still stigmatizes PTSD and other mental health conditions associated with military service. This stigma makes it difficult for veterans to open up about their own suffering, especially if they believe their family members won't understand.
Lack of Understanding
It's also likely that many people around veterans simply don't understand what they're going through. Even if they try to be empathetic, they might not fully grasp just how debilitating traumatic stress can be. Many civilians have no frame of reference for this type of experience because they haven't served on the front lines themselves. This lack of understanding only adds to the internal struggles that veterans already deal with.
Impact on Relationships
Explaining these symptoms can also strain relationships. Veterans who are hesitant to talk about their issues may become increasingly isolated from loved ones. It's common for partners to grow frustrated with the person they once knew and love, which leads to further distance between them. In some cases, families even break apart due to the difficulty in managing these symptoms.
All in all, there are many obstacles that come with attempting to explain trauma symptoms.
Talking about these symptoms is critical for receiving proper treatment. Veterans need to be able to discuss what they've experienced so that professionals can help them cope better. They also need support from friends and family members who care deeply for them. With time, patience, and understanding, anyone struggling with PTSD or other symptoms of military-related trauma can find relief and healing.
What internal struggles occur when a veteran attempts to explain trauma symptoms that they themselves do not fully understand?
In addition to experiencing guilt, shame, fear of disclosing their traumatic experiences, and difficulty expressing them to others, many veterans may also feel confused about their own thoughts and feelings, which can make it difficult for them to articulate what they are going through (Campbell & Nixon, 2015; Deeb et al. , 2018).