Why Veterans Are More Susceptible to PTSD and How to Support Them

PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it can noticeably develop in people after they have been through a traumatic event or series of experiences. If you’re a veteran, you may find yourself experiencing symptoms of PTSD, such as a tendency to re-live certain experiences, a drastic change in mood, disassociation, and more. PTSD in veterans is particularly due not only to the effects of high-stress situations they may have experienced on active duty, but also the jarring change experienced as they transition back to civilian life. 

Supporting Veterans with PTSD

If you’re a veteran seeking PTSD help or a loved one looking to support a veteran in your life, Philly Family Life Counseling, LLC can help. Here are a few support methods for veterans:

• Acknowledge avoidance tactics: Avoidance is a major symptom of PTSD for veterans, but by avoiding our experiences, feelings, and emotions, we create an environment that allows them to grow bigger and fester until we can’t control our reactions to them. Acknowledging our experiences and talking about them with others can help minimize the stress response.
• Encouraging the practice of mindfulness: It can help to intentionally focus on the present instead of reliving the past. This takes practice, but can help keep you grounded in the moment.
• PTSD Therapy: Effective stress management starts with identifying stressors and learning to better cope with them. At Philly Family Life Counseling, Dr. Eugene G. Devers & Associates, we are here to help by offering stress therapy for those looking to break the cycle of negative feelings and emotions.
• Therapy for Veterans: Therapy for veterans can help with PTSD, but an experienced military counselor can also help you adjust back to civilian life, manage relationships, and work through other challenges veterans face.

PTSD in Veterans – Seeking the Help You Need

Dr. Gene Devers of Philly Family Life Counseling LLC has served as a civilian volunteer TDY with GS-15E rating, traveling internationally under military orders as an American Red Cross Debriefing Specialist during Desert Shield/Storm. If you can benefit from tactical support, to reinforce the strength to change your life, and to change your future, Dr. Devers stands ready and able to respond. For more information, call our office at 215-677-3810 or fill out our online form. We are ready and available to assist you today!