VA Hudson Valley Health Care System

National Center for PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Veterans, like other people, respond to traumatic events in a number of ways.  They may feel concern, anger, fear, or helplessness.  These are all typical responses to a violent event.  However, research shows that people who have been through trauma, loss, or hardship in the past may be even more likely than others to be affected by new, potentially traumatic events.

Acts of violence can cause a range of reactions.  A Veteran may have general distress or see an increase in his or her PTSD symptoms.  In response to a new traumatic event he or she may become quick to anger, sleep poorly, or drink more heavily.  The Veteran may try to avoid all reminders or media about the act of violence, or shy away from social situations more generally.

Recently traumatic events may also trigger old memories among Veterans.  When confronted with a new traumatic event some Veterans expected and/or prepare for the worst based on their past experiences.  They may become overly protective, vigilant, and guarded.  They may become preoccupied by danger.  They may feel a need to avoid being shocked by, or unprepared for, what may happen in the future.

Research has looked at how Veterans have reacted to terrorism.  While some studies report that Veterans react similarly to civilians when acts of mass violence occur, other studies have reported that their negative reactions may last for a longer length of time than civilians.  Some Veterans reported that they had more frequent:

• Military and homecoming memories
• Depressed mood
• General distress
• PTSD symptoms

Veterans with PTSD may be even more likely to see worsening of their PTSD symptoms if they are exposed to reminders that are similar to their own experiences in the military.  For example:

• When Veterans followed news closely they reported that media coverage brought back thoughts and feelings of their own military experiences.
• The worsening of PTSD symptoms for some Veterans may have been related to how closely what they are seeing on the news reflected what they had gone through while serving.
• Veteran gatherings or American symbols with high emotional value also could cause PTSD symptoms to recur or worsen.

How can Veterans cope when current events cause distress?

Below is a list of tips to manage distress for Veterans with or without PTSD.  Use them to help you cope when traumatic events affect you.

For yourself

• Consider limiting your exposure to news on television.  While media coverage may draw you in, increased viewing can raise stress levels.  Watch yourself for signs of anger, rage, depression, worry or other negative feelings.  Take a time out from the news to allow yourself to recover from these feelings.  Recent research has found that individuals who repeatedly exposed themselves to disturbing images from television reports were at greater risk of developing PTSD over the next two to three years.
• Keep up with daily schedules and routines.  Try to include more pleasant activities in your day, even for brief periods of time.
• Keep up with your body’s needs for 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.  Give yourself time and space to deal with what has happened.  Remember that people have their own pace for dealing with trauma, including you.
• Count on feeling angry, but balance your actions with wisdom.  Try to stay calm. Avoid reacting with sudden anger toward any group or persons.
• Talk with someone close to you who might understand what you are going through.
• If you do not feel like talking, writing in a journal may be helpful for dealing with intense feelings.
• Do not avoid other Veterans even though they remind you of your military past.  Seeking support can be very helpful when stress is high.  You can find other Veterans through the VA, Vet Centers, and Veteran’s Service Organizations.

Get help from your doctor or a mental health provider who is skilled in working with survivors of trauma if:

• You are having any symptoms that are causing high levels of distress, problems in relationships, or problems at work.
• You are abusing alcohol or drugs.
• You cannot get relief using the tips listed above.

For your children

• Be responsive when the children in your life ask questions.  Safety is a main concern for them.  Comfort them and tell them in a n age-appropriate way that adults are working hard to help those involved in the situation, and make sure all children will be safe everywhere.
• If children are hearing about acts of violence, they will be looking to adults to help them understand and cope with their feelings.  Be a positive role model for them.  Show them how as a family you have ways to deal with difficulty events together.

For our community

• Avoid blame as much as possible.  Anger toward others and blame has been shown to increase Veterans’ stress symptoms.
• Try to transform anger or thought of revenge into something positive.  You could donate blood, give money to the Red Cross, volunteer, donate to a food bank, or give your support in some other way.  Invite others to do the same.
• Try to join together with others, show patience, and help others in times of hardship.

www.ptsd.va.gov