For many veterans, the battle doesn’t end when they return home. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a pervasive and often debilitating condition that affects countless men and women who have served in the military. At TRE UK®, we believe in shedding light on this critical issue. We want to raise awareness and support those who have sacrificed so much for their countries. In this blog, Understanding PTSD in Veterans: The Silent Battle After War we will explore the impact of PTSD on veterans. We will delve into the alarming suicide rates among this population. We will discuss how we can collectively work toward better mental health outcomes.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. So for veterans, these events often include combat exposure, life-threatening situations, or the loss of comrades. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Severe anxiety and hypervigilance
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Avoidance of situations that trigger memories of the trauma
PTSD doesn’t just affect the individual; it also impacts families, relationships, and communities. Recognising the signs and seeking help is the first step toward healing.
The Alarming Reality: PTSD and Suicide Rates Among Veterans
Key Statistics on UK Veteran Suicide Rates
Overall Veteran Suicide Rates:
A 2019 study by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that;
UK veterans under the age of 25 are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. The study also revealed that male veterans under 25 are two to three times more likely to die by suicide than their civilian counterparts.
Long-Term Trends:
While older veterans (those over 25) have a lower overall suicide rate compared to the general population, the risk remains significant, particularly for those struggling with mental health issues like PTSD.
The same study found that between 1996 and 2018, 1.7% of all suicides in England and Wales were among veterans.
Gender Differences:
Male veterans are at a higher risk of suicide than female veterans, mirroring trends in the general population. However, female veterans still face unique challenges, including higher rates of PTSD and military sexual trauma.
Comparison to the General Population:
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- The overall suicide rate among UK veterans is not significantly higher than the general population, but specific subgroups (like younger veterans) are at elevated risk.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
- 20% of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan experience PTSD or depression.
- 17 veterans die by suicide every day, a rate that is 1.5 times higher than non-veteran adults.
- Veterans account for 13.5% of all suicide deaths in the U.S. despite making up only 7.9% of the population.
The statistics surrounding PTSD and suicide rates among veterans, wherever they are in the world, are staggering.
These numbers highlight the urgent need for better mental health support and resources for veterans. The transition from military to civilian life can be incredibly challenging. Without proper care, many veterans feel isolated and hopeless.
Why Are Veterans at Higher Risk for Suicide?
Several factors contribute to the elevated suicide rates among veterans:
- Untreated PTSD: Many veterans struggle with untreated or undiagnosed PTSD, which can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness.
- Difficulty Reintegrating into Civilian Life: The structured environment of the military is often replaced by uncertainty, making it hard for veterans to adjust.
- Stigma Around Mental Health: Many veterans fear being perceived as weak if they seek help, leading to untreated mental health conditions.
- Access to Firearms: Veterans are more likely to have access to firearms, which increases the lethality of suicide attempts.
How Can We Help?
- Raise Awareness: Education is key. By understanding PTSD and its impact, we can reduce stigma and encourage veterans to seek help.
- Improve Access to Mental Health Services: Governments and organisations must invest in accessible, high-quality mental health care for veterans.
- Support Veteran-Focused Organisations: Nonprofits like the Wounded Warrior Project, Give an Hour, and the Veterans Crisis Line provide critical resources and support.
- Foster Community: Veterans need to know they’re not alone. Building strong support networks can make a world of difference.
A Healing Solution
In our work, we emphasise the psoas muscle as a vital storehouse for trauma and stress in the body. The Total Release Experience® Programme, – only available from TRE UK®, empowers clients to release tension from the psoas. In so doing, it is not just beneficial but life-saving.
Let me explain that the psoas holds deep-seated tension from emotional and physical stress and trauma, often accumulated over a lifetime. Without release, this tension can manifest as chronic pain, anxiety, emotional distress, and PTSD-related symptoms. Through the natural tremor mechanism activated in the TRE UK programme, individuals experience a profound, unconscious release, In so doing they are freeing themselves from past burdens without talking to release and recover from the trauma.
Finding Hope
Individuals have found renewed hope, relief from pain, and even a sense of liberation from long-standing trauma simply by engaging in this practice. Many describe it as a lifeline, helping them to move from survival to truly living. As one veteran shares: ‘The bottom line is I don’t think it actually matters, as our lives can become increasingly complex, and perhaps one might never get to the root of the problem. What does matter is the feelings of guilt are no longer there; my life is back on track. Several months later, even close friends commented on how I had changed for the better. It is clear to me I have ‘Sergeant Major’ Purvey and TRE UK® to thank for that!’
PTSD is a silent battle that many veterans face long after they’ve left the battlefield. The high suicide rates among this population are a sobering reminder of the work that still needs to be done. At TRE UK®, we stand with veterans and their families, advocating for better mental health care and greater awareness.
Some contact information If you or someone you know is struggling.
In the US: The Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or text 838255. You are not alone, and help is available.
In the UK: SSAFA (Armed Forces Charity): Helpline: 0800 731 4880 / NHS Mental Health Services: Helpline: 111 (Option 2 for mental health crisis support)
By addressing this critical issue, we can honour the sacrifices of our veterans. Working together we can provide a future where no one has to suffer in silence.