Caring for Veterans

The veterans may need depth of help whether that person is recovering from a recent deployment or requiring increased help as they age.

In this blog, we’ll talk about the critical importance of ensuring that they are cared for. Veterans though are likely to deal with symptoms directly related to their time in the armed forces. Even if they are lucky to come back from a deployment with no physical injuries, they might live with their fear and be emotionally haunted by their unpleasant experience. With this regard, while the health and well-being of every person are important, the caregivers of veterans often experience levels of distress

Giving back to individuals who protect our nation is an honor. At the same time, providing care for a veteran can be especially challenging. On the other hand, they are also the same as other human beings – someone with personal care needs and living with the same physical ailment affecting all of us, such as:

Chronic or progressive conditions, including Huntington’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Cardiac, circulatory, or pulmonary conditions, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Any medical condition, ranging from stroke recovery to asthma management

However, there are unique concerns that family/friends or caregivers might face with veterans.

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is frequently experienced by veterans who spend time in combat zones.
More than just memories of what happened, it can make a person relive the traumatic event each time they
remember it, leading to a near-constant state of feeling on edge and unsafe. It can make it hard to engage fully with
day-to-day life and make it impossible to look forward to the future.

Here are the signs and behaviors you may notice if your family member, friend, or someone in the community has PTSD:

a. When triggered by sounds, smells, or sights that remind them of the traumatic event, they may
experience physical signs of distress, including a racing or pounding heartbeat, breaking out in a sweat, or hyperventilating.
b. They may avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of what happened.
c. Memories or intrusive thoughts about their traumatic experience may come to them at any time.
Their sleep may be disturbed by recurring dreams of what they went through. These flashbacks can feel frighteningly real.
Insomnia is common.
d. They may show signs of frustration or distress at the inability to recall specific parts of what happened, or “lost time.”
e. A key symptom of PTSD is hypervigilance, a sense of constantly feeling guarded or on high alert. They may startle easily, making it hard to concentrate, affecting work, socialization, and everyday activities.
f. Veterans with PTSD can feel disconnected socially from friends and loved ones or find it difficult to show affection. They may seem withdrawn.

2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A person sustains a traumatic brain injury or TBI when the head is struck hard. It can also happen when the hea moves too quickly. Combat, car accidents, physical assaults, or falls are common causes of it The injury’s severity determines the effect on a person’s health and life.

a. Impacts on mental health include difficulties with concentration, learning and memory, and a slowed-down speed of processing and thinking.
TBI can also affect a person’s ability to judge situations and consequences, which could make decision-making difficult.
b. Impacts on physical health often include fatigue, general weakness, trouble with coordination, dizziness, pain (including headaches), sleep issues, and changes to vision.
c. Emotional changes are also seen with TBIs. Your friend or family member may find themselves frustrated or irritated easily. They may have angry outbursts for unknown reasons. They may develop depression and anxiety. These emotional issues may inhibit their social interactions with friends and family.

3. Other Mental Health Issues

Serving in a war zone often causes psychological trauma. Many veterans come home from deployments needing mental health support often, their mechanism of choice for coping becomes its own challenge. They may live with:

a. Depression
b. Anxiety
c. Substance use or addiction (alcohol, opioids, other drugs)
d. Paranoia or violent behavior
e. Suicidal thoughts
f. Self-harm

Not all veterans will develop these symptoms, but it is important to learn how to respond in these situations. Here are the things you can do for each situation:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What You Can Do?

The best advice for someone caring for a veteran with PTSD is to learn about the condition. The more you know, the more confident you’ll be in your interactions. Some basic tips:

Encourage mental health support: PTSD is considered a temporary condition, but its duration can vary. Seeing a professional for therapy is a good start. Options include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Group therapy or support groups may also be helpful.
Try not to take their behavior personally: When a person has PTSD, everyday interactions can be exhausting. Emotional withdrawal is a coping mechanism. They will have good and bad days.
Reduce the stigma: Much work is being done globally to reduce the stigma around mental health issues. Normalize conversations about mental health and show empathy, even if you can’t fully understand the events leading to their PTSD.

2. Traumatic Brain Injury: What You Can Do?

If you are caring for someone with TBI, patience and understanding are key. Here are some tips:

Watch out for fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of TBI. It can make everyday activities and therapies more challenging. Recognizing fatigue can significantly help in managing activities.
Establish and follow a routine: Create a gentle, predictable routine for their day, scheduling more taxing activities for the morning when possible.
Communicate simply and clearly: TBIs often impact the ability to multitask. Provide one short, clear instruction at a time.
Use visual tools and cues: Calendars, whiteboards, and notebooks can be helpful for someone with TBI.

3. Mental Health: What You Can Do?

If your friend or family member is struggling with mental health issues, professional help is crucial. Therapy and psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants and antianxiety meds, can be beneficial. Here are some actions you can take:

Monitor medication reactions: Watch for any changes or side effects when they start new medications.
Observe mood and behavior changes: Even with long-term medication use, watch for signs of relapse or changes in behavior, as life events or stopping medication can have significant effects.
Get help when needed: If you notice concerning behavior, seek professional assistance immediately.

In Case of Self-Harm or Suicide Risk

If the veteran you are caring for shows signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, consider the following steps:

Firearm safety: If the veteran has access to firearms, prioritize safety. Removing firearms is ideal, but if not possible, use gunlocks. You can request a gunlock from your local VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
Encourage open conversation: Veterans may find it difficult to admit they are struggling due to military training emphasizing strength. Be supportive and encourage them to talk about their feelings.
Use available resources: Utilize the VA’s suicide prevention toolkit for caregivers.
Veterans Crisis Line: Keep this phone number handy: Dial 988 then press 1. This line is available 24/7.

If the veteran is hesitant to seek mental help or if their behavior becomes a threat, seek professional assistance immediately. Keep a record of important hotlines on your phone or in a visible place for emergencies.

Taking Care of Yourself

As a caregiver, you must also be equipped physically and mentally to handle these challenges. Remember, the person taking care of others needs to be taken care of too.

Check out our other blog related to veterans.