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UNDERSTANDING THE INVISIBLE INJURIES of COMBAT

No One Comes Home From War Unchanged. However, With Appropriate Counseling, The Psychological Effects of Combat Are Treatable.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

There are four types of symptoms of PTSD

 

  1. Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms)

You may have bad memories or nightmares. You even may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback.

  1. Avoiding situations that remind you of the event

You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event.

  1. Negative changes in beliefs and feelings

The way you think about yourself and others may change because of the trauma. You may feel fear, guilt, or shame. Or, you may not be interested in activities you used to enjoy. This is another way to avoid memories.

  1. Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal)

You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. Or, you may have trouble concentrating or sleeping. This is known as hyperarousal.

 

 

  1. Jennifer L. Price, Ph.D., “What is PTSD?,” National Center for PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-is-ptsd.asp.

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What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is more than just feeling sad. Most people with depression feel down or sad more days than not for at least two weeks. Or they find they no longer enjoy or have interest in things anymore. If you have depression, you may notice that you're sleeping and eating a lot more or less than you used to. You may find it hard to stay focused. You may feel down on yourself or hopeless. With more severe depression, you may think about hurting or killing yourself.

 

  • Persistent sadness or low mood

  • Thoughts and feelings of worthlessness

  • Feelings of self hatred

  • A feeling of hopelessness

  • A feeling of helplessness

  • Feeling like crying

  • A feeling of guilt

  • Irritability - even trivial things become annoying

  • Angry outbursts

  • Intolerance towards others

  • Persistent doubting - finding it very hard to decide on things

  • Finding it impossible to enjoy life

  • Thoughts of self harm

  • Thoughts of suicide

  • Persistent worry

  • Persistent anxiety

​© Copyright Miles of Smiles Foundation 2007

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