WHAT IS PTSD?
The majority of serving armed forces personnel successfully cope with trauma arising from their tours of duty, fighting for their country. In fact, incidents of mental illness in the armed forces is far lower than in a similar demographic in wider society. However, for some, the effects of trauma are serious enough to need specialist help.
What are the symptoms?
PTSD is in essence buried trauma. It is evident throughout all levels of society but is particularly acute for those who have suffered war related traumas. At the time, the sufferer unconsciously sweeps aside the trauma in order to deal with what they are facing. But at some point, they can experience overwhelming, intense feelings of anxiety, fear or rage. Added to this is a deep sense of estrangement from family and friends, flashbacks, nightmares and endless difficulty in sleeping. This can last for weeks, months or years.
How do sufferers cope
with PTSD?
The intensity of surfacing PTSD trauma can’t be rationalised away. It’s too powerful. It has no connection to everyday reality. Added to intense feelings, is a sense of bewilderment and isolation, and often an inability to talk about what is happening. Some sufferers instinctively mask their pain with drink and drugs. If left unrecognised and untreated, people can spin out towards the edges of society, plunging into alcoholism, addiction and crime. These can often be best-case outcomes. But unfortunately, suicide among sufferers isn’t uncommon.
Clinical treatment
The first step in treating PTSD is for an individual to get help in acknowledging that they are suffering. This is a significant moment and means treatment can begin. This can take several forms such as cognitive behavioural therapy, talking therapies and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment.
RECOVERY THROUGH SPORT
Clinical treatment is an essential first step. Engaging in sporting activities is a vital secondary step that aids with ongoing recovery. Physical activity engages the mind, helps dispel negative emotions, promotes positivity and builds on skills learnt in clinical treatment. Coming together with veteran peers in a challenging sporting event is also a potent life affirming antidote to the hidden destructive forces of PTSD, a foundational step for ongoing recovery, and a springboard for fuller participation in life.
