War trauma is any psychologically disturbing event that results from a military conflict. It can cause mental health conditions, one example being PTSD. Many veterans face psychological trauma connected to their war experiences compounded by feelings of guilt, humiliation, anger, and loneliness. What does this do to their mental health? Read on as we delve deep into the psychological health effects of war trauma, as well as support options.

What is war trauma?

Put simply, war trauma is a catch-all term for any traumatic incident encountered during the planning, conduct, or military service of a war. It's common knowledge that soldiers who see atrocities like mass murder and devastation in conflict zones suffer from war trauma. This explains why charities for wounded veterans strive to provide physical and mental health support for ex-soldiers and their families.

Just like any other chronically traumatic event, war trauma can manifest itself in numerous ways. The following events can cause it:

• Firsthand combat encounters.
• Witnessing the onset of war.
• Witnessing someone get killed, maimed, or injured.
• Killing or causing pain to another person.
• Delivering commands that cause suffering or death to other people.

Soldiers may face traumas during training or while deployed.

Which psychological disorders may result from combat trauma? 

Dealing with war trauma is challenging on its own. Still, it can have long-term effects on someone’s mental health. It can also lead to, or worsen, psychological issues, most notably PTSD.

Different people are affected by trauma in different ways. According to a 2019 study by the World Health Organization, 22% of residents of conflict zones suffer from mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. War trauma can frequently result in the following symptoms:

• Physical discomfort, such as headaches.
• Feeling devoid of emotion.
• Diminished or absent enjoyment of previously appreciated experiences.
• Issues with memory and thought processes.
• Isolation.

PTSD

According to the National Center for PTSD, roughly 7% of veterans will develop PTSD at some point in their lives. But when we focus only on female veterans, that percentage rises to 13% due to sexual trauma women may face during war.

Depression and anxiety

PTSD is most frequently linked to trauma when it comes to mental health conditions. However, survivors of traumatic wartime experiences may also experience anxiety and depression. These disorders can happen separately, or in conjunction with PTSD. Depression is very often linked to sexual abuse in the military.

Treatment and support options:

Veteran support networks

It is not always possible to prevent PTSD and other mental health disorders in traumatized individuals, such as ex-members of the armed forces. Nonetheless, support networks like the Wounded Warriors Family Support are very helpful. These veteran support networks aid the physical and mental health journeys of ex-servicemen and women, as well as those close to them.

Therapy 

Effective combat trauma therapy alternatives can also benefit veterans with mental health issues, including PTSD, sadness, and anxiety. Treatment tailored to treat PTSD may be particularly important in assisting an individual in overcoming the condition.

Social support

If your loved one is suffering from war trauma, instruct them to seek out and enroll in specialist treatment for PTSD in veterans if they haven't already. Doing so will lessen the chances of suffering long-term mental health problems and symptoms.

Moreover, it is important to seek out information about the many PTSD treatments available to veterans. By doing this, you will be able to communicate with your loved one better and comprehend what they are going through.

Final thoughts.

Veterans who experienced a traumatic wartime event can benefit from mental health services at any time in their lives. Veteran-focused organizations provide this kind of support, which is made possible through donations from the general public.