Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) so commonly relates to military veterans that popular and incorrect beliefs arose that only military personnel could suffer from it for a time.
Veterans, especially those seeking Social Security Benefits, will likely want to know how PTSD can affect a person’s daily life and if compensation and support are available.
How PTSD and anxiety differ
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs talks about post-traumatic stress disorder, a major issue among veterans. PTSD happens when memories of a traumatic event continue to resurface and stress a victim out months or even years after the incident occurred.
PTSD differs from anxiety and other similar mental health issues in several ways. For one, PTSD usually focuses on one specific event rather than a general feeling of anxiety.
Stress symptoms related to PTSD also have triggers that are often quite specific. This can include things like smells, sounds or even certain actions that cause the traumatic memory to resurface.
Manifestations of PTSD
While PTSD can have differences and manifest in slightly different ways from person to person, several notable symptoms and signs will often manifest more often than others. When encountering a trigger, someone with PTSD may experience:
- Shaking or sweating
- Sudden and uncontrollable emotional outbursts
- Hyperventilation or elevated breathing
Many veterans do not even know they suffer from PTSD for some time after the traumatic incident, and many others do not ever get diagnosed. This can lead to increased problems such as not understanding one’s own triggers.
Veterans seeking Social Security Benefits need to meet some qualifications first, but applying for benefits for PTSD is possible.
