PTSD 101
WHAT IS PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop in anyone who experiences or witnesses traumatic events.
of warriors reported PTSD symptoms
76%
of warriors reported PTSD symptoms in the past month
49%
According to WWP's 2022 Annual Warrior Survey:
NEXT: CAUSES OF PTSD
PTSD can disrupt daily activities and quality of life.
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CAUSES OF PTSD
Witnessing death or physical injury War/combat Sexual abuse Accidents Natural disaster Physical violence Moral injury
NEXT: SYMPTOMS OF PTSD
The 2022 Annual Warrior Survey shows that some factors, including PTSD, military sexual trauma (MST), and substance abuse, are associated with higher rates of suicidal thoughts among WWP warriors.
warriors reported suicidal thoughts in the last year
OVER
1 IN 4
The link between PTSD and suicidal ideation
Protective factors, which are associated with lower rates of suicidal thoughts, include social support and the ability to access care when needed.
NEXT: HEALTHY WAYS TO MANAGE PTSD
SYMPTOMS OF PTSD
Reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks, nightmares, and frightened thoughts that can result in physical symptoms such as racing pulse, sweating, pain, feeling sick, and tremors.
Intentionally avoiding thoughts, situations, people, places, activities, objects, or feelings that trigger recall of the traumatic event.
Feeling “on edge,” always “on alert,” tense, jittery, and anxious, resulting in irritability, trouble sleeping, being easily startled, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, self-medicating, or self-destructive behaviors.
Experiencing negative thoughts and feelings about oneself, the event, or others; loss of interest in hobbies, and frequent feelings of guilt, shame, or blame.
Negative thoughts or mood
Intrusion
Avoidance
Hyper-arousal or reactivity
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*When asked about PTSD symptoms in the past month, 49% of all WWP warriors reported a presence of PTSD symptoms.
66%
74%
+
*66% of WWP warriors visited a professional in the past year to deal with stress, emotional, alcohol, drug, or family problems.
*74% of WWP warriors self-reported depression.
*Data taken from WWP 2022 Annual Warrior Survey
Hyper-arousal and reactivity
X
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. In 2010, the U.S. Senate designated June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day. In 2014, it expanded the observation to the entire month of June.
When Is PTSD Awareness Month?
Listen to the individual when they say they’re not ready to do something. Be there for them, without trying to fix them. Encourage them to seek treatment and participate in activities. Find support for yourself. Recognize symptoms in yourself. Living with someone with PTSD can sometimes result in secondary PTSD – when the partner or family member feels symptoms that are similar to PTSD . #CombatStigma: Challenge the stigma surrounding PTSD and mental health. Be mindful of your language and attitudes. Promote open, judgment-free conversations.
How Can I Help?
Not all veterans develop PTSD. According to WWP’s 2022 Annual Warrior Survey, 76% of the veterans served by the organization self-report PTSD.
Do All Combat Veterans Get PTSD?
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#Combat Stigma
Go for a walk, join a virtual challenge, sign up for wellness coaching, find new possibilities in adaptive sports.
Breathe, engage all your senses and be present with yourself and your loved ones.
Connect with other veterans, find a peer support group, community or faith-based organization. Realize you’re not alone.
Talk to a counselor, get referred to an intensive outpatient program, or navigate access to family counseling if you choose that path.
You might not realize what you’re capable of doing until you try. Think about your next steps. Look forward to challenging yourself to heal. Be open to new possibilities.
Exercise
Practice mindfulness
Spend time with like-minded people
Access mental health resources
Challenge Yourself
Healthy Ways to Manage PTSD
NEXT: HOW WWP CAN HELP
WWP SOLUTIONS
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WWP connection events and peer support are important in helping veterans and their families find support in each other.
Emotional Support
Family members and veterans can access emotional support and 1:1
Project Odyssey is a 12-week mental health program, with one week of adventure-based learning and 11 weeks of WWP teammate follow-up
ADVENTURE-based Therapy
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Contact the Resource Center. We're here to help you plan a path forward in your next mission. 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586)
Outpatient treatment at leading medical center
Warrior Care Network is a 2-week intensive outpatient program at one of four academic centers. It’s followed by continued care after you return home, and it includes family support members. WCN is a hub of expertise in PTSD treatment.
Ongoing well-being
WWP offers veteran connection events, physical health and wellness, adaptive sports, virtual challenges, career counseling, caregiver support, and both in-person and online community.
WWP’s programs and services in veteran mental health are here to help Combat Stigma by giving warriors the tools to transform their lives. Veterans and their families benefit from wraparound services that help them overcome obstacles, build a support network, and live full lives.
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How WWP Can Help
discussions. Various WWP programs positively harness thrill-seeking for healing.
counseling through programs like WWP Talk. This program is a nonclinical, telephonic, goal-setting program designed to help warriors and family members plan individualized paths toward personal growth.
CONNECTION
Family members and veterans can access support and 1:1 counseling through programs like WWP Talk. This program is a nonclinical, telephonic, goal-setting program designed to help warriors and family members plan individualized paths toward personal growth.