BIG SPRING, Texas — When most people think of veterans with PTSD, the stereotype they picture is that it’s more common in older veterans, but the West Texas VA in Big Spring said that’s just not the case.
“PTSD effects veterans across all war eras. So, you may see veterans across the age spectrum experiencing symptoms of PTSD and what it might look like at a holiday gathering is you might see a veteran fidgeting a little more than normal, or you might see him completely freeze up," said Dr. Kyle Irwin, associate chief of staff of Behavioral Health at the West Texas VA. "The thing that you're going to notice is that they're different than they normally are.”
If people notice signs like these, check in on the veteran and ask them if they’re alright. If need be, help them find a calm area to relax if they say they need to step away for a bit.
However, Dr. Irwin said PTSD doesn’t have to be something that prevents veterans from celebrating 4th of July with their friends and family.
“We do encourage veterans and their family members to continue to do the things they've historically loved and valued," Dr. Irwin said. "We really want our veterans to be able to associate things like the sound of fireworks with celebrating independence with family and friends rather than haunting experiences from the past.”
Even if a veteran doesn’t want to go out to a fireworks show, just extending an invitation to them goes a long way in letting them know that they’re not alone.
If veterans feel their condition is starting to give them a lot of trouble, there is always someone to reach out to.
“The most important thing is to remember that help is available and that it's effective that if a veteran is struggling with PTSD that their life can be different and just to reach out for treatment, help and support,” Dr. Irwin said.
Veterans can call the Crisis Hotline at 988 to speak with someone if they need immediate help.