How Acts of Terrorism or War May Affect Veterans

Veterans, like other people, respond to traumatic events in a number of ways. They may feel concern, anger, fear, and helplessness. These are all normal responses to an abnormal event. Research shows, though, that people who have been through traumas in the past may be even more likely than others to be affected by new events such as terror attacks and war.

Such events can cause a range of symptoms. A Veteran may have general distress or see an increase in his or her PTSD symptoms. In response to a new traumatic event, such as a terrorist attack, he or she may become quick to anger, have poor sleep, drink more heavily, or try to avoid all reminders of the trauma he or she went through.

Veterans may be very sensitive to military reminders. When confronted with a new traumatic event some Veterans expect and prepare for the worst. They do not want to be shocked and traumatized again by what may happen in the future.

Research has looked at how Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam reacted to the Oklahoma City bombing. Some Veterans reported that after the bombing they had:

• More frequent military and homecoming memories
• Depressed mood
• General distress
• PTSD symptoms

Veterans with PTSD may be even more likely to see worsening of their PTSD symptoms if they are exposed to military reminders. For example, during the Gulf War:

• Vietnam Veterans followed news of the Gulf War closely. They reported that the coverage brought back thoughts and feelings of Vietnam.
• The worsening of PTSD symptoms for some Veterans may have been related to how closely what they were seeing on the news reflected what they had gone through. For example, planes played a major part in both conflicts.
• Veteran gatherings or American symbols with high emotional value also could cause PTSD symptoms to recur or worsen.

How can Veterans cope when current events cause distress?

Below is a list of tips for Veterans with or without PTSD. You can use them to help you cope when traumatic events affect you.

For yourself

• Consider limiting your exposure to news on television. While the coverage of terroristic or military actions may draw you in, increased viewing can raise stress levels. Watch yourself for signs of anger, rage, depression, worry, or other negative feelings. Take a time out from the news to allow yourself to recover from these feelings.
• As much as possible, keep up with daily schedules and routines. Try to work more pleasant activities into your day, even for brief periods of time.
• Keep up with your body's needs for exercise, food, and sleep.
• Feel what you feel. It is normal to feel a range of emotions. Having these feelings is to be expected. How you deal with them is most important.
• Slow down. Give yourself time and space to deal with what has happened.
• Remember that people have their own pace for dealing with traumatic events. Listen to yourself and honor your own pace.
• Count on feeling angry, but temper your actions with wisdom. Try to stay calm. Avoid reacting with sudden anger toward any group or persons. Think of how your actions might benefit the country over the long term.
• Talk with someone close to you who might understand what you are going through.
• If you do not feel like talking, writing in a journal may be helpful for dealing with intense feelings.
• Do not avoid other Veterans even though they remind you of your military past. Seeking support along with other Veterans can be very helpful when stress is high. You can find other Veterans through the VA, Vet Centers, and Veteran's Service Organizations.
• Get help from your doctor or a mental health provider who is skilled in working with survivors of trauma if:
  
• You are having any symptoms that are causing high levels of distress, problems in relationships, or problems at work.
• You are abusing alcohol or drugs.
• You cannot get relief using the tips listed above.

For children in your life

• Be honest and open when the children in your life ask questions. Safety is a main concern for them. Comfort them and tell them that adults are working hard to make our country safe.
• During this traumatic time, kids will be looking to adults to help them understand and cope with their feelings. Be a positive role model for them. Show them your strength and how you are able to handle this crisis.

For your community

• Support your neighbors, friends, family members, and fellow Veterans.
• Try to transform anger or thoughts of revenge into something positive. You could donate blood, give money to the Red Cross, volunteer, donate to a food bank, or give your support in some other way. Invite others to do the same.
• Avoid blaming people that are part of any certain religious or ethnic group. Anger toward others and blame has been shown to increase Veterans' stress symptoms. Try to include and support others from your community who may be from different religious or ethnic groups.
• Try to join together with others, show patience, and help your fellow Americans in these times of hardship.