Combat Related PTSD

            Combat related PTSD in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans occurs at a rate of 13.8% (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008).  This is much lower than the lifetime prevalence of 30.9% for men and 26.9% of PTSD in Viet Nam War veterans (Gradus, 2014).  I believe many factors contribute to these high numbers, but I think the most important factor is the repeated exposure to traumatic events.  The primary criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD requires the person to be exposed to a life-threatening event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults like rape.  While most survivors of trauma return to a normal state in a short amount of time, members of the military in combat theater operations are exposed to trauma on a daily basis; many times, several times a day (Gradus, 2014).

            When someone goes through a traumatic event, they feel scared and confused.  All combat veterans have lived through this type of event and have felt these feelings.  They have been caused to fear for their lives, seen horrible things, and felt out of control.  Repeated exposure to events such as this do not allow the brain to resume “normal operation.”  This frequently results in the veteran being hypervigilant, always on guard for perceived threats, and hypersensitive to sounds, smells, or locations that trigger memories of the traumatic event (Gradus, 2014).

            Job is one of the greatest examples of what a combat veteran suffering from PTSD may be experiencing.  He suffered daily attacks by Satan, and he describes his symptoms as sighing, groaning, and hopelessness.  He speaks of having nothing but turmoil in his life and no peace or quietness (Job 3:25-26).  He also speaks of nightmares and visions (Job 7:14).  Job prayed and maintained his faith, and he talked to his friends about his struggles (Job 13:15).  Those who suffer from PTSD could follow Job’s example and seek help from God and others for restoration.

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References

Gradus, J. L. (2014, January 30). Epidemiology of PTSD - PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/PTSD-overview/epidemiological facts-ptsd.asp

Tanielian, T. & Jaycox, L. (Eds.). (2008). Invisible Wounds of War: Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to Assist Recovery. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation.