War without end for traumatized soldiers and their families

In a time far long ago before COVID-19, John, not an 11th-grade high schooler, is now a grown adult. His father is 100% disabled Veteran emotionally and physically.  The physical eyes cannot see most of his wounds, yet his symptoms are intensely, chronically, painful, and daily.  Now his father is in a secondary emotional war COVID-19.   His old conspiracy theories and war stories don’t seem so far fetched to his adult son.

Let him tell it. Some of his earliest and happiest memories are of him and his dad. He was always full of life and laughter; his motto was, ”If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?”. Dad was his rock: when he fell and cut his knee when he was feeling down, dad would always cheer him up.

When he was ten, dad joined the army. He said it was ”just for show”; Dad thought he would never do active service. Then the war broke out. Dad said he was going to a place called Afghanistan to fight against al-Qaeda. Strange words, faraway places, none of it seemed real. His father was gone for more than four years until he was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form and be activated in a variety of ways. They target soldiers and civilians alike.

The COVID-19 pandemic creates stressors like fear about getting sick, concern for loved ones, isolation, job loss, and new childcare and family demands. If you have been through traumatic events in the past, you may have learned to cope well in crisis situations. However, dealing with the pandemic is unique; some ways people cope—like eating out or watching or playing sports—may not be an option. For those with PTSD, the pandemic may trigger or affect your PTSD symptoms.

Use good self-care skills. Try to focus on the things you can control rather than the things you can’t control. Be kind to yourself; the pandemic affects everyone. Avoid using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs; this kind of negative coping can make things worse in the long run. Instead, try keeping a routine, getting good sleep, and eating healthy to help manage your stress. Review this list of self-help strategies to find one that works best for you. Here are some that might be especially useful:

• The COVID Coach free mobile app helps connect you to important resources for coping and adapting during the pandemic. Tools are available to help with stress, staying well, safe, healthy, and connected. There are also tips to help navigate challenges such as parenting, caregiving, and working from home while social distancing or being sheltered in place.
• The PTSD Coach app and PTSD Coach Online website provide information about PTSD and getting treatment, a self-assessment for PTSD, and tools that can help manage the stresses of daily life with PTSD. Tools include relaxation skills, help with sleep problems, and anger management. You can customize tools based on your preferences. You can integrate your own contact list), photos, and music into the PTSD Coach app.
• Reach out for help. If you see a therapist or other mental health professional or have seen one in the past, reach out to them for support during this time. You may find you need only a few meetings to get back on track with your recovery. It may be possible to continue treatment by telephone or video. Talk to your mental health provider to determine the best option for you. If you are feeling overwhelmed:
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) anytime to talk to a crisis counselor. Press “1” if you are a Veteran. The call is confidential (private) and free.
  • Or chat online with a crisis counselor anytime at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
  • Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • You can also call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

Reference:  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/COVID_effects_ptsd.asp