Page 46 - Total War on PTSD

that last longer than this can indicate a problem. It’s being harder to diagnose and treat such long-lasting symptoms the longer the quarantine gets drawn out” (Mcfarlane, Jetly, Castro, Greenberg, & Vermetten, 2020). However, Mcfarlane et. al also describe that “the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic would, by most definitions, be considered a “crisis” and while crises can be overwhelming, and often expose vulnerabilities and gaps in our preparedness, they can also be seen as opportunities to quickly adapt, innovate and learn”.
Those already identified as being at-risk may need further support in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. “For instance, Veterans who live on meagre ill-health pensions or benefits may be less able to sustain themselves during a period of self-isolation. Consideration for how best to support such individuals should be treated as a special issue during coronavirus risk response” (Mcfarlane, Jetly, Castro, Greenberg, & Vermetten, 2020). Mcfarlane et. al also highlight the importance of the development of a program for “managing anxiety through exercise and relaxation strategies for those in isolation. In addition, technology must be leveraged to disseminate these programs and, ideally, tailored to the Veteran milieu”.
However, according to Dan Sabbagh from The Guardian journal, there are some Military Veterans who are hopeful that they can help this situation. Military Veterans “who served in Afghanistan and Iraq who have drawn up a package of guidance and support to help NHS workers cope with the traumatic stress from treating patients on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis” (Sabbagh, 2020).
According to an interview with Sabbagh, “Carole Betteridge, a former Navy nurse who ran a field hospital at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, said the understanding of traumatic stress had
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