Page 46 - Total War on PTSD

Because PTSD symptoms include and mimic some of the symptoms that already exist in people who are being quarantined for long periods of time, this can aggravate PTSD in Veterans. Symptoms such as being constantly anxious, unable to relax, vividly re-experiencing traumatic events, avoiding triggers, memories or feelings and becoming socially isolated, are all effects that people are becoming all too familiar with.
Although, in some cases this knowledge is helping military Veterans to team up with healthcare workers and come up with solutions, it’s generally not a beneficial phenomenon for people to become more socially isolated when they already have PTSD. PTSD can lead to problems in relationships and at work, which could affect all global populations who are being forced into quarantine or forced to work essential jobs for 12 plus hours. These symptoms include irritability, anger and substance misuse, particularly alcohol dependency. “While some symptoms, such as nightmares, are normal in the weeks following a traumatic event, symptoms 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
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