Internal resources and motivation: the key to overcoming PTSD in military personnel. Tips from a psychologist
1 November 2024 21:39
ANALYSIS FROM 
In war conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) becomes one of the most widespread psychological problems, especially among military personnel directly involved in combat operations. This problem is relevant today and will remain so in the future.
PTSD can be seen as the body’s response to life-threatening or life-threatening situations. However, it is important to avoid stigmatizing trauma by stating that “everyone who has experienced difficult moments of war has PTSD”. According to the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, between 20% and 40% of servicepersons need psychological help, while PTSD symptoms appear in 12-20% of those who suffered combat trauma and did not seek help for fear of being judged for showing weakness.
Some of the main symptoms of PTSD in the military include the following:
- regular flashbacks of traumatic events in the form of flashbacks;
- hyper arousal and sleep problems;
- need for control and excessive vigilance;
- nightmares related to the experience;
- memory disturbances;
- loss of interest in familiar activities;
- emotional instability;
- alienation from loved ones.
Treating PTSD in the military requires a comprehensive approach to turn psychological trauma into an opportunity for post-traumatic growth. It’s also important to remember that simple things like regular exercise, outdoor recreation, and socializing with animals can have a positive impact on the healing process.
Do all military personnel suffer from PTSD?
Military psychologist Ludmila Volter, in an exclusive commentary for "Komersant Ukrainian", talked about current issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military personnel and explained the main points.
“Not all people, military or civilian, experience PTSD,” Walter notes.
It depends on individual psyche, temperament and previous experiences, she says. She notes that the same situation can be received differently by different people, so the presence of certain symptoms does not always indicate PTSD.
“It’s a psychiatric illness that can be treated. Only a psychiatrist can diagnose PTSD, not a commander or a twin,” emphasizes the military psychologist.
Walter also details the wide range of symptoms the military can exhibit, from memory impairment to aggression, but these signs can also be indicative of other conditions such as acute stress.
“Only in the totality of the symptoms can we talk about PTSD,” she adds.
An important consideration in the military is exhaustion, which can be both physical and psychological.
“This can significantly affect the behavior and motivation of the military,” the psychologist notes.
According to her, motivation can change during service, so it is important to find personal reasons to continue serving.
“In addition, these are motivational such moments, when demotivation goes, a person no longer understands what I am here for. Then it is necessary to go down a little bit to the basics, to what I once got up and went. Motivation, by the way, can change in the process, so it is important to find these moments, why I am doing this, what is important to me, specifically for me, not within the country, not within the universe, not even within the unit, but exactly why it is for me personally,” Walter notes.
Burnout and demotivation are major psychological challenges for the military
The psychotherapist also emphasizes that internal resources in the military can be depleted, which leads to burnout.
“That is, internal resources, what motivates us. Somebody’s kids, somebody’s family, somebody’s fallen brethren, keep going. So someone just look at nature, it’s beautiful and it’s mine, I live here,” Walter says.
Psychological help for the military is becoming more and more important, especially in the face of high demotivation and loss of trust in command. In addition, the loss of fellow soldiers can also be a difficult experience, Walter notes. She emphasizes that everyone is entitled to their emotions, and it is important to learn how to express them.
“Accepting the loss of a loved one is a difficult process. First you have to realize that it happened,” she says.
According to the psychologist, it is important to give yourself time to experience grief, because it is a normal reaction to loss. The specialist also urges the military to remember their emotions and not be afraid to express them, because this is an important step towards recovery.
So, treatment of PTSD requires a comprehensive approach, including both psychotherapy and drug therapy. It is important to consider the military’s internal resources and individual motivational factors that help them cope with psychological trauma. It is worth remembering that accepting loss and expressing grief are important steps on the path to psychological recovery, and these processes require time and support.
Author – Darina Glushchenko
