Frequently asked questions about service-related trauma
What are the symptoms of service-related trauma?
Veterans affected by the impact of trauma can experience a range of symptoms that can be associated with problems with relationships, family and career.
Symptoms can include:
- depression
- anxiety
- mood swings
- problems with controlling anger
- despondency
- becoming withdrawn
- low self-esteem
- agitation and irritability
- nightmares and flashbacks
- insomnia
- avoiding situations that trigger bad memories
- survivor guilt
- antisocial behaviour
- problem gambling
- post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be service-related. It can be a physical and psychological reaction to the trauma of witnessing death or serious injury in war. The disorder can cause a range of severe symptoms, including reliving the experience that caused the trauma, leading to nightmares and flashbacks. Post-traumatic stress disorder can also be experienced by victims of non-combat-related stress, including terrorism, rape, natural disaster and serious accidents. Symptoms can occur immediately following the trauma, or they can take time to develop. The effects can be ongoing, or alleviate only to return when exposed to a trigger that reignites the memory of the trauma.
How do we treat service-related trauma?
Wesley Hospital Ashfield and Wesley Hospital Kogarah’s long experience in treating veterans has seen significant benefits for veterans and their families over the years. Our highly regarded day patient group programs are tailored to meet the needs of veterans with a range of psychological disorders. The programs run for two days a week, over several weeks.
We offer the following day patient programs for:
- depression
- anxiety
- anger/anxiety
The programs are run using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques and led by a clinical psychologist. Cognitive behaviour therapy is a collaborative group process, encouraging veterans to participate in group discussions and practise new techniques between sessions.
