When soldiers return to the United States, they can find themselves facing a lot of roadblocks regarding restarting their careers. Sometimes, they do not have skills that translate well into the civilian world. Other times, they have just been out of the workforce for so long that they’re not sure where to begin.
One major issue to consider is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can lead to:
- Inexplicable anxiety
- Flashbacks
- Panic attacks
- Sleeplessness
These are just a few examples. Full-fledged PTSD is different for everyone and can have a lot of different traits in every case. In some cases, it can be so bad that it is essentially a disability, and the veteran is unable to ever work again. This is especially true when they have PTSD that is combined with — or even stems from — their physical injuries.
In some cases, even when veterans try to work, they have reported that stigmas and misconceptions about the disorder make it hard for them to find gainful employment. Stories about PTSD that make the news often include violent outbursts, for instance. Employers have expressed concern about hiring people with PTSD because they do not want a workplace incident to take place, even if that particular veteran has never shown any violent tendencies. The reality is simply that people often do not understand exactly what PTSD is or how it impacts each person.
Have you been struggling with this disorder, perhaps finding yourself unable to work and needing professional medical treatment? Make sure you understand all of the rights that you have as you move forward with your life.
