Many veterans return home expecting to resume their normal lives, yet find that they run into numerous obstacles. Some may have a difficult time finding employment. Others may have to deal with the physical and emotional injuries that can lead to homelessness and suicide. Then there are those who find themselves having to battle their own government to receive the very benefits that they have earned. However, the most common issue that plagues veterans is PTSD. While anyone can develop PTSD, it is most common in people who find themselves in life or death situations, such as veterans, law enforcement and other first responders.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, a number of factors can increase the chances of someone developing PTSD. These factors, which are often not under a person’s control, can include having an intense or long-lasting traumatic event or being injured during that event. PTSD tends to be most common after specific types of trauma, such as combat or sexual assault. There are certain factors, such as age, gender and exposure to previous trauma that can determine whether an individual develops PTSD. Additionally, what a person experiences after the traumatic event, such as stress or lack of social support, will also play a role in whether they develop PTSD.

The symptoms of PTSD can be the avoidance of certain activities, emotions and places that remind someone of their traumatic experience. It can also involve the person reliving the trauma through flashbacks and nightmares. They may also find themselves having difficulty sleeping, experiencing mood swings, outbursts, self-destructive behavior and depression. Individuals may also isolate themselves from family and friends and be plagued by thoughts of suicide. So, if you have a friend or family member who has experienced a traumatic event, either in battle or in some other circumstance, it always good to keep an eye out for the aforementioned signs of PTSD.