Saint Cloud VA PTSD Veterans Ages From 19 to 91

PTSD is unending nightmare for vets
Saint Cloud Times
Kirsti Marohn
David Unze

The age of veterans treated for PTSD at the St. Cloud VA ranges from 19 to 91, Maurstad said. The average age is around 50, with many Vietnam-era veterans joined by a growing group of younger veterans. About half served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, he said.

The long U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down, but for many veterans, the anguish continues.

During deployment, many service men and women were on alert around the clock, at constant risk for death or injury. They saw people killed or wounded, and perhaps had to kill or wound others. In some cases, their tours of duty were longer than expected, and many have been deployed several times.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates up to 20 percent of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan have post-traumatic stress disorder. Because not all veterans seek treatment, the numbers could be higher.

Veterans with PTSD may suffer from a range of symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, irritability and difficulty sleeping.

The risk of PTSD in service members is higher among those who served longer deployments, experienced more severe combat exposure or physical injury, and those who have family problems, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD. Women are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress, as are members of the National Guard or Reserve.

For many veterans, the problems start after they’ve been home a while. A spouse or loved one notices that the veteran seems distant and disconnected. Or they might struggle with anger, depression or substance abuse.
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