War stories can contribute to post - traumatic stress disorder in several ways. Firstly, the graphic nature of many war stories can be extremely distressing for those who have already experienced trauma in war. The descriptions of bloodshed, explosions, and the loss of life can act as powerful reminders of their own traumas. Secondly, the way war stories are told, often with a focus on the heroics and sacrifices, can make those with PTSD feel guilty or inadequate if their own experiences were more about survival and fear. This emotional turmoil can further intensify the symptoms of post - traumatic stress disorder.
Another theme is the difficulty in readjusting to normal life. Things like family relationships can be severely affected. For instance, a veteran may find it hard to show affection to his family because in the war, showing emotions could be seen as a weakness. Also, the sense of hyper - vigilance is common. They might constantly be on the lookout for threats, just as they were in the war zone, even when they are in a safe environment at home.
One common theme is flashbacks. Veterans often relive the traumatic events, like explosions or combat situations, in their minds vividly. Another is hyper - vigilance. They are always on edge, constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats.
One story is about a veteran who constantly had nightmares of the battles in Vietnam. He would wake up screaming, reliving the moments of intense combat and seeing his comrades get injured or killed. The sound of a helicopter, similar to the ones used in the war, would send him into a state of panic.
There was a veteran who, after the war, couldn't stand crowded places. In the war, he was once trapped in a very narrow and crowded bunker during an enemy raid. Now, in supermarkets or busy streets, he would start sweating profusely, his heart would race, and he would feel like he couldn't breathe. He had to seek professional help to slowly overcome this PTSD.
They can have a significant negative impact. The memories from war are often extremely traumatic, and constantly reliving them through these stories can lead to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
A rape survivor had PTSD. She fought through it with the help of equine - assisted therapy. Working with horses helped her build trust again and gain confidence. She also participated in art therapy, expressing her emotions through painting. As a result, she not only overcame her PTSD symptoms but also became an advocate for other survivors, sharing her story to inspire them.
One way is to look for signs of excessive fear or anxiety in their stories. For example, if a child constantly tells a story about a monster chasing them and it seems related to a real - life traumatic event. Another sign could be the child avoiding certain parts of the story that might be associated with the trauma. Also, changes in the child's normal story - telling pattern, like becoming more withdrawn or overly excited while narrating, can be an indication.