Research
My invisible PTSD: Exploring the experiences of recovery in treatment seeking veterans
Authors:
Phillipa Hatton,
University of East London, GB
Abstract
Background
Research suggests that ex-military personnel are at high risk of developing mental health disorders such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and have been found to underuse mental health services. Research has used quantitative methods focused on barriers to accessing services, with less emphasis on factors that enable veterans to seek support.
Objective
The aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the experiences of veterans who seek treatment and how they define their experience of ‘recovery’.
Methods
Nine male veterans who had completed a six-week Intensive Treatment Programme at Combat Stress participated in the study. Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews and was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Results
Four key themes emerged: (1) discovering PTSD: ‘breaking the silence’, ‘experiences of diagnosis’ and ‘normalisation and containment’, (2) engaging with PTSD: ‘preconceptions and the challenges of military identity’ and ‘accepting PTSD’, (3) a road to recovery: ‘a shared experience of PTSD’, ‘finding me again’ and ‘adjusting to civvy street’ and (4) maintaining and rebuilding: ‘owning your PTSD’, ‘tackling PTSD in everyday life’ and ‘managing social relationships’.
Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of treatment, an Multi-Disciplinary Team approach and of psychological input for veterans with PTSD. In addition, the experience of being treated within a cohort, provides a familiar framework of treatment to veterans and which had a therapeutic effect in their recovery journey.
How to Cite:
Pearson, E. J., Madigan, A., Spencer-Harper, L., Hatton, P., & Murphy, D. (2019). My invisible PTSD: Exploring the experiences of recovery in treatment seeking veterans. Journal of Veterans Studies, 5(1), 1–15. DOI: http://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v5i1.123
Published on
14 Sep 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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