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Welcome Returning Veterans
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Whether this is your first semester or you’re a few months from graduation, the transition from the demands of military life to those of the university usually creates a significant amount of stress. From hanging up the “cammies” to putting on the “civies,” setting down the “rucksack” to picking up the book bag, and trading in your “deuce gear” for pens and paper, leaving the all-encompassing “Green Machine” for the classroom is no easy task. Many of you are returning from OIF or OEF war zones; the amount of stress from that experience added to what you face as a student is often immeasurable and overwhelming. Recent studies show that as many as 1 in 3 returning veterans have already experienced, or will at some point experience, one or more psychological disorders. A July 2004 article published in the New England Journal of Medicine (“Combat Duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mental Health Barriers to Care,” Vol. 351, No. 1) indicated that 1 in 6 veterans fit criteria for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Officials with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs have expressed concern that many veterans will not receive the psychological treatment they desperately need. Discovery of a medical problem or psychological disorder during one of the many exit examinations all military members must complete frequently results in a hold on dismissal from service. As a result, many service members don’t report problems that require professional attention because they are, understandably, anxious to begin their civilian lives. |
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RESOURCES for |
War-Zone Stress Reaction & PTSDPTSD is a disabling disorder that may develop following a traumatic event. Often, people with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts, memories, and dreams of the terrifying event and feel emotionally distant. An event resulting in PTSD usually involves experiencing death or dismemberment in some fashion and a feeling that one was helpless during that event. Common symptoms of PTSD include the following:
For additional information on war-zone stress reactions and PTSD, see our brochure, From Soldier to Student: Making the Transition to UT. If you think you may be suffering from war-zone stress reactions or from PTSD, visit one of the links in the left-hand column or speak with a counselor. Information on counseling services is provided at the bottom of this page (“Where Can I Find Help?”) |
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UT Student Veterans Association:
www.texasvets.org |
Why do so many veterans of this war suffer from war-zone stress reactions?The war in Iraq is known for close-quarters battle. As such, there are no safe places or front lines; soldiers are often unsure whether indigenous personnel are friend or foe. Troops almost never experience anything in Iraq without fear of loss of life. They rarely or never relax, and adrenaline is constantly pushed through the body at alarming rates. Constant high levels of adrenaline create problems over time. When troops return home, they may find great difficulty in adjusting to a more peaceful environment. Panic attacks may be triggered suddenly by sights and sounds that even remotely resemble wartime conditions. |
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Additional Information about Panic Attacks
Are You Living in Fear? CMHC's brochure on panic attacks The Anxiety/Panic Internet Resource (TAPIR), |
Panic AttacksA panic attack involves a sudden and intense fear or discomfort in the absence of real danger. Panic attacks may be unexpected, or they may be brought on by an environmental trigger. Sometimes, the person experiencing the attack may be able to link the episode to a trigger. In an unexpected attack, however, the person experiencing the panic may not be able to link the attack to any trigger. Common symptoms of panic attacks include the following:
If you are experiencing panic attacks, please visit with a counselor as soon as possible. See Where Can I Find Help? at the bottom of this page. |
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Additional Resources
for Transitioning Websites for these and other facilities are available through the Department of Veterans Affairs: Click on “Find a Facility” and enter the local Austin or San Antonio zip code. Austin Vet Center Central Texas South Texas Veterans Health Frank M. Tejeda VA Outpatient Clinic Texas National Guard |
Why Do I Need to Get Help?Many returning service members will suffer from some degree of war-zone stress reactions. Returning troops need to be aware of the importance of counseling services. Since many now live in a relatively peaceful environment, it may become easier to avoid reminders of the trauma faced in Iraq and therefore to put off seeking counseling services. Doing so may not only further impact war-related psychological difficulties but may also exacerbate disorders that were present before deployment. Of the difficulties student veterans face in transitioning to the civilian world, many have problems that relate to academic or career issues. Others have problems that relate to:
Many veterans also have problems dealing with civilians, both in their personal and professional lives. Some feel they’re misunderstood, underappreciated, and segregated from the more traditional student population. Given the United States’ current efforts in Iraq and conflicting civilian views, many veterans may experience some of the discussed problems to a greater degree. If you’re having trouble dealing with anything mentioned in this Where Can I Find Help?Help adjusting to student life UT’s Counseling & Mental Health Center provides assistance with the daily challenges of student life. To make an appointment, call 512-471-3515, or come to the 5th floor, SSB to schedule an appointment in person. Confidential telephone counseling is also available at 512-471-2255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Help with transitioning The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a website for returning Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Assistance with transitioning is also available at the facilities listed in the left-hand column. |
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TO CONTACT US:
SSB 5th Floor (512) 471-3515 M-F, 8-5 |