The Horrors of War: PTSD and Its Lingering Effectsnsfw

War is one of the most traumatic events that humans can experience. It exposes soldiers and civilians to extreme violence, death, and destruction, often leaving them with lasting psychological scars. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to war or other traumatic events. It is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, negative mood, and hyperarousal.

PTSD is not a new phenomenon. It has been documented throughout history, under different names, such as shell shock, soldier’s heart, or battle fatigue. However, it was only in 1980 that PTSD was officially recognized as a diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association, following the Vietnam War. Since then, more research and awareness have been devoted to understanding and treating PTSD, especially among veterans of recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, PTSD is not the only psychological consequence of war. There are other, less visible, and more diverse impacts that can affect the mental health and well-being of war survivors. One of these is moral injury, which refers to the damage done to one’s conscience or moral compass when one witnesses or perpetrates acts that transgress one’s own moral beliefs or values. For example, a soldier who kills an innocent civilian, or a civilian who betrays a fellow countryman, may experience moral injury in the form of guilt, shame, anger, or loss of trust. Moral injury can also impair one’s ability to cope with PTSD symptoms, and increase the risk of suicide.

Another hidden impact of war is the intergenerational transmission of trauma, which means that the effects of war can be passed down from one generation to the next. This can happen through biological, psychological, or social mechanisms, such as genetic changes, parenting styles, or cultural narratives. For example, a child of a war veteran may inherit the genetic vulnerability to PTSD, or learn to be fearful and anxious from their parent’s behavior, or internalize the stigma and silence surrounding their parent’s trauma. This can lead to various mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or violence.

The horrors of war do not end when the war is over. They can haunt the survivors and their descendants for years, decades, or even centuries. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize and address the diverse and long-term impacts of war on mental health, and to provide adequate support and care for those who suffer from them. War is not only a political or military issue, but also a human and psychological one.