PTSD in Veterans: A Battle that Doesn’t End
The scars of war often run deep, hidden beneath layers of stoicism and silence. For many veterans, coming home doesn’t mark the end of combat; instead, a new battle begins — one against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trauma that veterans face upon returning from war, particularly those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is a profound crisis affecting not just their mental health but their relationships, their ability to function, and their overall well-being. At Vita Nova Wellness Clinic, we see firsthand how PTSD grips the lives of thousands of veterans, affecting their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. The road to effective treatment is obstructed by stigma, inadequate care, and systemic failures, and it’s time we acknowledge the urgency of addressing this issue.
Veterans face an alarming rate of PTSD. Research from the National Center for PTSD indicates between 13.5% and 30% of those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan may suffer from the condition, translating to up to half a million U.S. soldiers struggling with mental health trauma years after returning from active duty. PTSD in veterans isn’t just about flashbacks or nightmares; it’s an ever-present reality of anxiety, depression, and, for many, suicidal thoughts.
The Stigma That Silences
One of the greatest challenges veterans’ faces is the stigma surrounding mental health. In military culture, where toughness and resilience are highly valued, seeking mental health assistance can often be perceived as a sign of weakness. The term “disorder” itself adds to this stigma, implying a defect that makes veterans feel broken when they are having a natural response to extreme trauma. Reframing PTSD as “post-traumatic stress injury” (PTSI) could be transformative, as it frames the condition as an injury—something that can heal—rather than a permanent defect. This shift in perspective could encourage more veterans to seek help without feeling that they’re compromising their dignity.
Bridging the Treatment Gap
However, even for those who overcome the stigma and seek help, the journey to recovery is often fraught with barriers. Veterans frequently encounter long wait times, limited treatment options, and mental health professionals who may lack the understanding needed to address the complexities of PTSD effectively. Despite the progress in battlefield technology saving lives that might have been lost in previous conflicts, we are failing to address the psychological wounds that veterans carry home. This failure highlights the urgent need for improved access to evidence-based therapies that can provide veterans with the support they deserve.
Ketamine: A New Hope for PTSD
Ketamine infusion therapy is transforming the way we treat PTSD and depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which often take weeks to become effective, ketamine works rapidly, sometimes within hours. It targets the brain’s glutamate system, showing remarkable efficacy where other treatments fail. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrated that ketamine significantly reduced PTSD symptoms within 24 hours of administration. In veterans specifically, ketamine has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms that have been resistant to other forms of treatment, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
This therapy offers a glimmer of hope to veterans who have been stuck in cycles of flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance, providing them with a pathway to reclaim their lives. According to research in The American Journal of Psychiatry, ketamine’s efficacy in reducing suicidal ideation in PTSD patients has been particularly promising, with some veterans reporting improvements after just one session.
For families, the impact of effective PTSD treatment cannot be understated. PTSD doesn’t just affect the individual; it ripples through families, straining relationships, and eroding connections. When veterans experience relief from trauma’s grip, it allows them to be present, emotionally engaged, and capable of rebuilding their lives and relationships. The transformation isn’t just about alleviating symptoms; it’s about quality of life, restoring hope, and healing families.
Closing thoughts
The war doesn’t end when the fighting stops, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. We must continue to advocate for comprehensive, evidence-based care for veterans, ensuring that they receive the best possible treatment options, including cutting-edge approaches like ketamine infusion therapy. By doing so, we honor their service and offer them a genuine path to healing.
No veteran should have to face their battles alone. It’s time to bridge the treatment gap and provide the support that veterans have long deserved.
Dr. Brijen L. Joshi, MD
Founder, Vita Nova Wellness Clinic
Dr. Brijen L. Joshi, MD, a Johns Hopkins-trained specialist in cardiac anesthesiology, critical care, and pain medicine, combines his medical expertise with a passion for research and entrepreneurship. Overcoming a personal ordeal with spinal disc rupture and chronic back pain, Dr. Joshi’s journey through pain to recovery deepened his commitment to pioneering holistic healthcare solutions at Vita Nova Clinic.
At the forefront of medical innovation, Dr. Joshi has made notable contributions to neuroscience, including a collaboration with
Cambridge University on cerebral autoregulation and advanced fMRI studies on the brain’s default mode network (DMN), with findings published in top-tier journals.
In the entrepreneurial realm, Dr. Joshi, alongside his wife, has established the highly acclaimed Smile Studio Dentistry practices in Baltimore and Bayview. He’s also an inventor and founder of OnPoint Ventilation, a medical device startup revolutionizing lung ventilation techniques.
Honored as a Top Doctor of Baltimore, Dr. Joshi is celebrated for his innovative thinking and bold exploration in healthcare. His journey from healing to healer has transformed him into a visionary in the medical field, always pushing the boundaries and redefining possibilities in healthcare and beyond.
About Vita Nova Wellness Clinic: At Vita Nova, we challenge traditional medical approaches, focusing on optimizing physical and mental fitness rather than just treating illness. True to our name, meaning “new life” in Latin, we aim to empower individuals to thrive and live their best lives.
Every client’s journey is unique, and we honor that by addressing the complexities of their well-being, crafting a personalized path toward health and success. For us, every step forward—whether it’s improved mental clarity or a healthier lifestyle—is a meaningful life event, not just a medical milestone. At Vita Nova, life is about more than just existing—it’s about thriving.
