Every day can be terrifying for a person experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They might wake up screaming or find it nearly impossible to sleep. It may result in uncontrollable rage or deep depression. For others, it can trigger intense panic attacks and even lead to suicide. 

Anyone who has encountered or witnessed a terrifying event can develop PTSD. 

Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but it’s usually short-lived with time and good self-care. However, when the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with a person’s day-to-day functioning, it may be PTSD. 

PTSD Symptoms

For most people, PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not appear until months or years later. The symptoms also may come and go over many years. (The source for the following information is the National Institute of Mental Health, at www.nimh.nih.gov). 

There are four types of PTSD symptoms, but they’re not always the same for everyone. Instead, each person experiences symptoms in their own way.

1. Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms). Memories of a traumatic event can return at any time and feel very real and scary. For example:

• Nightmares or night terrors. 
• Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event.
• Triggers: Seeing, hearing, or smelling something that causes a person to relive the event. News reports, seeing an accident, or hearing fireworks are examples of triggers.

2. Avoiding things that remind a person of the event. People with PTSD may try to avoid situations or people that remind them of the trauma event. They may even avoid talking or thinking about the event. For example:

• They may avoid crowds because they feel dangerous.
• They may avoid driving if the trauma was caused by a car accident or their military convoy was bombed.
• If they were in an earthquake, they might avoid watching movies about earthquakes.
• A person may keep busy or avoid getting help, so they don't have to think or talk about the event.

3. Having more negative thoughts and feelings than before the event. The way a person thinks about themselves and others may become more negative because of the trauma. For example:

• A person may feel numb—unable to have positive or loving feelings toward other people—and lose interest in things they used to enjoy.
• They may forget about parts of the traumatic event or not be able to talk about them.
• A person may think the world is completely dangerous and that they can trust no one.
• They may feel guilt or shame about the event, wishing they had done more to keep it from happening.

4. Feeling on edge or keyed up (also called hyperarousal). A person with PTSD may be jittery or always alert and on the lookout for danger. They might suddenly become angry or irritable. For example:

• They may have a hard time sleeping.
• They may find it hard to concentrate.
• They may be easily startled by a loud noise or surprise.
• They might engage in unhealthy things, such as smoking, abusing drugs or alcohol, or driving aggressively.

PTSD and Veterans

While PTSD isn’t exclusive to veterans, the number of veterans living with PTSD is significantly higher than those who are not military. The term PTSD was first used in 1980, although the mental condition has been referred to by several other names, including shell shock and combat fatigue. Because not all cases of PTSD are reported or diagnosed, it’s challenging to get an accurate number.

The number of Veterans diagnosed with PTSD varies by service era:

• Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF): About 11-20 out of every 100 Veterans (or between 11-20 percent) per year.
• Gulf War (Desert Storm): About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War Veterans (or 12 percent) per year.
• Vietnam War: About 15 out of every 100 Vietnam Veterans (or 15 percent) were diagnosed with PTSD at the time of the most recent study in the late 1980s, the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS). It is estimated that about 30 out of every 100 (or 30 percent) of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.

How Service Dogs Help Veterans

Service Dogs can help vets with PTSD cope with the daily struggles they face in several ways. Veterans with PTSD suffer from several conditions, including hypervigilance, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and night terrors. 

For instance, Service Dogs can perform tasks to help vets with PTSD remain calm and interrupt their anxiety by nudging their owner to alert, reducing their anxiety.  A Service Dog can also remind vets to take their medication.

Anecdotal stories from veterans with PTSD show that having a Service Dog makes them feel more safe and secure in public, allowing them to do things like go to the movies with their family or to the grocery store. One study showed that vets with service dogs also reported a 22 percent higher rate of life satisfaction and similarly increased rates of mental health, resilience, and ability to participate in social activities. 

Scientists found that measured levels of cortisol, commonly called the “stress hormone,” in veterans with Service Dogs were similar to the levels found in adults without PTSD. 

ECAD’s Project HEALⓇ

For more than 25 years, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD) has educated and placed Service Dogs with people with disabilities to lead more independent lives with greater mobility. One of ECADs programs is Project HEAL, which trains Service Dogs to help and empower veterans with disabilities, including PTSD.

Project HEAL Service Dogs receive special training that helps vets with PTSD manage their symptoms. They are trained to sense and mitigate anger, depression, and hypervigilance and assist vets and help them return to a less stressful life. Service Dogs also offer non-judgemental companionship and unconditional love that help increase stability. 

How You Can Help Place Service Dogs with Veterans with PTSD

So many veterans with PTSD could benefit from having a Service Dog. However, the waiting list is long because it requires time and money to train Service Dogs. However, there are many ways you can help empower veterans with PTSD to live safely and rebuild their lives. 

From creating a fundraising event to joining an existing fundraising event, from participating in corporate matching gift programs to making a cash donation, from planned giving to purchasing items on our wish list, your generous contributions will help veterans suffering from PTSD stay safe and regain their lives. It’s the perfect way to honor and show your appreciation to the men and women who serve our country.