When it comes to writing characters that are afflicted with PTSD here is what you need to know.
The basic definition of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental condition caused by traumatic events. The symptoms of this disorder are similar in men and women, but not quite the same. More women soldiers are seeing combat and going into the military as a career. They face the same challenges in some ways, but not in every way.
The basic symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, mental health issues, panic attacks, and hallucinations. These are the traits that men and women share within this disorder. People also have trouble sleeping, eating, dealing with memory triggers, and dealing with other people within these symptoms. Some turn to drugs and alcohol. Changes in personality and moodiness are common. A once loving spouse may beat their spouse and suddenly hate them.
Women with PTSD
When women are faced with PTSD there are different reasons for it. One major cause of this disorder, for women especially, is rape. It happens in and out of the military environment, meaning it is more common in women than some people know. Your female PTSD victim doesn't have to be a soldier. She may be a victim of rape and assault. Abuse has the same effect, as well, in both genders. MST (military sexual trauma) is not uncommon, whether it was rape or sexual harassment. Both are included in MST.
PTSD in women comes out differently. Women are more likely to get jumpy, have emotional trouble, and avoid triggers. Depression and anxiety are more common here. The adjustment to being a civilian after leaving the military is hard and works differently for women than men. Suicide is more common with women, specifically successful suicide. Women adjusting to civilian life are 250 percent more likely to kill themselves, in comparison to male suicide rates being 18 percent more likely to kill themselves.
Men with PTSD
Men do not commonly deal with rape, and when it does happen to men it is extremely hard to prove. It's almost impossible to prove, in fact, but that is another subject. Men deal with more combat when in a military environment. Men also deal with more anger and violent tendencies when they have PTSD. They will sometimes lose control of their anger and will be unable to stop themselves, which can tear families apart. While suicide happens with a lot of PTSD victims of both genders, the percentage is lower with men. 18 percent higher than civilians, to be exact. Men are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol.
Why talking about experiences is so important
The military teaches both service men and service women to be strong and silent. This is a problem when it comes to PTSD because talking about and processing traumatic events is vital to healing from the disorder. For this reason, I am including two phone numbers at the bottom of the blog post for those who need to see them and talk to someone. PTSD is a serious issue.
When you are writing your character with PTSD you can use flashbacks to reveal backstory very easily. This is one place showing nightmares and flashbacks fits extremely well. Your character's trauma is a part of them, so don't be afraid to show it. Whether you make your character receptive to mental help or not, also remember that the VA may or may not be helpful. You will find stories of helpful VA (veteran affairs) services and not so helpful VA services. The system is flooded, truthfully, so do your research on that. You will find people curse the VA because there are bad doctors within the system.
If you need help, please talk to someone!
Veteran's Crisis Line-1-800-273-8255
Women Veterans hotline 855-VA-WOMEN (829-6636)
Did I get something wrong? Do you want to hear more? Comment below and let me know!
https://www.npr.org/2018/05/29/614011243/battling-depression-and-suicide-among-female-veterans
https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/va-finds-ptsd-affects-women-differently-then-men.html
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/trauma_female_veterans.asp
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