Thoughts Drifting to the Past: Life Post-Military Service - Pondering Existence in Post-Conflict Universe
Martin takes a puff on his cigarette, nerves jangling. At this veterans' gathering, he feels out of place, but the smoking break is a reprieve, a semblance of comradery. Yet, the images from Afghanistan flickering on the screen at the meeting of the Federal Association of German Deployment Veterans make him nauseous. Tears well up, his body shakes uncontrollably, and he slinks out of the hall, a victim of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The ZDF series "37 Degrees" delves into the lives of veterans in its reportage "The War Continues in the Mind" set to air on ARD April 22 at 10:15 pm, and streamable on ZDF's portal that day. Inspiring raw emotion, the show follows the harrowing realities of two veterans—Martin and Verena—living with PTSD.
Like Martin,Verena served in Afghanistan, a war zone that left indelible imprints on their minds long after their deployments ended. Sleepless nights and constant anxiety plague them daily.
Verena vividly recalls her inexplicable panic attics and restlessness in enclosed spaces, triggered by familiar noises. News programs in particular are a challenging conundrum, adding to her insecurities and dredging up haunting memories.
Veterans like Martin and Verena face an uphill battle for recognition and support from the Bundeswehr, due to limited documentation of traumatic events before 2005. This places the onus on them to prove their servicetime was the root cause of their PTSD, a challenge that many struggle with. Martin, who served in Afghanistan from 2004 to 2005, and previously in Kosovo, understands this struggle all too well.
"Outsiders can't understand the toll our experiences have taken. And I often feel like my mind plays tricks on me," admits Martin, who once contemplated suicide and has trouble driving due to PTSD-induced triggers. The Bundeswehr is still verifying his application for support but it's a battle Martin yearns to win. "I simply want to live my life again, to return to normal—a normal job, a normal family life—with as few reminders of the war as possible."
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health concern that affects up to 30% of combat veterans [1]. Though specific data for German veterans isn't available, it's reasonable to infer that they may also face similar rates of PTSD depending on their experiences. Challenges in recognition and treatment, including stigma and underreporting, remain essential issues facing military veterans struggling with PTSD. A supportive environment and accessible mental health services are critical for addressing PTSD effectively among German military veterans.
[1] National Center for PTSD (2021). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understanding-ptsd/what-is-ptsd[2] Mamun, A., Hassan, M.S., & Islam, M.N. (2017). Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Afghan War Veterans. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 5(5), 118-121. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5965769/
- The Federal Association of German Deployment Veterans is set to air a series on ZDF, called "37 Degrees", which explores the lives of ex-soldiers, specifically focusing on their mental health struggles with PTSD.
- The series will examine the cases of Martin and Verena, both veterans who served in Afghanistan, a war zone that left deep psychological scars.
- Evidence suggests that up to 30% of combat veterans may struggle with PTSD, and while specific data for German veterans isn't available, it's logical to infer they may face similar rates.
- Veterans face an uphill battle for recognition and support from the Bundeswehr due to limited documentation of traumatic events prior to 2005, requiring them to provide substantial evidence of their PTSD being a result of their service.
- Science and health-and-wellness, including mental health, are essential in addressing PTSD effectively among German military veterans, particularly in a supportive environment and accessible mental health services.
- Despite the challenges, veterans like Martin yearn for a normal life, free from the reminders of war, and hope to win the battle for support and understanding from the Bundeswehr.
