Battles After the Battlefield: Veterans, PTSD, and the Fight for Peace
Today, on Veterans Day, I want to speak directly to you—our veterans—and to your families, who have seen you through battles both on and off the field. This day isn’t just a marker on the calendar; it’s a call to honor everything you’ve given—every sacrifice, every scar, and yes, every unseen wound. For many of you, the battles didn’t end when you came home. Trauma and PTSD are the hidden weight you carry, ones that many don’t understand, and even fewer see.
Trauma isn’t a choice, and neither is PTSD. It’s not something you chose, and it’s not something you can just “get over.” Your experiences in combat, losing brothers and sisters in arms, and living life on high alert were part of the job. But PTSD? It’s your brain and body’s response to having gone through hell. So let’s call it what it is—a reaction to things most people will never understand.
What PTSD Looks Like and Why It’s Not Your Fault
If you’re replaying moments in your head, seeing images you’d rather forget, or finding yourself pulled back to things you’ve tried to bury—that’s PTSD. You’re not weak, and you’re not broken. These memories and these reactions—whether it’s the nightmares, the avoidance, the guilt, or the anger—are the brain’s way of trying to make sense of what happened.
You might feel disconnected from people you love, like there’s a wall between you and the rest of the world. Or you may find yourself snapping at the smallest things, not because you want to, but because your mind is on overdrive. It’s that feeling of being on guard, constantly, as if something is waiting around the corner. Those instincts kept you alive in combat, but they can feel like a prison back home.
Taking Steps Toward Your Healing
It takes guts to reach out for help, especially after the life you’ve lived. But know this: healing is possible. PTSD doesn’t get to own you. There are tools—things that will put the power back in your hands.
1. Lean into Your Support: I know it can feel like nobody gets it, but the right people are out there. Whether it’s other vets who’ve been through it, family members, or someone like me—don’t let yourself stay isolated.
2. Find Your Routine Again: When everything feels chaotic, structure can be your anchor. It doesn’t have to be much; even small routines can give you back a sense of control.
3. Grounding and Mindfulness: The mind wants to pull you back to places you don’t want to go. Grounding exercises, mindfulness, and even deep breathing can start to bring you back to the present.
4. Get Moving: Physical activity can be a release, a way to channel everything boiling under the surface. It’s not a fix-all, but it’s a powerful way to take back control over your body and mind.
5. Therapy that Speaks to Your Experience: This isn’t about talking it all out until you’re empty. There are evidence-based therapies like CPT, EMDR, and PE that dig deep, that help you reprocess, reframe, and find some damn peace.
To the Families: Your Strength Matters Too
I want to speak to the families who walk this road with our veterans. I know it’s not easy. The moments of distance, the outbursts, the silence—you see it all, and it can feel like you’re navigating a minefield. But your support matters more than you know. PTSD isn’t something a veteran can face alone, and your love, patience, and understanding are lifelines. You deserve support, too—don’t let yourself suffer in silence.
Let’s Make Today More Than a Holiday
Honoring veterans isn’t just about a handshake or a “thank you for your service.” It’s about standing by you as you face the battles PTSD has thrown your way. You’ve fought for us. Now, let us fight for you. If this resonates, if you’re ready to take back some peace in your life, I’m here. I’ve worked with veterans like you, and I know what it takes to heal.
You’ve been through hell, but you’re not alone in it. Reach out—today, tomorrow, whenever you’re ready. You’ve already fought hard enough; now, let’s work together to find a way forward.
-Adrienne
