The term "PTSD," or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, marked a significant shift in understanding the effects of trauma during the 1980s. Prior to this, perceptions of individuals experiencing symptoms akin to PTSD, particularly soldiers, were often marred by misconceptions of weakness or inherent frailty. The prevailing belief suggested that such reactions stemmed from personal shortcomings rather than external traumatic events.
However, the introduction of PTSD as a diagnostic category in the 1980s heralded a transformative paradigm shift. It emphasized that the root cause of these symptoms lay not within the individual's constitution but rather in external traumatic experiences. This pivotal understanding, as highlighted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, delineated trauma as the primary etiological agent, reframing PTSD as a response to external events rather than an indication of inherent weakness.
Essentially, PTSD revealed that anyone could be vulnerable to profound physical and psychological reactions following exposure to highly traumatic events. Whether it was the horrors of war or the trauma of sexual abuse, external factors could profoundly impact an individual's mental and emotional well-being.
Fast forward to 2013, when the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual underwent an update, refining the classification of PTSD. This revision saw PTSD transition from being categorized solely as an anxiety disorder to being classified as a "trauma or stressor-related disorder."
This change underscored the multifaceted nature of PTSD beyond mere anxiety symptoms.
Psychiatrist Dr. Tracey Marks elaborates on this evolution, emphasizing that PTSD encompasses a spectrum of complex emotions beyond anxiety alone. Guilt, shame, and anger are among the myriad emotional responses experienced by individuals grappling with PTSD, reflecting the intricate interplay of trauma and its psychological aftermath.
The reclassification of PTSD in 2013 reflects a deeper understanding of the disorder's nuanced manifestations and underscores the importance of acknowledging its multifaceted nature. By recognizing PTSD as a trauma and stressor-related disorder, clinicians and researchers can better address the diverse array of symptoms and tailor interventions to support individuals navigating the complexities of trauma recovery.
The journey of PTSD recognition, from its emergence in the 1980s to its reclassification in 2013, reflects society's evolving comprehension of trauma's impact on mental health. This underscores the necessity for ongoing research, awareness, and support to improve interventions and provide compassionate care for those affected by PTSD.
Underserved Female Veterans
Per Veterans’ Employment & Training Service, 2020 there are approximately 2 million living women veterans in the United States. Overall veteran population, women make up about 10%.
There are 14% of veteran men in America, but women veterans only 1.5%.
Homelessness among women veterans increased by 24% from 3126 to 3980 from 2020-2023 per US Dept of Housing and Urban Development.
As of November 2022, there are 83 communities and entire states of Connecticut, Delaware, and Virginia that have effectively ended homelessness among veterans.
Overall, women veterans are up to 4x more likely to become homeless than women who are not veterans.
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