PTSD in Soldiers: Impact Across Winning and Losing Sides

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a profound psychological condition that can persist long after a person has experienced a traumatic event in their past. While the term is often associated with veterans from conflicts, its effects span beyond the battlefield. This article explores how individuals affected by war, irrespective of whether they were on the winning or losing side, can suffer from PTSD. Additionally, it provides insights into the shared experiences and traumas faced by all veterans post-conflict.

Understanding PTSD: A Non-Military Disease

PTSD is not a disease confined to military personnel. It is a psychological condition that can arise from any traumatic experience, be it physical, emotional, or both. In the context of war, PTSD stems from the intense and often life-threatening situations veterans encounter. The severity of the traumatic experience is what ultimately determines the onset and persistence of PTSD. Hence, individual soldiers, regardless of which side they fought on, can be at risk of developing this disorder based on the trauma they experience.

Changes in Perspective: From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali

One notable example that highlights the personal perspective and mindset in dealing with trauma is Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali. Clay joined a religion that did not advocate for violence, which influenced his decision to avoid the Vietnam War. By changing his name and refusing to enter the military, Ali took a stand that profoundly impacted his life and career. This decision led to a three-year ban from boxing, but it also reflects the deep personal and religious beliefs that can shape a traumatic experience and its aftermath.

Emotional Damage in Non-Violent Traumas: Similarities with Sexual Abuse

PTSD is not exclusive to combat experiences. Dr. Judith Herman's work in her book “Trauma and Recovery” emphasizes that those who have experienced sexual abuse also carry significant emotional trauma and wounds. Similarly to soldiers, survivors of sexual abuse have similar difficulties in healing. Both groups often face intense fear, anxiety, and a shattered sense of safety. Understanding these parallels can provide a broader perspective on the nature of PTSD and the healing process.

No Distinction in Trauma: Casualties and Wounds

Dispelling the myth that soldiers from the losing side suffer less trauma than those on the winning side is crucial. Trauma and its consequences are equally devastating, regardless of the outcome of the war. Casualties, injuries, and psychological wounds affect combatants in the same way, irrespective of which side they were on. Death, injury, and suffering are universal experiences that touch the lives of all soldiers, and these experiences can lead to PTSD irrespective of the war's outcome.

The Shared Experience of War Trauma

At the end of any war, the survivors, victims, and injured veterans share a common bond—they all have experienced traumatic events that can lead to PTSD. The distinction between winners and losers becomes blurred when one considers the emotional and psychological toll of war. The war may end, but the trauma remains, affecting both sides in the same way. This shared experience underscores the importance of support and understanding for all veterans, recognizing that war leaves indelible marks on the human psyche.

Conclusion: Identifying Win-Lose Duality in War

While the political and historical impact of war may draw a clear line between winners and losers, the psychological impact of war is universal. PTSD, a result of traumatic experiences, transcends these distinctions. Recognizing this shared experience highlights the need for comprehensive support for veterans, regardless of their side in the conflict. It is important to approach the issue of war trauma with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that the scars of war are not confined to any single group.