Veterans and PTSD Treatment: “It Made Me Feel More Alive” | North Carolina Governor's Working Group [NCGWG]

PTSD treatment can improve your symptoms and your well-being. A recent study asked 60 Veterans to talk about their experience with PTSD treatment. The Veterans completed a trauma-focused therapy (either Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapy). Men and women Veterans of different racial groups were included and all got therapy in a VA facility. Veterans told researchers that their PTSD symptoms improved—such as not feeling “on guard” as often or having fewer trauma nightmares. They also felt their daily life improved. Examples included feeling more joy, being more confident at work or school, having better relationships, and enjoying hobbies and social activities more. One Veteran said, “It made me feel more alive…. This is awesome.”