Introduction

After witnessing or experiencing a traumatic or tragic event, individuals may develop a condition known as Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Due to the high demands of military service, especially during active wartime deployment, PTS is more likely to develop in veterans than in nonveterans. Service members are often exposed to prolonged periods of stress, life-threatening situations, combat environments, and moral injury following war, all of which can increase the likelihood of developing PTS. Unlike a one-time traumatic event, military trauma can be progressive, making recovery more complex and requiring long-term support. 

Some organizations, including Mission Roll Call, choose to use the term post-traumatic stress (PTS) instead of PTSD to help reduce the stigma often associated with the word “disorder.” While “PTSD” is a clinically recognized diagnosis, the term “disorder” carries negative connotations that imply something is inherently wrong or broken, which may discourage individuals from seeking support. This shift in language challenges the stereotype of “broken veterans” and normalizes conversations around mental health without shame. As many veterans emerge from trauma with increased resilience, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose, MRC incorporates the concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG) to offer a fuller, more hopeful look at the future. 

Therefore, PTS will be used throughout the rest of this article (and in all MRC messaging) to promote a more understanding and supportive narrative around veteran mental health. 

What is PTS, and what are its indicators? Recognizing these signs is often the first step in treatment and Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). Symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks — recalling memories of the traumatic event, often suddenly and unexpectedly
• Trouble sleeping — struggling with insomnia or sleep quality due to frequent nightmares about the traumatic event 
• Avoidance — avoiding places, activities, people, or even conversations associated with the trauma
• Physical reactions — exhibiting physical signs of stress, such as a racing heart, sweating, or an exaggerated startle reflex
• Changes in behavior or personality — irritability, anger outbursts, fatigue, depression, anxiety or nervousness, loss of appetite, sleep problems
• Persistent negative feelings — like shame, guilt, fear, or detachment
• Reckless and self-destructive behavior — acting without thought for one’s own safety 

PTS is a condition that can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event; however, veterans are at a significantly higher risk than the general public due to the unique and often intense stressors of military service. It’s important for veterans to know that they are not alone, their experiences are valid, and there is help available. 

What has changed?

New data from 2024 and 2025 highlights the ongoing mental health crisis among U.S. veterans, especially those with PTS. Veterans diagnosed with PTS face a suicide rate of 51.3 per 100,000, nearly double that of those without the condition. Additionally, mental health and substance use disorders significantly elevate risk, with female veterans experiencing a suicide rate 92% higher than civilian women and male veterans 44% higher than civilian men. 

Despite these troubling trends, federal action shows promise. The VA’s 2025 budget proposal has reached $369.3 billion, more than eight times its 2001 level. This includes a significant investment in mental health with an allocated $17 billion in mental health services alongside $583 million for suicide prevention outreach, backed by targeted staffing programs to ensure timely, high-quality care for veterans. Additionally, a new executive order launched the National Center for Warrior Independence, aiming to house 6,000 veterans by 2028 while offering integrated mental health, housing, and job support. Additionally, veteran homelessness decreased by 7% between 2023 and 2024, showing an 11.7% reduction in veterans experiencing homelessness since 2020 and a 55.6% reduction since 2010. 

Yet funding alone won’t fix the crisis. These resources must translate into consistent, trauma-informed care, especially for PTS. As suicide rates remain high, the path forward demands centering veterans’ mental health, expanding access, and ensuring support systems deliver real impact beyond policy headlines.

PTS by the numbers

PTS  affects veterans across all demographics, but certain groups, particularly post-9/11 veterans and women, are disproportionately impacted. Among veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, the VA estimates that approximately 15 out of every 100 currently live with PTS, with lifetime rates approaching 29%.

Furthermore, women veterans experience PTS at nearly double the rate of their male counterparts, about 13% compared to 6%. These disparities underscore just how essential it is for federal policy, VA systems, and all parts of the veteran support network to adapt in order to meet the full spectrum of mental health needs among those who served.

Continued Change Is Happening 

There’s growing momentum in Washington to strengthen how post-traumatic stress (PTS) is identified, treated, and supported. The passage of the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act in early 2025 expanded home- and community-based care opportunities for veterans, including provisions for caregiver wellness and support.  

Drawing upon this momentum, several bills have been introduced in Congress in the first months of 2025 to better serve veterans and provide for post-traumatic growth.

• H.R. 1290 – Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act
  • Introduced in February 2025, this bill would increase mental health care accessibility by launching a pilot program in which the VA must provide veterans experiencing mental health emergencies with referrals to approved non-VA mental health care providers.
• Building Resources and Access for Veterans’ Mental Health Engagement (BRAVE) Act
  • Introduced in April 2025, this bill looks to strengthen the mental health workforce, infrastructure, and services provided by the VA by taking actions such as extending the Fox Gordon Suicide Prevention Grant Program and improving veteran outreach efforts by vet centers.
• H.R. 72 – TBI and PTSD Treatment Act
  • Introduced in January 2025, this bill aims to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with TBI (traumatic brain injury) or PTSD through the Veterans Community Care Program.

What treatments and resources are available to veterans experiencing PTS?

Veterans experiencing PTS have access to a range of evidence-based treatments and resources through the VA and affiliated programs. The VA offers therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which are proven to reduce PTS symptoms. Veterans can receive care in person at VA medical centers or remotely through VA Telehealth and the VA Video Connect app. For those not ready for traditional therapy, the VA also provides peer support groups, mindfulness programs, and mobile apps like PTS Coach.  Additionally, the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1) provides 24/7 confidential support.

Veterans and their families can also explore local and national support options through Mission Roll Call’s Resource Directory, which includes vetted programs that address mental health, transition services, and more. Are we missing a resource you or someone you know has used? Share it with us here.

What work still needs to be done?

While legislative progress continues to be made to support veterans with PTS, there is still important work to be done. Beyond outreach and resources specifically dedicated to addressing it, there is a need for support for the aspects of veteran life that can be made more difficult with PTS. 

For instance, the transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, especially if a veteran is suffering emotional or mental strain. Veterans may also face hurdles such as housing, food security, or employment after service. According to a 2022 Mission Roll Call survey, nearly 50% of respondents believe the government has not been effective in dealing with the transition to civilian life. 

While there are resources to help with reintegration into civilian life, new or continued support for veterans is critical as they navigate civilian life after their deployment. Ensuring veterans have access to resources that eliminate these burdens is essential for long-term well-being and post-service success. 

How can we help?

For nonveterans looking to support those suffering from PTS, there are a number of ways that you can contribute. 

For those with a veteran in their life:

• Educate yourself on PTS – Being able to recognize symptoms can be a powerful tool for helping when things get tough.
• Provide support – Let veterans in your life know that you’re there for them if they want to speak about their experiences.
• Know your toolkit – Sometimes people need more than a listening ear. Be aware of available mental health services and encourage them to speak to a professional when needed.
• Connect them with others – Community is necessary for all of us. Encourage them to establish relationships with other veterans and veteran organizations.

If you don’t have a veteran in your life and still want to serve, there are additional ways you can contribute

• Connect with your local VFW or American Legion to see if you could provide a home-cooked meal or provide transportation to medical appointments for a veteran.
• Volunteer or donate to USO lounges, which are at more than 50 airports in the U.S. and tend to be in need.
• Consider donating financial or social media support to Mission Roll Call as we advocate for changes to help care for and support veterans. Donating or volunteering with nonprofits that we’ve vetted and approved could help change a veteran’s life.

Conclusion

Post Traumatic Stress has a profound impact on millions of veterans’ lives every day. As it is understandable and treatable, recognizing the signs, whether emotional, behavioral, or physical, is a critical first step toward healing. With the proper support, including professional treatment, peer networks, and access to veteran-specific resources, those affected by PTS can begin a path toward recovery and even experience post-traumatic growth. No veteran should suffer in silence; help is available, and healing is possible.