You had many good times during your tenure as a service person. You made friends for life, saw much of the world and gained your independence. The downside of this is that you've had to attend war-torn countries.

You've seen many tragic events unfold over the years, and the latest tour has taken it out of you. After attending the doctor, you've finally been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Could this affect your ability to work in the future?

The psychological elements

PTSD is a debilitating mental condition that can impact your life in several ways. You could be minding your own business, to then suddenly be hit with flashbacks of tragedies that unfolded in the past. You used to be a sociable person, but you no longer feel like cooperating with co-workers, family or friends. You've become detached from the life you previously led. You're on edge all of the time now. Car engines remind you of gunshots and children playing bring back memories of the battlefields. You're simply not the same person anymore.

The good news is that you can get better with treatment. However, this can take time and it is likely that you will be unable to work during your recovery.

Your physical well-being

While PTSD is a mental health condition, symptoms can manifest themselves in a physical sense too. Perhaps you have trouble sleeping at night, which is making it difficult for you to move and function throughout the day.

Depression commonly runs alongside PTSD, and you may simply not have the strength to get up in the morning. Again, these symptoms can subside after time, but you need to be able to focus on your recovery.

If you're a service person suffering from PTSD, there is help available to you. Reaching out to someone who is familiar with these cases will help you to get back on your feet again.