While we often recognize the courage and sacrifice of our military veterans, we rarely talk about the battles they continue to fight long after the battlefield falls silent. These are the quiet wars—the ones fought in the silence of the night, in crowded rooms, or during seemingly peaceful moments. These are the echoes of service that linger in the lives of many veterans in the form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
As we observe PTSD Awareness Month this June, it’s time to shine a light on this often misunderstood condition—what it is, how it affects veterans before and after service, and how workplaces can become sanctuaries of healing and dignity.
A Legacy of Trauma: The History of PTSD
PTSD may have only gained official recognition in 1980, but its symptoms have existed for centuries. In the Civil War era, it was called “Soldier’s Heart,” a term used to describe emotional distress. In World War I, it became “Shell Shock,” believed to result from the trauma of exploding shells. By World War II, the term shifted to “Combat Fatigue,” suggesting that the stress of battle simply wore soldiers down.
These early labels attempted to name the unseen. But it wasn’t until Vietnam veterans advocated for formal recognition that PTSD was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Despite this progress, stigma and misunderstanding still cloud how we treat—and talk about—PTSD today, especially in the workplace.
The Long Shadow of Service: How PTSD Affects Veterans
Contrary to popular belief, PTSD isn’t just about combat. For many service members, trauma begins even before their first deployment—stemming from childhood adversity, grief, or abuse. Military life compounds this trauma through intense environments, deployments, and in some cases, military sexual trauma.
Many veterans appear to thrive during service due to the structure and camaraderie it provides. However, PTSD often surfaces after returning to civilian life—when the body and mind begin to process what they’ve endured. Flashbacks, insomnia, anxiety, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance can all emerge, often years after the traumatic events occurred.
This delayed onset creates confusion—veterans and employers alike may wonder, Why now? But trauma doesn’t follow a timeline. It shows up when it feels safe to be acknowledged.
Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
The shift from military to civilian life is more than a career change—it’s an identity shift. Veterans lose more than a uniform; they lose the sense of mission, brotherhood, and structure that defined their daily lives. Civilian workplaces can feel disorienting: less structured, less mission-focused, and more casual.
Triggers in the workplace—loud noises, unclear expectations, or office politics—can activate symptoms. Veterans may choose not to disclose their PTSD for fear of being judged or labeled “unstable.” In reality, they are often high-functioning, highly disciplined individuals simply in need of understanding, not pity.
How Leaders and Coworkers Can Support Veterans with PTSD
Creating a trauma-informed workplace doesn’t require a psychology degree—it requires empathy, awareness, and commitment.
Leadership matters. Managers set the tone by modeling compassion, offering clear expectations, and avoiding unnecessary unpredictability. They can support veterans by being consistent and creating safe spaces for dialogue.
Coworkers matter. Simple, intentional actions—like checking in, respecting boundaries, or just listening—can make a profound difference. The question shouldn’t be, “What’s wrong with you?” but rather, “What happened, and how can I support you?”
Culture matters. Organizations can implement training to educate teams on trauma responses and offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that connect veterans with mental health professionals and support groups. When we normalize the conversation, we normalize healing.
Tools for Healing and Recovery
Healing from PTSD is possible—but it requires time, support, and community. Many veterans find relief through trauma-focused therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Others thrive through peer support, exercise, faith-based practices, and re-engaging in purposeful work.
But therapy alone isn’t enough. Veterans need belonging. They need workplaces that don’t treat them like they’re broken, but like they’re human—resilient, strong, and worthy of a second mission.
Why June Matters: PTSD Awareness Month
In 2010, the U.S. Senate designated June as PTSD Awareness Month, culminating in PTSD Awareness Day on June 27th. The goal? To promote greater understanding of this invisible wound and push for systemic change.
But awareness isn’t the end goal. Action is. Let this month be a call to review your company’s policies. Ask your veteran colleagues how they’re doing. Rethink how your organization supports mental health. Challenge the stigma.
A Final Word: To the Veterans Among Us
If you are a veteran reading this, know this truth: Your trauma does not define you. Your service, your strength, and your humanity are deeply valued. You are not alone. You deserve peace, support, and a workplace where you are not just welcomed—but understood.
And to every leader, coworker, and organizational stakeholder: The responsibility to create healthy workplaces lies with us all. This June, let’s commit to building environments that are not just productive—but compassionate, inclusive, and healing.
Because a healthy workplace isn’t just good for business—it’s good for the soul.
Dr. Larry Williams
US Army Veteran
1993-2013
