Helping to Win the Battle Within: An Occupational Therapy Perspective on Returning War Veterans with PTSD and Employment

Approximately 300,000 individuals of the 1.64million servive members and veterans, from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008). This scholarly project has addressed the needs of the increasing number of war veterans suffering from PTSD. The soldiers returning from the present war and their employers do not have adequate resources to understand symptoms related to PTSD and the effects on functioning. A review of the literature revealed a lack of information for returning military personnel and the process of obtaining/reobtaining employment. The research provided evidence that employers and employees do not understand the legal rights to which military personnel are entitled. Also, returning military personnel with PTSD need assistance with entering/reentering employment due to symptoms and effects on function. The skills necessary for employment may be diminished secondary to a new diagnoses of ~TSD since a return from deployment. It was found that work performance supports participation and productivity, which are essential to the health and well-being of each individual (AOTA, 2005, p. 676). Based on the literature findings, a product was developed to guide occupational therapists in facilitating group sessions for military personnel returning to work. The group focus will be directed towards skills needed for work. The skills addressed include, but are not limited to, anger management, stress management, coping, job application and interview process. The overall goals of this program and the scholarly project are to increase awareness of PTSD and assist veterans with employment status satisfaction