The armed forces is a great career that pays well and is respected by many people around the world. You’ll have the chance to travel the globe and see some truly beautiful places, and it’s a job where no two days are the same. There are around 150,000 people currently serving in the armed forces, showing how popular it is in the UK.
Like most jobs, however, there are some downsides to be aware of. The nature of the work means they’re quite severe, though, so knowing the main ones you could suffer, how they occur and how to recover from them is important.
To help, we’ve put together a handy guide that’ll take a closer look at the four common conditions, how to reduce your chances of suffering from them and what to do if you are currently dealing with one. Continue reading to find out more.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This is a mental health condition that’s caused by a terrifying event. This could be through experiencing it or witnessing it, and it’s very common due to the nature of military work. Roughly four in 100 Brits are expected to have it at any one time.
The symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, negative feelings and anger issues.
Those suffering can be treated through therapy or medication. If you believe you’re suffering from this, seek professional help right away.
Musculoskeletal injuries
Many military jobs are physically demanding, which can cause damage to muscles and bones. The ankles, knees and spine are usually the areas affected, but it can happen just about anywhere else too.
Typical recovery methods for these injuries include:
- Plenty of rest
- Ice and heat
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
Hearing loss
Explosions and loud noises are common occurrences in the armed forces, which can severely damage our ears.
The main signs that you’re suffering from hearing issues include difficulty listening to others, constant ringing noises and issues hearing high-pitched sounds.
You should schedule an appointment with a doctor or audiologist if you’re dealing with this. They’ll be able to diagnose you and offer treatments such as a hearing aid.
Can I reduce my chances of suffering a medical condition while serving?
While you should be aware of the many threats of joining the armed forces at this stage, there are some ways to ensure you stay safer while serving. This includes:
- Completing all training thoroughly
- Maintaining your physical fitness
- Staying alert to your surroundings
- Adopting a buddy system
- Wearing all the personal protective equipment recommended
- Following orders
- Avoiding unnecessary risks
What should I do if I’m suffering from one of these conditions?
If you believe you’re suffering from any of the injuries as a result of your time in the military, here’s what you can do:
- Speak to a psychologist about your mental health issues
- Seek medical attention
- Contact specialist military solicitors to see if you can make a claim
- Complete rehabilitation and take all prescribed medicine
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