Unveiling PTSD in the Military: An Interview With a Military Wife
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Unmasking Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Military: A Conversation With a Veteran's Spouse
The Hidden Combat of PTSD in the Military: Insight From a Military Wife
Key Points
- Understanding PTSD
- PTSD in the Military
- Coping strategies established by a military wife
- Available resources and support for PTSD-affected military personnel and their families.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by either experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. However, PTSD in the Military is a significant aspect that needs more attention. Through this article, we will dissect a first-hand account from a military wife, providing crucial insights into this crisis.
PTSD has been historically underreported and undertreated in military factions, often dismissed as simple 'battle fatigue.' But the reality, as we'll see from our interviewee, is much more complex and pervasive.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD affects not just the individual soldier but also their families, leading to strained relationships, family breakdown, and even domestic violence. One primary reason for this is the lack of understanding about PTSD.
"Upon my husband's return from deployment, I immediately noticed significant changes in his behavior," our interviewee remembers. "He was agitated, had trouble sleeping, and would frequently have angry outbursts. Initially, I thought it was just a part of adjusting back to civilian life. It was only when these symptoms persisted, and after speaking to a mental health professional at Aura Institute, I realized that he might be suffering from PTSD."
With education and training provided by organizations like Aura Institute, more families are beginning to understand and tackle the difficulties associated with PTSD in the military.
PTSD in the Military
In the military, the frequency and intensity of traumatic experiences are much higher than in civilian life. This puts military personnel at a higher risk of developing PTSD.
Semantically, the phrase "military PTSD" denotes not only the post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by military personnel but also the unique factors contributing to it. These factors include multiple deployments, the length and nature of the deployments, the level of combat exposure, and military sexual trauma (MST).
As our military wife states, "Adequate support, both on a personal and a professional level, is essential for the soldier and his family. Recognizing the signs early on and seeking help can make a world of difference."
Coping Strategies
Our interviewee highlights that dealing with a spouse suffering from PTSD in the military is challenging. However, with the necessary resources and a strong support system, it's possible to cope.
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Open Communication: Understanding and acknowledging your loved one’s condition will help improve communication, she advises. "Do not shy away from having honest, open discussions about what they're going through.”
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Support Groups: She also advocates joining a support group. "Joining a PTSD support group for military spouses really helped. It was comforting to know I was not alone.”
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Seeking Professional Help: She strongly emphasizes seeking professional help. "Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, as well as medication, have made a significant difference in our lives."
Resources and Support
Organizations like the Aura Institute provide resources for veterans and their families, from therapy sessions and support groups to educational materials on PTSD.
FAQ
Q: What is PTSD?
A: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
Q: How prevalent is PTSD in the military?
A: PTSD is prevalent in military personnel due to the frequency and intensity of traumatic experiences.
Q: How can one acknowledge PTSD in a loved one?
A: Early signs of PTSD include agitation, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and irrational anger.
Q: What resources are available for handling PTSD in military families?
_A: Resources include therapy sessions, support groups, and educational materials provided by organizations like the Aura Institute.
The battle with PTSD in the military continues even after a soldier has removed their uniform. With proper recognition, understanding, and adequate support, this invisible foe can be brought to light and defeated.
Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.