So sticking with the theme of my favorite Magazine Military Spouses Magazine, I wanted to post something on a common area in our lives as a military community. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, is so common in our world. Not only does it effect our Military members but others as well. Rape victims, disaster victims, victims of many crimes but number one our military men and women. You may pass over this post because you think it doesnt affect you and that you already know about it but I hope you take a second to read this.
PTSD can really happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. It doesnt take a man to be in a horrible combat zone and see many fatalities in order to return with PTSD. You may think that your S/O is a strong person, that their personality just isnt like that, well I bet the wives of the soldiers who have it didnt think it would effect their spouses either.
Take a look at these statistics below provided by PTSD Foundation of America
I bet you didnt know those facts did you? I know I didnt. PTSD is that serious. Today suicide rates in the military are the higest they have ever been. I know of two people last year that took their own lives, that is something I never wanted to say.
As a wife or S/O to a military member I believe it is our job to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and to get help for your loved one. The military member with PTSD will almost never realize they have it nor will they seek help for it. Not only is this effecting out member so greatly but it effects the family as well. It can ruin a marriage, hurt kids and more.
Here are some symptoms of PTSD that you can loo for when your member returns from a deployment, a TDY, and each and every day
Re- Eperiencing symptoms, such as flashbacks and nightmares are the most common symptoms of PTSD
Avoidance symptoms and emotional 'numbness' this can be when a spouse become isolated from the family and their friends. They feel depressed and disconnected like they dont care about anything anymore. They may self medicate with alcohol and drugs. a spouse that was loving before a deployment may become angry and aggressive.
Hyper Arousal is when a military member stays on 'high alert' at all times. They are constantly scanning the environment for enemies and IEDs.
Its important to remember that just because your husband seems fine the first month they are home does not mean they do not have PTSD. It often takes time to sink in and for symptoms to show.
If you ever notice any of these symptoms, even just one it is important you get them help. Also giving them a 'role' in everyday life such as chores and childcare can help them feel needed and will help them reconnect.
Last remember to take care of your self and your children. AS I stated above PTSD does not only effect the military member but the entire family.
Below are a few organizations that assist with PTSD. You can find out more about them, PTSD and how you can help on their sites.
Batteling Bare and One Warrior Won Batteling bare and one warrior won came together to help both the military member as well as their families
PTSD Foundation of America
United States War Veterans PTSD Foundation
There are many more but these are a few on the top ones.
All information provided by Military Spouses Magazine Battling Bare article
Image Provided by PTSD foundation of America
PTSD can really happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. It doesnt take a man to be in a horrible combat zone and see many fatalities in order to return with PTSD. You may think that your S/O is a strong person, that their personality just isnt like that, well I bet the wives of the soldiers who have it didnt think it would effect their spouses either.
Take a look at these statistics below provided by PTSD Foundation of America
I bet you didnt know those facts did you? I know I didnt. PTSD is that serious. Today suicide rates in the military are the higest they have ever been. I know of two people last year that took their own lives, that is something I never wanted to say.
As a wife or S/O to a military member I believe it is our job to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and to get help for your loved one. The military member with PTSD will almost never realize they have it nor will they seek help for it. Not only is this effecting out member so greatly but it effects the family as well. It can ruin a marriage, hurt kids and more.
Here are some symptoms of PTSD that you can loo for when your member returns from a deployment, a TDY, and each and every day
Re- Eperiencing symptoms, such as flashbacks and nightmares are the most common symptoms of PTSD
Avoidance symptoms and emotional 'numbness' this can be when a spouse become isolated from the family and their friends. They feel depressed and disconnected like they dont care about anything anymore. They may self medicate with alcohol and drugs. a spouse that was loving before a deployment may become angry and aggressive.
Hyper Arousal is when a military member stays on 'high alert' at all times. They are constantly scanning the environment for enemies and IEDs.
Its important to remember that just because your husband seems fine the first month they are home does not mean they do not have PTSD. It often takes time to sink in and for symptoms to show.
If you ever notice any of these symptoms, even just one it is important you get them help. Also giving them a 'role' in everyday life such as chores and childcare can help them feel needed and will help them reconnect.
Last remember to take care of your self and your children. AS I stated above PTSD does not only effect the military member but the entire family.
Below are a few organizations that assist with PTSD. You can find out more about them, PTSD and how you can help on their sites.
Batteling Bare and One Warrior Won Batteling bare and one warrior won came together to help both the military member as well as their families
PTSD Foundation of America
United States War Veterans PTSD Foundation
There are many more but these are a few on the top ones.
All information provided by Military Spouses Magazine Battling Bare article
Image Provided by PTSD foundation of America
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