It is a common known fact that military veterans that have been in combat are likely to suffer from PTSD - a mental health disorder known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. What has not been studied as much is the secondary trauma that a veteran's spouse and children suffer.
Families are Impacted. Many children and teens will complain their dad is very quiet and doesn't talk to them much. They know their dad is a hero, but it's hard for them to see him as that, when he gets angry very easy of the simplest things. If the boys are outside playing and a ball they are throwing hits the wall, it may be common for their dad to come out screaming and yelling, "I better not catch you throwing that ball against the house again!" A wife can easily become resentful when her husband doesn't want to emotionally connect with her.
As a result of Dad having PTSD or depression, Mom may suffer from having to carry much of the load of the family responsibilities. The kids may feel that they can't just have friends over without dad giving them an entire interrogation because of his lack of trusting others.
There is hope! Family therapy is a great way for helping the family regain strength and hope that they can become whole once again. A family therapist will not only treat the military veteran with his symptoms of PTSD or another mental health disorder, but will also work with the spouse on healthy communication and coping skills to handle the anxiety and depression that are common among those in the military. Family counseling sessions will provide the children with the emotional support they are needing to understand why Dad's behavior is a certain way. Through various individual, couples, and family sessions, a Marriage can be saved, a Family can live and love again, and a Veteran can be at peace.
If you know of a friend or family member in the military, take time to thank them for their service and provide them with support that it's ok to reach out for help with the invisible scars they may have endured.
Written by Sandi Burchfield, MS, IMT-1129
Marriage & Family Therapist
Web: www.familylifecounselingcenter.com
