• Research shows that PTSD has negative effects on intimate as well as other family relationships*
• Combat veterans experience a high rate of marital instability - much more severe than veterans without PTSD*
• Vietnam veterans with PTSD are 3 -6 times as likely to divorce as non-PTSD veterans and are three times as likely to experience multiple divorces*
• Partners of patients with PTSD show*:
• Lower overall dissatisfaction with the relationship and are quite distressed
• More caregiver burden
• Poorer psychological adjustment
• Veterans diagnosed with PTSD, compared to those without PTSD, are more likely to be violent with partners and children, with rates as high as 63% for some type of physical violence in the past year.***
• Partners of Vietnam veterans with PTSD reported markedly reduced satisfaction in their lives and greater demoralization compared to partners of Vietnam veterans not diagnosed with PTSD. ***
• These family members end up shouldering a great and lifelong burden as home and institutional caregivers, giving up or severely restricting their own employment, education and social interactions that are taken for granted in the normal course of life. Furthermore, family caregivers often suffer severe financial and personal hardships as a consequence providing care to a severely disabled veteran. Yet, in their absence an even greater burden of direct care would fall on DoD and VA, at significantly higher financial cost to the government and a reduced quality of life for severely wounded war veterans.**
• The U.S. government owes its highest obligation to those who are put in harm’s way and become severely disabled as a consequence of that service. As a matter of equity and fairness, immediate family members of severely injured combat veterans should be afforded generous relief, assistance and care for the duration of the lives of veterans injured in military service to our nation. ***

(*)Taken from: Sherman, M.D., Zanotti, D.K. & Jones, D.E., (2005), Key elements in couples therapy with veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice Vol. 36, Retrieved 2008 from Academic Search Premiere database.

(****) Taken from: NCPTSD, (2006). Returning from the War Zone. A Guide for Families of Military Members, Retrieved July 27,2008, from http://www.ncptsd.va.gov

  If the common reactions that immediately follow a traumatic event (e.g. combat) continue for a long time after the event is finished, PTSD may be developing.

Symptoms of Combat Stress Reactions and PTSD*

• Re-experiencing - continuing to think about combat or feeling as if one is still in combat

  Nightmares are most commonly associated with this category of symptoms, but for those with PTSD, sleep is not the only time to re-experience trauma. Many individuals report that traumatic images can flash back into their minds; often triggered by a seemingly random sight, sound or smell. Individuals may actually feel as if they are back in the war zone.

• Avoidance and Numbing of Emotion - characterized by feelings of detachment from others; essentially being emotionally shut down.

  Individuals experiencing PTSD will go to extreme measures to avoid anything that has to do with the trauma that was experienced. This includes preventing memories from being recalled, not discussing what happened and avoiding anything that could be a reminder. These individuals may use alcohol and drugs to avoid thinking and feeling about the trauma. It is not a sign that they are no longer committed to their families and relationships.

• Hyper vigilance – always being on guard, feeling jumpy, unable to sleep, unable to concentrate, getting angry easily, excessive concerns about security.

Behaviors may include driving very aggressively, being easily startled, always looking for signs of danger, overly protective of children and overly fearful about their safety.

If You Recognize Any of the Above Symptoms – do not delay in seeking professional help.

All of the above symptoms can cause life problems that will not go away by themselves but if addressed early; it is not only possible to prevent the symptoms from becoming worse, they may instead be relieved. Unattended PTSD affects relationships, employment and the family’s well being.

 NCPTSD, (2006). Returning from the War Zone. A Guide for Families of Military Members, Retrieved July 27,2008, from http://www.ncptsd.va.gov 

Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

  The symptoms of depression will vary from person to person. It can range from having a general sadness for more days than not to losing interest in hobbies and activities to feelings of hopelessness and despair. When left unattended, depression can become very debilitating and even lead a depressed person to think about hurting or killing him or herself.

  Do not give up hope. Depression for the most part responds extremely well to treatment. There are very many different approaches that have studies which support their effectiveness. Many of these approaches do not rely on long term use or even use of medication at all.

  Proper self care is critical for treating and preventing depression. This is especially true for family caregivers whose needs are often overlooked while providing care for someone with PTSD. When caregivers are inattentive to their own needs, the family problem gets compounded with multiple members feeling tense, angry or depressed. The unhealthy dynamics escalates the feelings of despair.

  There should never be a delay in seeking professional help. The sooner a treatment plan begins, the easier it will be to prevent debilitating symptoms and overcome any existing ones.

Anger and Aggression

  These emotions are typical of someone who is fearful of a loss of control. Dealing with the PTSD “ruining one’s life” and the “unfairness of it” can lead a person to feel very bitter and angry. Of course, it is important to remember that anger is a normal and natural reaction that should be felt and dealt with in an appropriate way. It is when anger escalates to extremely intense proportions that it can result in family and marital discord. Personal and work relationships can suffer. Children may feel very vulnerable and exposed in households experiencing eruptive episodes of anger.

  If violence is ever threatened against any family member or friend, it is imperative that safety is immediately sought; even if that means calling the police, family assistance programs, religious organizations and so forth. Never stay in harm’s way. Professional help must be sought to help veterans address the anger and combat stress reactions.

Guilt, Shame and Self-Blame

  Survivor guilt is a common reaction that many veterans feel for having survived when many of their fellow soldiers did not. It happens as an individual tries to make sense of what was experienced and may even feel as if an immoral act was committed (even when just following orders).

  Guilt, shame and self-blame can become very debilitating and will not simply go away with the passage of time. These and all other negative emotions must be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent them from escalating into larger problems.

NCPTSD, (2006). Returning from the War Zone. A Guide for Families of Military Members, Retrieved July 27,2008, from http://www.ncptsd.va.gov 

Veteran Families do not receive enough support.

  In an effort to show support and respect to veterans and their families, we offer a complementary CD with your donation that supports First Responder fundraising efforts.

  The Self Care CD is designed to facilitate achieving greater Self Knowledge which in turn will facilitate more efforts in Self Care. This cycle will help families to achieve better balance in their lives as they struggle with PTSD.

  Studies have shown that families who are more successful in achieving balance are better able to help mitigate the symptoms of PTSD. Caregivers who achieve balance are less likely to experience the debilitating symptoms of PTSD.

  This Self Care CD is not considered to be therapy and is not meant to replace professional help of any kind. It is to be used as coping support. It is the sole intention of this CD to offer support to veterans’ families.

The Self Care CDs

  These CDs will take you through guided relaxation. In this relaxed state you will be able to reflect upon some of the things that add to your stress such as:

• Self-blame
• Poor emotional boundaries
• The need to be perfect
• Guilt
• Shame
• Being judgmental
• Impatience
• Irrational expectations
• Personalizing other people’s feelings

Reflection in the relaxed state will help fortify you.

  It can help you to regroup and make better decisions that can affect the quality of your life and health. These Self Care CDs will support you and guide you in making decisions that can lead to wellness. The journey to recovery is a difficult one. Every little bit that lightens your burden will make every step you take easier. Every step you take will help you bring back the joy.