Keohane Funeral Home

What is PTSD?

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According to Mayo Clinic, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. “Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.” (“What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder? – Moorestown NJ”)

Most people, who suffer trauma, struggle for a while but eventually get better (if given enough time and tender loving care). If a person does not get better over time, and instead their symptoms worsen and interfere with normal functioning in daily living, their condition may be PTSD.

Good Changes

Some experiences that a soldier goes through can help them change in a good way. Veterans often become stronger individuals with an expanded world view. Also, they probably have a renewed appreciation for their family members and their life in America.

Hard Changes

Many veterans experienced violence first-hand and struggled with unrelenting fear and loneliness while on the field. It can be extremely difficult for veterans to combat flashbacks and replace bad images in their mind. They can never completely forget what they saw, and it can seem overwhelming to deal with all of the emotions and pain. Sadly, this pain also causes pain for everyone close to the soldier: wife, husband, children, parents, and close friends are impacted by PTSD.

What to Do if You Struggle with PTSD

First of all, know that you are extremely valuable and precious! Your life is of extreme value: YOU are of extreme value. And there are many people and organizations whose sole purpose is to help you and others struggling with PTSD. You are not alone! According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, on average, 10 – 25 % of veterans have struggled with PTSD at some point. Here are few of the organizations available for you:

• About Face
• National Center for PTSD
• Military OneSource
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• PTSD United
• Give an Hour
• PTSD Foundation of America
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Operation We are Here

What if Someone You Love Struggles with PTSD

There are many hurting families out there who need help. You may be one of them. Your pain is real, and there is help for you and your family! We recommend you start by asking for help from your local pastor or a trusted counselor. Talking with someone who already knows your family and has been invested in helping you while your spouse was away on deployment is very beneficial.

Also, there are places online where you can connect with others who are struggling to help a loved one with PTSD. Social media can be a great resource! For example, on Facebook there are groups such as:

• Strong Ones. Spouses of Veterans with PTSD Ladies Only
• Spouses’ & Family Members’ PTSD Support Group
• PTSD Spouses/ Family support group
• Wives of PTSD Vets and Military

You may also want to check out this website that is available to help spouses of veterans with PTSD.

We hope this information has been helpful. Our hearts go out in sympathy and gratitude for our veterans and their families, who gave so much and continue to struggle with the aftermaths of military service. Please feel free to contact Keohane if we can answer questions or help you find the assistance you need. Feel free to call us anytime at 617-773-3551.