PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries Impact The Entire Family

Sometimes, the injuries of war are evident. Other times, they're not as obvious or intentionally hidden. Because PTSD is a mental illness, it often doesn't get the medical care and attention it deserves. But there are treatments for PTSD. In fact, 53% of individuals who receive trauma-focused psychotherapy eventually no longer meet the criterial for PTSD.

Yet, while advances are being made in treating our veterans, not enough is being done to prepare their spouses and families for what they both may face in the days, months and even years after a loved one returns home. ​That's why more must be done to help prepare them for the vital caregiving role they play.

​Veterans suffering from TBI and PTSD can exhibit a range of symptoms — such as erratic and sudden bursts of anger, depression, serious memory loss, agitation, flashbacks from sudden loud noises, alcohol and/or drug abuse, sleeplessness and nightmares, survivor guilt, paranoia, increased risk of violence and even suicide. These symptoms can create turmoil in the home and in their relationships. Spouses of these veterans are frequently confused, angry and dismayed by their partner's behavior.  
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Hearts of Patriots co-founder Megan Cain recalls when her husband, Jeremy, returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.  "When he came home, he was a different man. So different, it feels like the man I had married died over there," she says, during an interview for "Blood Stripe: A Spouse's Story," a documentary set to premiere in November, 2019.

​They may blame themselves, thinking it will get better in time, or even believing they can fix their veteran. ​They feel as though the person they live with is a stranger and they never know what to expect.  Many spouses work hard at hiding from others what's really going on in their home, lying to their friends and family that everything is fine, including themselves.

Without help, support, education and resources, it is extremely difficult for the spouses of a combat veteran to keep themselves, their children and their veteran safe. Sadly, years can go by before finding vital information that can help them understand their partner's behavior, and how to manage these conditions. With education and access to resources and support, spouses of veterans can gain the tools they need to keep themselves and their children safe. In time, these families can learn to find their new normal.  
You can also learn more about how PTSD affects veterans and their families online at About Face.