The Invisible Scars of Service: What Is the Impact of PTSD on Our Military and Their Families?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a silent, persistent wound that many military members and veterans carry long after their service ends. While the physical injuries of war and violence are typically visible and acknowledged, the psychological ramifications of these traumatic experiences often remain hidden. Further, it must be noted that it's not only the soldier who struggles. The impact of PTSD takes a significant toll on the family, friends, and loved ones who love and support these soldiers. 

West Coast Recovery Centers is proud to offer addiction treatment and mental health services to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their family members. We do so by providing specialized outpatient treatment, which includes partial hospitalization and an intensive outpatient day program. Don't struggle in silence. If you and your family require hope and support, please contact West Coast today. 

The Toll PTSD Takes on Military Members

PTSD can occur after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and due to the nature of what they experience, military members are particularly susceptible to it. Combat situations, exposure to death or injury, violence, and life-threatening situations are day-to-day realities for many service members. In and of itself, the stress of military life, which includes frequent deployments, long separations from loved ones, and constantly living in a state of hypervigilance, can wear on a person's mental health.

For those who develop PTSD, symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, irritability, and avoidance of triggers that remind them of the trauma. The symptoms often interfere with day-to-day functioning, relationships, and their overall quality of life.  

It comes as no surprise that military culture often emphasizes toughness, self-reliance, and mission readiness. Values such as these are, undoubtedly, integral in the service. However, they can make it challenging for individuals to seek help when they're struggling mentally and emotionally. As a result, many suffer in silence, unsure of how to cope, where to turn, or what others will think. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to the development of further mental health struggles. That often includes depression, severe anxiety, and substance use disorder (SUD).  

When One Serves, the Whole Family serves

If left untreated, the ramifications of PTSD won't only impact the soldier – they'll affect the family, too. Living with an individual with PTSD can be confusing and heartbreaking. Family members may feel like they must walk on eggshells to avoid triggering an episode. However, when these episodes occur, spouses and children often witness mood swings, emotional withdrawal, unpredictable outbursts, and in severe cases, violence. 

Further, it's not uncommon for the spouse or partner of a veteran to take on caregiver roles. Unfortunately, this can quickly lead to burnout and their own struggles with mental health. Children are also deeply impacted, sometimes struggling with feelings of fear, confusion, and instability. In military families, the trauma experienced by one person can cause a ripple effect throughout the whole household. 

The Importance of Support and Understanding

Despite the confusion of having a loved one with PTSD, support and understanding are integral to the healing journey. Additionally, understanding PTSD as a shared family experience is a vital step toward healing. While PTSD symptoms are distressing, soldiers must understand that these symptoms are not reflections of weakness – they're human responses to overwhelmingly stressful situations. Recognizing this helps reduce stigmas, creates space for empathy and compassion, and, hopefully, allows more to feel comfortable seeking treatment. 

Support starts with acknowledgment. Family members who educate themselves about PTSD are better equipped to understand their loved one's behaviors and respond appropriately. Additionally, community resources, support groups, and counseling can provide much-needed relief and validation. Of course, healing is not the responsibility of the individual alone. Encouragement, patience, and seeking professional help are key strategies for families navigating life with PTSD. Military members don't go into battle alone, and they shouldn't have to face the aftermath alone either. 

Therapeutic Paths to Healing

Though a person's struggles with PTSD can be daunting, the good news is that treatment and recovery are possible. Some therapeutic options that have shown effectiveness include: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Trauma-informed care 
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Family and couples therapy 
• Group therapy and peer support
• Spiritual, faith-based, and holistic approaches

A Message of Hope to Those Still Struggling

It must be acknowledged that PTSD  can be formidably challenging to manage, but it doesn't have to define the rest of a soldier's life or the lives of the family. Many military families have walked the path of healing. Some take the path slowly, and many experience setbacks, but the path is always worth walking for yourself and your family. 

If you or someone you love is a veteran living with the effects of PTSD, know you're not alone. There's no shame in seeking help, and we might even argue that it's one of the bravest decisions a person can make. Healing takes time, support, and sometimes professional guidance. Call or visit our website to learn more about how West Coast Recovery Centers can help you and your military family recover today. 

Military service comes with great sacrifice, and so does the aftermath. PTSD can deeply impact veterans, and if left untreated, it can cause significant harm to military members, spouses, children, and loved ones all around. Thankfully, through compassionate understanding, evidence-based treatment, and support, healing is within reach. Therapists, counselors, and support networks exist to walk with you every step of the way. Together, you can rediscover hope, rebuild relationships, heal from the impact of PTSD, and reclaim a life of meaning beyond trauma. The wounds of war may run deep, but so does the courage of those who endure them. Let's endure it together and contact West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to begin your healing journey today.