 |
Spouse CallsJoin the conversation with Stripes columnist Terri Barnes, as she explores issues relevant to the lives of military spouses. |
Voices of Experience
Posted September 2nd, 2007 by Terri Barnes in
The Sept. 2 Spouse Calls column is all about PTSD in the words of spouses of veterans suffering from the disorder. Read excerpts from these first person accounts in the column, or read all of them here on the Spouse Calls blog. (Click here to go to the thread about PTSD.)
Thank you to all the spouses who are blogging your experiences and helping others who are enduring similar sitations. Also on this blog are some suggested Web sites for information and help for PTSD sufferers and their families.
If you think you or a loved one might be suffering from a trauma-related disorder, please see a health-care professional. Your chaplain can also start you in the right direction for help and treatment.
Support groups for family members
Hi. I found your site while searching for information on combat fatigue or PTSD. My spouse is an Army vet and is experiencing more severe symptoms. This site seemed to be an online support vehicle for spouses. Are there any additional support groups known for spouses and family members of vet with PTSD?
Thank you for any information you can provide.
I, like others, have found this time painful and frustrating. I have learned to take much of the focus off of what my spouse is doing and place it on living. What are my goals for my life? This is not done to the exclusion of my spouse. As he is able or willing to participate, he does and I express my appreciation. If he does not, I move forward, grateful for my life and for his life. It is clear to me at this point that my spouse has choices I cannot make for him regarding wanting to get help and actively pursuing help. I understand it is difficult for him but not impossible. It is difficult for me but not impossible as I seek help for wholeness in this.
I will be leaving for a trip overseas to a place where many are experiencing PTSD. In order to share hope, I must have hope. I remind myself to not give up, inspite of the hard decisions before me. I not only hope but I believe God. Each new day is the possibility for a miracle.
Finding a support group
Gloria, thank you for your post and for sharing hope with others in similar situations.
You asked about finding a support group. I do know there are several blogs for spouses of PTSD sufferers. Some I have read seem to be encouraging and helpful. A face-to-face group of people who live near you would be an encouragement too. Blogging gives you an outlet, but there's no substitute for friends in the flesh.
Your church, military clinic or chapel might be able to help you find such a group. You might also try calling family therapy centers in your city. If there is not a group, you might be able to find others interested in starting one, even if you just meet informally for coffee or lunch.
I hope your trip overseas went well.
Terri