Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has traumatic effects not only on the victim, but also on the family. Negative behaviors stemming from a PTSD victim can result in self-destruction, with the potential for physical, sexual, and verbal abuse with a spouse or loved one. Children most likely lack the positive regard necessary for healthy development. PTSD symptoms range from mild to severe, although if left untreated, they can seriously affect the mental health of the sufferer and those living in the home. The result is that PTSD symptoms will gradually develop in the children and the spouse in one way or another.
PTSD treatment should be addressed immediately after any horrible event. There is no shame in having this disorder as we are only human, we are not meant to live through or experience the horrors of war, acts of violence, fatal accidents or any traumatic experiences. It would be proper to question anyone who returned home feeling no pain, guilt, anger, or shame.
As the oldest daughter of a father who served in the Vietnam War, suffering most of his life with PTSD, I understand firsthand the impact it can have on a family. When I was a young child, I witnessed physical and verbal abuse, bad moods, severe depression, which led to a life of poverty. My mother, without the support of the outside world, became depressed like most women who are abused and do not see the light in the world that has collapsed around her. As a child witnessing both parents in a world of deep emotional turmoil, I naturally discovered that I, too, developed in a similar nature as I stumbled through life learning every lesson as I lived through the experience, be it negative or positive.
My siblings felt the harshness of PTSD while living through harsh punishments and authoritarian parenting more than I did. When I reflect on the memories of the past, my heart goes out to them because I see them as precious children who needed love, encouragement and hugs. Today, my brother now suffers from PTSD from the war in Iraq and no doubt still carries the beliefs about himself and the world that still linger in his subconscious mind from the past. My sister, on the other hand, has struggled her entire life with alcohol and drug use; her though she has been able to begin the process of truly loving herself in order to be successful and serve others in the world.
In my extensive research on PTSD, I found that Australia has done extensive research and published more information on the development of children growing up in a PTSD environment. Depression, suicide, chronic health problems, and a host of other conditions figure prominently as these children grow into adults, finding it difficult to control their own lives.
I, on the other hand, know and understand that with proper treatment, reprogramming of our thoughts, and positive support, this disease and all of these associated conditions can change at any time. The key is self-determination in seeking the right assistance that will bring about the positive changes needed to successfully move forward in the world. Pharmaceutical drugs are a temporary way to mask what is really going on inside the mind. Understanding that some drugs are important in severe cases, the true cure lies within our hearts and minds. There is no need or reason for anyone to suffer, reducing quality of life for such a long period of time.
Behaviors are a reaction to an event that has been implanted in our subconscious mind. Reprogramming the mind to live a healthy, successful and positive life is your choice, it can be done. Remember, a loving and wonderful person is always present; it’s okay to let that person shine. It is about changing our thoughts and focusing on what we really want, leaving behind a painful past. PTSD affects everyone; victim, spouse, parents, children, friends, so get help and know that you are worthy of living the life you deserve in the most positive and productive way.
Generally speaking, there is a shortage of mental health care in the United States. Taking control of your life by educating yourself about PTSD and its effects on your mind, body, and spirit, as well as its negative impact on those around you, is the key to change. Take the time to find people who reinforce love and encouragement, and find or start support groups to share personal stories. Read books that will inspire positive growth related to self-help, healing, and spirituality. Be open to successful recoveries by seeking alternative treatments such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis. Recovering from PTSD is curable with your own determination, patience, support, and most importantly, a healthy dose of self-love and self-awareness. Love yourself first, change your life. With this self-love, you will be better equipped to truly love others and be a positive role model for your family and friends.