PTSD In The Military Essay

Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is defined as “A prolonged maladaptive reaction to a traumatic event that is characterized by intense fear, avoidance of stimuli associated with the event, and reliving the event.” (Nevid & Rathus, p.261). PTSD is common in soldiers who have fought in wars. However, not just the individual suffering from PTSD is affected. The family members also have to learn to deal with the effects that this disorder has on their loved one. What resources are available to help these family members learn to understand and cope with this disorder? As a military spouse, I see the effects that PTSD can have on families each and every day. The individual who is suffering from this disorder is often not the same person that they were prior to experiencing the traumatic events that caused the PTSD to manifest. According to an informational article written by Melinda Smith and Lawrence Robinson, the individual affected by PTSD could potentially become volatile, lose their job, or turn to substance abuse to try and cope with the anger and frustration that they may be feeling. (How to Help Someone, 2016). The
Military OneSource offers confidential counseling free of charge to both family and service members alike. Since their help is completely confidential, service members do not need to worry about the stigma that has been previously associated with seeking mental health assistance. While this is a great resource to take advantage of, it is non-medical counseling, which means that service members or their family may still need to see a Psychiatrist for diagnosis of PTSD, or to receive medication for any effects that the PTSD, (or stress from caring for the individual who is suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder), may be