Read some interesting stuff today, from Matthew Tull, PhD, on About.com. In an article on “The Benefits of Group Therapy for PTSD,” he talks about the benefits of “validation.” He notes that in a group setting, other people with PTSD (or loved ones with PTSD) may be able to recognize and “validate” what you are going through, because they have had similar experiences.
It reminded me of an experience I had, that I believe is worth sharing. Many years after my divorce from my Nam vet, I was still hurting and wondering what I had done wrong in the relationship. Logically, I knew I’d been a loyal partner. But there was still that lingering feeling that I’d failed somehow.
I read about a lecture and workshop that was coming up. Patience Mason, the wife of Robert Mason, who flew helicopters in Nam (and wrote the bestseller, Chickenhawk) was giving a speech about combat-related PTSD. I went to hear her, and heard first-hand, that she knows her stuff. Unfortunately, I only found her book Recovering from the War- A Guide for All Veterans, Family Members. Friends and Therapists, long after my divorce. Continue reading 'Validation and Recognition Helps Heal PTSD'»
While recently researching resources for dealing with PTSD, I was amazed by the volume of helping websites, support groups, organizations, literature, etc. My first reaction was sheer joy, and my second reaction was the thought “How my life might have been different, if I’d only known what I’d been dealing with!”
For my heartbreaks and challenges, living with PTSD, started in the mid-60′s. Of course, this was long before the term “PTSD” had been coined. So I floundered around, just trying to live life; doing my best day by day, and yet knowing, deep in my gut, I was living an abnormal life. I tried denying it. Telling myself, “oh, my life is just very interesting, more interesting than most.” Right-o… Continue reading 'Lets Talk About it'»
Hello all,
I’ve decided to create this site to increase the focus on wives, sweethearts, husbands, children, families, siblings, friends, bosses, etc. of combat vets, and their unique problems, as they interact with PTSD-affected veterans.
With thousands upon thousands of veterans returning home from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hotspots around the world, the challenges of readjustment to civilian life are upon us.
I know of where I speak, as I have personal experience with combat-related PTSD. As a former wife of a Vietnam veteran, I lived with PTSD long before it had a name. After serving two tours in the Marine Corps (1966-68) my former husband came home with complex emotional problems. Continue reading 'A Welcome from Charlene'»
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