If you are in a relationship with a military veteran, you may notice significant emotional changes when he or she returns home from duty. An adjustment period is to be expected, but if your partner exhibits severe shifts in behavior or mental state, PTSD may be to blame.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among veterans, but it’s also highly stigmatized.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that nearly 31% of Vietnam veterans, 11% of Afghanistan veterans, and 20% of Iraqi veterans have PTSD. Unfortunately, many veterans with PTSD do not seek treatment, and that puts a huge burden on both veterans and their families. In fact, studies have shown that veterans with PTSD have twice the divorce rate as those who don’t have the condition. In some cases, those with PTSD become violent as a result of their trauma. And in general, veterans with PTSD often exhibit signs of depression, isolation, anxiety, addictive tendencies, and all-around poor mental health. All of these symptoms can take a heavy toll on your relationship and your family.
However, if you find yourself in this situation and you’re seeking marriage advice, there’s reason to have hope.
Marriage counseling for military veterans has been proven to be quite effective in many cases, especially for those who require counseling for PTSD. While 93% of all patients who seek out marriage or family counseling say that their therapy provided them with the tools they needed to deal with their problems, counseling for PTSD is even more critical. It’s virtually the only thing that can help those who suffer from this condition, though many are helped by a combination of therapy and medication. By being open and honest about your feelings in individual and couples therapy, practicing communication skills, learning relaxation methods, and abstaining from addictive behaviors, veterans with PTSD can identify the source of their trauma and work to move past it.
If you’ve wondered when to see a couples counselor, the truth is that there’s no better time than the present. Although some veterans may be reluctant to seek help, most admit that their time in counseling for PTSD treatment has allowed them to take back control of their lives and important relationships. Treatment for PTSD requires an immense amount of hard work and dedication, but with therapy, education, and support, it can be overcome. We’re here to provide the best military marriage counseling Phoenix has to offer. For more information on how we can help you and your family, please contact us today.