Families learn to better support their Veteran through PTSD workshops
Veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel isolated from their loved ones, who may not recognize signs or symptoms of the condition. Sheridan VA Health Care System is extending PTSD treatment by offering workshops that build a support system within a Veteran’s family.
PTSD: What it is and what it looks like
To understand PTSD, trauma must first be defined. The clinical definition describes trauma as experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event firsthand or learning about a close family member’s or friend’s traumatic event.
PTSD can be brought on by combat exposure, serious injury, a major accident, sexual assault or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD can include re-experiencing or flashbacks, hyperarousal marked by irritability, angry outbursts, reckless behavior or feeling on edge, negative changes in beliefs and feelings, avoidance of trauma reminders, such as memories, people or certain situations, and experiencing additional mental health conditions, including anxiety, substance use or mood disorders.
The collateral effect
Veteran Health Administration’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Family Services Section, created PTSD 101 workshops to support families by acknowledging that posttraumatic stress does not only affect the Veteran.
“Family members go through PTSD too,” said Marian Amundsen, a VA psychology intern and workshop facilitator. “The workshops give them a sense of normalcy in their experience. Showing them what they can do to help is important. Also, the Veteran reaps a secondary benefit by having loved ones with more knowledge.”
Equipping family to aid Veteran healing
Sheridan VA held its first PTSD 101 workshop on April 19, 2024, with ten attendees and two facilitators. Goals of the two-hour workshop included helping family members recognize symptoms of PTSD, such as avoidance, sleep disruption or agitation.
The class helps family members understand the potential impact on relationships, adopt strategies to de-escalate intense emotions, learn about effective treatment options and discover how they can best support and encourage their loved one Veteran in their health care. This is especially important for Veterans who may not acknowledge their PTSD and might be resistant to involvement by loved ones.
Workshop participants also learn coping skills to maintain their own self-care and wellbeing through the process.
“We’re involving family in hope and recovery,” said Amundsen. “Research supports that the number-one predictor of success is perceived social support. It’s crucial for the Veteran to realize someone is there for them and knows how to offer support.”
Family members provide a vital support system for Veterans with PTSD, and the workshops involve them in the healing process.
“It can impact quality of life to bring a Veteran back to a leveled place,” said Amundsen. “PTSD is not the person; it’s something that happens to the person. It takes support. There is a way to live with it that can benefit everyone.”
Join a PTSD 101 workshop
PTSD 101 workshops are being held at a growing number of VA facilities and are scheduled as requested by family members of Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care.
The workshops are virtual to allow loved ones living in remote and rural areas to participate. VA and community resources are also provided for participants, who do not need the Veteran’s permission to attend. Patient privacy is a priority, and anonymity is maintained throughout the class.
For more information on Sheridan VA’s PTSD 101 workshop, Veterans’ family members, significant others or caregivers over age 18 may call Sheridan VA mental health team at 307-675-3903.
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April Love is a writer-editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force. She began working for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2016 and lives in Aurora, Colorado.