PTSD how to cope

[Cally1]

My husband has PTSD he has had it over 25 years cycling in and out depending on workplace triggers. He is retired now and is the worst he has been for years, instead of blaming work, he blames our adult children, they've all had life hurdles as people do but its their fault he is anxious and jumpy and he constantly denegrates them to me, I'm just so tired of it, he's had counselling, recent EMDR nothing seems to last, the latest fallout is because they voted wrong, Im afraid they will stop seeing us, our daughter almost has, I feel sad 😔 what can I do, I have a counsellor and vicarious PTSD what alternative treatments are out there?

[AuntGlow]

Hello @Cally1, 

Welcome to the forums and thank you so much for sharing so openly and vulnerably with us. I recognise how much courage that takes. 💛

What you are going through sounds so incredibly overwhelming, and I can imagine it would be really hard watching your partner go through this too. 

Sadness makes a lot of sense here, I can see how long you have been supporting him throughout his journey - he has been very lucky to have you by his side. 

I am really glad to know you have support from a counsellor. I think the forums will be a wonderful addition to your support network right now. Perhaps you could also explore support groups in person too? ☺️

Here if you would like to talk anything further through, okay? Thank you again for reaching out tonight. 

- AuntGlow ✨

[brightNsparkly]

I'm so sorry you're going through this @Cally1 

There is a new program I came across the other day that might be helpful for you - it's specifically for Veteran family members. 

It's called Stronger we Stand and is run by Grand Pacific Health. I haven't checked it out but did remember seeing it and thinking it was about time family members could access something to help them on their journeys supporting our veterans. 

I can't help much other than to say it is hard and you will get through it. Please keep reaching out if you need any other support 

[LG]

Hi @Cally1,

I am so sorry that all of that is happening for you, and as others have said, well done on reaching out!

As another person said there is a new program called Stronger we Stand that has been launched to support families in your situation. Here is the link: https://www.gph.org.au/services/suicide-prevention/stronger-we-stand-supporting-veteran-families/

I have also just recently watched a Youtube video called "You're not in the forces now" which is from a program that was run a while ago by a Vietnam Veteran who retrained as a psychologist after discharging and it was such an incredible thing to watch. My husband watched it with me (he is still currently serving) and he found it really good to. It gives some great insight, and is spoken with a lot of military language and approach and I think that is why it appeals to the guys. I really recommend watching it, and attempting to get your husband to have a watch.

If you haven't already, or your husband hasn't you could also reach out to Open Arms for support, they have not just psychologists and counsellors, but Peer Workers who are either veterans or family members who have walked this life and know a little about what it is like.

Please keep reaching out when you need that support!

[RiverSeal]

Hey @Cally1, thank you for sharing your experiences with the community!

Sounds like you have been going through a tough time for a while, and it's understandable you have concerns about your children and their continuing contact with you and your husband. It takes real courage to reach out to the Forums and to be vulnerable with the community. You are demonstrating your resilience in sharing your story with such authenticity. 

It's so heartwarming to see the other responses and their referrals they have made for you to reach out to if you feel it would be beneficial. I have one more for you, and it's something that we offer here at SANE, the Guided Recovery program. 

This is usually only available in certain postcodes, however access is being extended to our Forums community. We understand this isn't always suitable for people so you can check out the Guided Service here - Welcome to SANE’s Guided Recovery and decide if you want to pursue it.

Whenever you are ready, you can chat to SANE’s mental health support workers who can assist with a referral, simply call 1800 187 263 or chat on the webchat at sane.org and let them know that you were referred from forums. They can help you with questions and check things like whether you have enrolled before or not. They're available 10am – 8pm Mon-Fri.

Thanks again for reaching out in the Veteran Families space!

Take care

RiverSeal