My paternal grandfather was an Army Medic and treated injured soldiers on D-Day (6/6/1944). My father joined ROTC (Air Force) when he was an undergrad English major at the College of the Holy Cross to help fund his college education.

I regret that I never inquired more about their military experiences during my formative years. Now that both my grandfather and father have passed away, my learning about them and their military experiences is coming through word-of-mouth and talking to relatives.

INVITATION TO READERS:

When our loved ones have been impacted by trauma, it is not uncommon for us to avoid asking them directly about their experiences. It is natural to feel discomfort hearing about trauma events. It is natural to want to care for our loved ones by avoiding asking questions for fear we will destabilize/trigger them. However, expressing your genuine interest and willingness to hear their stories is an act of love that you can offer trauma survivors. It can also help them process their trauma. If you know of someone who has served in the armed forces, find the courage to deeply listen, learn about, inquire about their experiences in the armed services. Their body language will let you know how much they are willing to disclose. Use your intuition and people skills to lean in or lean out of the dialogue as needed.

PSA:

I am a PTSD/trauma expert with specialized training in Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD. As a clinician who has worked as a PE therapist on RCT clinical trials, I have witnessed the positive impact that PE delivered by highly skilled, attuned, and supervised therapists can have on patients’ PTSD symptoms.

Watch my interview with Aaron Weiner, PhD, ABPP about PTSD/Trauma here:

Besides PE, there are other evidence-based talk therapy (CPT, EMDR) and medication treatment options for PTSD/trauma.

There are also PTSD/trauma treatments that have less of a RCT evidence base but have anecdotal backing by patients and providers as being helpful for PTSD symptoms.

➡️➡️➡️TAKE HOME MESSAGES:

✅There are MANY PTSD/trauma treatment options available to consumers.

✅If you are a mental healthcare provider, encourage your clients to self-educate about the different PTSD/trauma treatments available.

✅If you are a trauma survivor, don’t give up on finding the right PTSD/trauma treatment that WORKS FOR YOU!

Go to the library page on my Inside Out Psychology website for reading recommendations and resources for Veterans, PTSD/trauma, Suicide, and Crisis Resources

https://www.psychinsideout.com/education/library