If you have a family member in the military, you may also spend days and nights worrying about them, particularly when they are deployed. A large number of soldiers can come back from deployment experiencing nightmares, excessive fear, flashbacks and/or intensely distressing feelings. If your service member is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you may also experience secondary traumatic stress. PTSD symptoms are powerful, but you are not powerless, therapy can help.

What is PTSD and STS?

PTSD stands for “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.” It is a condition that develops after exposure to or experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include re-experiencing trauma through intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of things that remind you of your trauma, panic symptoms, irritability and decreased interest in things you once enjoyed. Symptoms can also include sleep disturbance, difficulty focusing, numbness and difficulty connecting with others.

STS refers to “Secondary Traumatic Stress.” It is the emotional distress that a person may develop after hearing about the traumatic experiences of a loved one. With STS, you may exhibit signs and symptoms that are akin to PTSD as well as altered memory and perception, changed sense of self- worth, and altered beliefs about safety and independence.

Possible Impacts of PTSD and STS

PTSD is often viewed as a post-deployment health problem for military personnel. As far back as the Vietnam War, it was found that around one third of the soldiers exhibited symptoms of PTSD. Approximately ten percent of Gulf War veterans were reported to have been diagnosed with PTSD. It is also estimated that about twenty percent service members who have come back from Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD or depression.

What is not being measured, however, is how many of their family members have developed psychological symptoms, such as STS. It can be difficult to experience both PTSD and STS in your home. You are not alone, counseling can help.

Reaching Out for Help

PTSD can be overwhelming; however, it is treatable. Recovery is possible. You don’t have to “suck it up” and just live with these symptoms. Symptoms rarely improve on their own, intervention is often required. You deserve healing. PTSD and STS can overwhelm families, further isolating everyone affected by these intrusive symptoms.

If you are experiencing PTSD or STS, Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC can help you. Call and schedule with a licensed, independently contracted counselor who can help you untangle the anxiety, the fears, and the isolation that can be brought about by PTSD or STS. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

Related Articles:

• The Basics of EMDR: Resolving the Effects of Severe Trauma
• Putting an End to Trauma Through EMDR
• Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma: Rediscovering Meaning