Spousal Support Key in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Recovery

FALLS CHURCH, VA.– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an issue for many service members. It can be hard on the family too. PTSD may interfere with relationships and change family life, but with knowledge and understanding, the spouse of a service member suffering from PTSD can help him or her recover.
 
Knowing how PTSD affects people may help a spouse in understanding what a member is going through.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after one experiences a traumatic event.  A traumatic event is a life-threatening occurrence such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incident, serious accident or violent personal assault.  

For most people, PTSD starts within three months of the traumatic event. For others, signs don’t show up until years later. Acute PTSD lasts less than three months and chronic PTSD lasts more than three months. With delayed PTSD, symptoms first occur six or more months following the trauma. Some people get better within six months, while others may have the illness for much longer.

Many people who go through a traumatic event don't get PTSD and it isn't clear why some people develop PTSD and others don't. How likely someone is to get PTSD depends on many things, such as the intensity of the trauma; if they lost a loved one or were injured; how close they were to the event; or how much they felt in control of events.

People who suffer from PTSD often have nightmares and flashbacks reliving the experience. Other symptoms include:

• Feeling afraid
• Feeling a loss of control
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling detached or withdrawn
• Substance abuse
• Memory problems

PTSD symptoms can be complicated and occur with related disorders such as depression. 
 
The symptoms can become severe enough to significantly impair daily life.  The person may lose the ability to function normally in society or family environments. But, there are many ways a spouse can help a member deal with PTSD.

• Offer to go to doctor visits and volunteer to help keep track of medicine and therapy. Be there for support.
• Encourage him or her to talk about the trauma and be understanding if he or she doesn't feel like talking.
• Give them space, but tell him or her that help is there when they need it. This is also critical in maintaining one’s own psychological health.
• Plan activities together: take a walk, go for a bike ride, or do some other physical activity together. Exercise is important for health and helps clear the mind.
• Encourage contact with family and close friends. A support system will help the family get through stressful times.  

With proper treatment, PTSD effects can be minimized or eliminated. Today, there are several treatments available for PTSD.  Medications may be effective; they are typically the same medications that are prescribed for depression.  Get more information about PTSD treatment from a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or by contacting a local VA hospital or Vet Center. Active duty military should seek help for PTSD from a MTF.

TRICARE beneficiaries needing help making behavioral health appointments the toll-free numbers are: West Region, 1-866-651- 4970; North Region, 1-877-747-9579; and in the South Region the number is 1-877-298-3514. Hours vary according to region.The Military One Source Web site at www.militaryonesource.com is also useful for resources and information on PTSD and behavioral health.

All active duty service members must have a referral from their primary care manager for behavioral health care before calling the appointment assistance line. 
 
TRICARE Prime active duty family members can receive the first eight outpatient behavioral health care visits per fiscal year (Oct. 1-Sept. 30) without a referral, but they must receive the care from TRICARE network providers to avoid point-of-service cost sharing charges.