Do your loved ones know your triggers? Are they understanding?

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 21:46:00 -0500

Share your experience and how you cope.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Nov 28 at 2017 1:55 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 01:55:40 -0500

No and no. My family likes to make believe that there is nothing wrong. Because they don't want to believe that my service has had any lasting effects on me, they choose not to waste time trying to understand what may or may not make things more difficult. This is partly the reason why I choose to not spend much time around my family.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 4:44 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 04:44:09 -0500

In the beginning, yes, with the exception of my wife, they like to pull my triggers as well to make me feel bad about my decision to serve. Chalking it up to a phase or similar to puppy love in terms of my seriousness. My wife, father and step-father understood though and never did this. My time deployed, having a son and becoming a Noncommissioned Officer have effectively aided me in becoming more resilient. It is my belief that our triggers are there usually because we have no support. But, a little support, from wherever it may be, is enough to begin the path to healing. After pulling away from those who would not support me, I now find myself rebuilding the estranged relationship with my family who have become more supportive since my reenlostmnet and the birth of my son. Life is funny that way, as it would turn out, patience and persistence is ke. This is a lesson I wish I’d have learned sooner

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 7:21 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 07:21:16 -0500

No. I know them. I mitigate circumstances and my environment depending on the situation and don't rely on others to change their lives like I'm a broken toy.

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 9:40 AM

PFC John Henry Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 09:40:59 -0500

https://vimeo.com/253898431

Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)

This is "Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people…

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 9:41 AM

PFC John Henry Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 09:41:16 -0500

https://vimeo.com/253862435

Part 2 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses (Closed Captioned)

This is "Part 2 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses (Closed Captioned)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who…

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 10 at 2018 4:30 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 16:30:26 -0500

They have to be educated, unfortunately, you are not the best one to train them. I found that having one of my PTSD buddies, having several long talks to them worked wonders for us!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 2 at 2021 1:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:34:04 -0400

My wife tries to insulate and protect me so my stress is manageable. She is mentally tougher than me.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 11 at 2022 11:57 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 23:57:06 -0400

Yes loved ones know my triggers SN Vivien Roman-Hampton They also know I have a healthy sense of humor, unless I am exhausted or heavily medicated. My youngest son [31 years old] likes to challenge me humorously.
By God's grace I have increased in patience and enduring insults, taunts, and ridicule [not from my loved ones] Learning to forgive is a blessing.
FYI SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member MAJ Ken Landgren SGM Bill Frazer PO3 Edward Riddle SSG Franklin Briant SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL COL Private RallyPoint Member SGT Steve McFarland SFC Ralph E Kelley SGT Jim Arnold PO1 Howard Barnes CPL Ronald Keyes Jr CPL Douglas Chrysler Lt Col Charlie Brown MSG Darold R.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Sep 13 at 2022 9:42 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 21:42:47 -0400

Probably way off base replying to this post since my Service time was over 55 years ago and any triggers pulled were silenced by my resolve to never let anyone come close to the experiences that I have buried from those long ago times,with the exception of a few humorous sometimes ridiculous stories that only one who served can have,I have dealt with anger issues,alcoholism, survivor’s guilt like many of my Brothers Thankfully most of these painful episodes have been resolved but still only feel comfortable with people who served .Welcome Home Brothers.