How caregivers to those with PTSD suffer?

2015-11-27T14:29:42-05:00

We give little thought to the stresses of caring for someone with PTSD or other mental health issues. The focus is always on the person with PTSD or mental illness.

There is trauma to the caregiver that is rarely talked about. A caregiver suffers as a result of dealing with the overwhelming responsibilities of giving constant care, of taking care of all the things the impaired person they are caring for either cannot or will not do any longer. Sometimes this is to the detriment of the loved one because it sets up a cycle of enabling. Caregiving is psycologically draining and demanding and one of the hardest things a person can choose to do for someone they care about.

The stress from caring for someone creates it's own problems and symptoms.

If you know of a caregiver or are a caregiver there are some things you can do to help. Give the caregiver a break, offer to take care of some of the simple tasks, offer emotional support, recommend the caregiver seek out support groups and take part in activities they might enjoy.

Sometimes even the strong need a place to rest.

http://dontloseheart.org/caregivers-ptsd/

Caregivers & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Don't Lose Heart

I know you’re looking at this list and saying, “Of course, I’ve experienced some of these feelings during, and after, caregiving – some days I experience them all at the same time!” It’s understandable that you may have a wide range of feelings and emotions while you’re caring for a loved one, or after the loved one you were caring for has died.But it might interest you to know that while the symptoms listed above fit caregivers to a tee, they...

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 27 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-11-27T15:08:28-05:00

Caring for the caregiver is a huge part of chaplaincy, in which I was trained.
A great resource for families dealing with Combat PTSD is "Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior" By COL C. Hoge, MC USA Ret. http://www.amazon.com/Once-Warrior--Always-Warrior-Navigating-Home--Including/dp/ [login to see] /ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=1-1&keywords=once+a+warrior+always+a+warrior, available in many formats, it is a "How To" manual for those with combat PTSD and their families and allies. It's not a therapy manual, rather it's written in a very accessible way for those confronting with this form of PTSD to heal and grow. I require it for anyone with whom I work.

Also, in my counseling work, I support spouses as well...

Once a Warrior--Always a Warrior: Navigating The Transition From Combat To Home--Including Combat...

Once a Warrior--Always a Warrior: Navigating The Transition From Combat To Home--Including Combat Stress, Ptsd, And Mtbi [Charles Hoge] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The essential handbook for anyone who has ever returned from a war zone

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 27 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-11-27T15:34:36-05:00

Often the spouse has no clue about PTSD, why someone who loves the caregiver will convey wanting to die, or why the patient is saying such horrible things to the spouse. The spouse will bend or break due to the vitriolic moments, confusion, depression, and a bruised spirit.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Nov 27 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-11-27T15:47:39-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Absolutely an excellent post,Ma'am,dealing with someone with ptsd can break anyone down.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 27 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-11-27T17:01:13-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I believe that though I have been diagnosed as having PTSD; I have a very mild form of it. I cannot stand "loud, shocking noises"; that's for sure.
My psychiatrist said that he diagnosed me as having PTSD; because of all of the trauma that I have been through.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 27 at 2015 5:21 PM

2015-11-27T17:21:58-05:00

Good post and good reminder.

Response by SGT Michael Bond made Nov 30 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-11-30T16:19:13-05:00

Good information and yes it is diffacult to give care to anyone with PTSD with multiple triggers. Thanks for sharing.

Response by SrA Reinaldo Coll made Jun 2 at 2021 9:10 PM

2021-06-02T21:10:18-04:00

a good resource for the survivor or caregiver is http://www.imnotok.icu helps to express and reach out for appropriate help.