How would a veterans PTSD symptoms affect his or her children?
Re-experiencing the event – Veterans with PTSD often relive traumatic events through vivid daytime memories or dreams. These flashbacks can occur suddenly and without intention, and are typically accompanied by intense emotions, such as grief, guilt, fear or anger. These symptoms can be frightening for children who witness them. Children may not understand what is happening or why it is happening, and they may start to worry about their parent’s well-being. Avoidance and emotional numbing – Because reliving the traumatic event is so uncomfortable, the veteran may do almost anything he or she can to avoid thinking about it. As a result, a veteran with PTSD may not want to do even the most common things, such as going to the store, out to dinner or to a movie. Children may interpret this as the parent not caring about them when, in reality, the parent is avoiding situations that may trigger a flashback. In addition to active avoidance, individuals with PTSD often struggle with giving or
