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Guide to Recovering from PTSD
Contents

Introduction

Anger

Anxiety

Chronic Pain

Compulsion

Confusion

Crisis

Delusions

Denial

Dependence

Depression

Grief

Guilt

Loneliness

Negative Self-Concept
(Low Self Esteem)

Obesity

Obsessions

Passive-Agressive
Behavior

Phobia

Rape Trauma Syndrome

Sleep Disorders

Substance Abuse

Suicidal Behavior
or Ideation

Suspiciousness/Paranoia

Withdrawn Behavior

information copyright
Stephanie Laite Lanham

website copyright
M. V. Pelecis

Introduction

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be a debilitating disorder that afflicts veterans.  Many veterans have experienced violent situations.  PTSD is an emotional response resulting from having experienced a trauma(s).  If the veteran in your life, or you, has been diagnosed with PTSD, you may feel alone or helpless. There is help; you are not alone.  Within these pages, you will find resources that can lead to education, support, comfort and healing.  You deserve peace of mind, healing; we created this booklet for you.

This project was first conceived by two graduate students working toward their Masters in nursing.  The original booklet was so well received; the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Ser vice Organization (MOPH) stepped forward to republish this booklet for you.  It has been rewritten, reedited, expanded and updated in preparation for nationwide distribution.  This organization has shown faith in a labor of love on behalf of the vets they represent.  It is an honor to be associated with such an organization.  MOPH is available also with a national office, website, phone number, and address listed in the resource section of this booklet should you wish to make contact.

The booklet will teach you about the symptoms of PTSD, how to recognize them and how to speak to your children about PTSD.  (The original booklet also has writing samples, generously shared from the hearts of veterans who may have walked in your shoes, as well as resources that will be helpful in your healing process.)  A writing has been added about secondary PTSD; although not yet recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders  (DSM), there are many children, peers, and significant t others living close to a veteran who may recognize these symptoms in themselves.  It is hoped that in recognition you may be one step closer to seeking support and healing.

 


 





There is support within the veteran community available to you and your family.  The Vet Centers across the country have trained professionals, free of charge, to begin the assessment process and to guide you on your way to recovery.  Their mission statement is to “serve veterans and their families by providing a continuum of quality care that adds value for veterans, families, and communities… providing a key access link between the veteran and other services in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.”  They will assist you with your disability claim if appropriate, answer your questions and make necessary referrals in addition to individual and group psychotherapy conversation.  This fine resource, and others, is listed in the back of this booklet.  Please take advantage of them.  Before and after some of the Vet Center groups, a familiar phrase by D. Nelson is often repeated, ”We can do together what I cannot do alone.”

Welcome to a booklet born of love of country, faith in God, belief that veterans and their families can teach one another with their gift of writing, and that there is always the possibility of healing… always.