Caring for a Veteran with PTSD: What Do You Need to Know

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Caring for a Veteran with PTSD: What Do You Need to Know

Physical and Mental Changes to Expect

While the general symptoms for PTSD are similar, the types and severity of symptoms will differ for each Veteran.

Physical changes may include:
difficulty staying or falling asleep; irritability or outbursts of anger; physical reactions — such as profuse sweating, increased heart rate and rapid breathing — when exposed to internal or external cues or reminders of the traumatic event; intense distress when exposed to internal or external reminders of the event such as certain sounds or smells; avoiding any activities, places or people that remind the Veteran of the trauma.

Mental changes may include:
recurring and intrusive thoughts about the event; recurring and distressing dreams of the event; acting or feeling as if it the traumatic event were recurring — also known as having flashbacks; being unable to recall an important aspect of the trauma; difficulty concentrating; and efforts to avoid thoughts, feeling or conversations associated with the trauma.

Emotional changes may include:
intense distress when exposed to internal or external reminders of the event such as certain sounds or smells; a noticeable lack of interest or participation in important activities; feelings of detachment or estrangement from others; limited ability or inability to show affection or love; feelings of a bleak future, such as limited career or family opportunities, and shortened life span; overly alert or on guard — also known as “hyper-vigilance” — and/or exaggerated response when startled.

What Does This Mean for Me?

One of the areas in which you may notice a difference is in your social lives. The Veteran you care for may become uncomfortable in large crowds or unfamiliar places, and so you may find yourself feeling more socially isolated, losing support networks, or feeling the need to compensate for the Veteran you care for in social situations that are uncomfortable for him or her while providing support and encouragement at the same time. You may also have to learn coping skills to manage the stigma that is sometimes associated with mental health disorders.

You may also notice a difference in your personal relationship with the Veteran you care for. It is important to understand that it may be harder to talk to the Veteran due to changes in his or her behavior and/or communication style.

In addition, if the Veteran is experiencing difficulty managing his or her anger, you may feel like you live in an atmosphere of constant chaos. If the Veteran you are caring for is your spouse or partner, you may experience additional changes in your relationship. This might include feeling worried that your Veteran is no longer emotionally or physically attracted to you due to emotional unavailability, or a decreased interest in physical intimacy and sexual activity. In addition, due to sleep disturbance (for example, insomnia, waking-up frequently, nightmares), many couples choose to sleep in separate beds (and rooms), which may cause further feelings of emotional separation.

At times, you may experience your own feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, discouragement and loss when the Veteran you care for experiences symptoms of PTSD. These reactions are normal, but can be challenging to deal with on your own. Consider seeking help either by confiding in a friend, participating in a support group or consulting a professional mental health practitioner.

Caregiving Tips

  1. Learn as much as you can about PTSD by reading, going to lectures, talking with others in similar situations, and talking with the Veteran’s treatment team.
  2. Consider encouraging the Veteran you care for to seek mental health treatment. VA has proven treatments for PTSD that help Veterans manage their symptoms in all types of environments. Just remember that not everyone is ready to admit they need help, so if there is no threat of harming themselves or others, respect a Veteran’s decision about seeking treatment.
  3. If the Veteran you care for decides to seek treatment, encourage and fully support that decision. It’s important for both of you.
  4. Request to be part of the Veteran’s treatment. If the Veteran you care for agrees, talk with the mental health providers regularly. Ask questions and take notes.
  5. Recognize the Veteran’s social and/or emotional withdrawal is due to his or her own issues and not your relationship. A Veteran with PTSD will have good days and bad days. Foster relationships with family, friends, and others to stay connected and get support.
  6. Learn coping skills to manage stigma sometimes associated with mental health disorders.
  7. Pay attention to warning signs of a potential relapse, including an increase in symptoms or other changes in behavior. Keep the psychiatrist and/or therapist, local crisis team, Veterans Crisis Line, and other emergency phone numbers handy.
  8. If any Veteran talks about suicide, take it seriously and seek help immediately. The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1 for Veterans).
  9. Don’t forget to pay attention to your own needs. Visit your doctor regularly, and get plenty of rest so you can stay strong. Your health is essential to your ability to keep providing for the Veteran you care for.

I have more questions. Where can I go for help?

VA knows that being a Caregiver can be both rewarding and hard. You can always find more information at www.caregiver.va.gov, including contact information for the VA Caregiver Support Coordinator nearest you.

You can also call VA’s Caregiver Support Line toll-free at 1-855-260-3274.

The Caregiver Support Line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 11:00 pm ET, and Saturday, 10:30 am – 6:00 pm ET.

Call to talk to caring professionals who can:

  • Tell you about the assistance available from VA.
  • Help you access services and benefits.
  • Connect you with your local Caregiver Support Coordinator at a VA Medical Center near you.
  • Just listen, if that’s what you need right now.
Posted on BrainLine June 5, 2017.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

Sherman, M.D. (3rd ed.) (2008). SAFE Program: Mental Health Facts for Families. Oklahoma City, Veterans Affairs Medical Center).

Comments (5)

Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

One of my Doctor tells me I don't have PTSD but why do I still get angry??

Should I see another Doctor??

My wife for 42 years doesn't understand why I get angry on something that doesn't mean anything to her, only thinks that I get angry over nothing??

Antonio,
Absolutely go to another doctor. In fact got to multiple doctors. PTSD is not an easy diagnosis (like seeing a leg got cut off). Many doctors see PTSD different ways. NEVER TAKE THE ADVICE OF JUST ONE OR TWO DOCTORS WHEN IT COME TO PTSD.

When I get stressed and feel a meltdown coming on usually over a computer that never cooperates when I need it to. My wife says " keep calm or calm down" which f***** infuriates me making me worse. What's wrong with can I help honey or just put her hand on my shoulder with a reassuring word instead of bullshit calm down. I yell at her saying if you can't say something constructive or nice then STFU. To me it's like a person having a panic attack and someone saying "get over it"

Marty,
I have the same problem with computers too. The best thing that helps me is to just walk away from it. Your wife doesn't seem to understand that the LAST thing to tell someone that is really mad is to calm down. What she should to is redirect you to something else that you can easily do. Simple accomplishments always makes me feel better.

that's usually the easy way out, for the " regular civilians " to take of problems, always brushing them off or swift them under a rug, its a quality that they never got to experience, " ATTENTION TO DETAILS" !! i totally agree with the Half A** , response ,to a problem that all it needs it a helping hand ,metaphorically and literally,