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The Hidden Impact of PTSD: Recognizing the Toll on Military Families
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As a physician with expertise in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a veteran myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound and often overlooked effects of PTSD—not only on those who have served but also on their families. The story of the Rotenberry family, as presented in a recent segment by “60 Minutes,” paints a vivid picture of this reality. It highlights both the struggle and resilience experienced by veterans and their loved ones in the aftermath of traumatic experiences, particularly for those like Chuck Rotenberry, who returned from combat tours with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD.

The Ripple Effect of Trauma

We explore in our ground breaking reality documentary, Healing Heroes – No Mind Left Behind not only the healing journey of this nation’s heroes who have lost hope for relief from their PTSD, we also focus on the families that often sustain their own struggles and mental health challenges as collateral damage in the homes.  The U.S. has witnessed three to four million military personnel serve in the post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with approximately 600,000 diagnosed with PTSD (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2021). PTSD not only affects the individual but also creates a seismic rift within the family structure. As Liz Rotenberry shared, “It’s hard as a military family to own that… it’s OK to not be resilient, and it’s OK to ask for help.” This sentiment is crucial—it reflects the societal pressures on military families to remain strong despite the emotional turmoil that often accompanies military service.

Children as Caregivers

The narrative reveals the profound impact on children in these families. The eldest Rotenberry son, Kristopher, at only 7 years old, assumed the role of a caregiver, trying to protect his father from triggers while also managing his own emotional distress. This is a stark reminder that children in military families can sometimes become unintended caregivers, grappling with anxiety and fear about their parents’ well-being. Research indicates that children of parents with PTSD often face their own mental health challenges, including depression and suicidal thoughts (Kiser et al., 2020). Kristopher’s tragic attempt to take his own life at age 12 reflects the urgent need for supportive measures for young caregivers.

The Importance of Awareness and Support

Speaking to the broader challenges faced by military families, Elizabeth Dole, former senator and founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, emphasized that many Americans are unaware of the struggles these families encounter. Less than 1% of the population serves in the military, which can lead to a disconnect between military families and the broader society (Dole Foundation, 2019). The foundation’s research revealed that over one million family members are caring for wounded post-9/11 soldiers, with nearly half feeling overwhelmed.

In response to these findings, initiatives have been put in place to offer vital resources, including financial assistance, health insurance, and counseling services aimed at alleviating the burdens faced by military caregivers (Schwab, 2019).

The Role of Treatment and Healing

In my clinical practice, I have seen various therapeutic options, including alternative treatments like Ibogaine, gain recognition for their potential in treating PTSD. Ibogaine, derived from a West African plant, has shown promise in facilitating profound emotional healing for PTSD, although it remains in the experimental stage and is not FDA-approved for this use. Studies have suggested that it may help reset traumatic memories, allowing individuals to process their experiences in a safe environment. While more research is necessary, this treatment could represent a beacon of hope for many veterans seeking relief from their pain (Ona et al., 2020).

The Road Ahead

Today, Kristopher is moving forward, applying to join the military himself—a testament to the enduring spirit of family and resilience in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, Chuck Rotenberry has found purpose as a dog trainer for the Secret Service, and Liz has taken on the role of leading initiatives to better support military caregivers. Their journey underscores the importance of community support and understanding.

As we strive to support military families, it’s essential to recognize and address the unique challenges they face. This can start with open dialogues about mental health, providing resources for families, and fostering environments where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Charles “Dr. Charlie” Powell, MD

CEO/Owner – Solo Vive International

Healing Heroes – No Mind Left Behind

“King of Hearts”

Support for military families, much like that of the Rotenberrys, can progress from merely acknowledging their sacrifices to actively addressing their challenges and providing meaningful help.

References

  1. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021). Mental Health: PTSD. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/PTSD/index.asp
  2. Kiser, R.A., et al. (2020). The Impact of Parent PTSD on Children: A Systematic Review. Journal of Family Psychology, 34(3), 300-311. DOI:10.1037/fam0000659.
  3. Dole Foundation. (2019). Hidden Heroes: The Definitive Study on Military Caregivers. Retrieved from https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org
  4. Schwab, S. (2019). Enhancing Support for Military Caregivers: Progress and Challenges. Retrieved from https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/news
  5. Ona, A., et al. (2020). Therapeutic Effects of Ibogaine on PTSD and Addiction. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 52(1), 16-24. DOI:10.1080/02791072.2019.1691394.

By shedding light on the intricacies of PTSD and its effects on families, we can foster greater understanding, compassion, and ultimately, policy changes that better support our veterans and their loved ones in healing from hidden wounds.

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