A Marriage Organized Around Trauma

He was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2004. In the 20 years since,
he has struggled with PTSD and addiction. She has long taken on the
role of his caregiver, ready to jump in when she senses the old
traumas are rising. This has often meant sacrificing her own needs
as an individual, partner, and lover. With Esther’s guidance they
start the practice of re-orientating themselves away from a
hyper-vigilant state, toward a more sensual partnership in which
she too is taken care of. For additional resources on recovery
after war, please see: The Hidden Trauma of Moral Injury- by Jack
Saul
(https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/article/hidden-trauma-moral-injury)
The Veterans Crisis Line - dial 988 and then press 1. Provides
access to free, confidential support with an actual person
qualified to support Veterans 24/7, 365 days a year. Serves
Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and
those who support them. Department of Veterans Affairs - VA PTSD
Program Locator- (https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/PTSD.asp) VA
Caregiver Support Program -(https://www.caregiver.va.gov/) The
Department of Veteran Affairs Caregiver Support Program offers
clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans
enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to
promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for
our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and
services. The Headstrong Project -
(https://theheadstrongproject.org/) A non-profit mental health
organization providing confidential, barrier-free, and stigma-free
PTSD treatment to our veterans, service members, and family
connected to their care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
podcastchoices.com/adchoices