Finding Strength: The Incredible Family Story of Combat and Living with PTSD

Combat in any war is an extreme and strenuous experience that can deeply impact those involved, but it is not just the soldiers who bear the burden. Often overlooked are the families that support and live alongside these brave men and women, facing their own challenges and struggles. This is the story of one incredible family who not only persevered through the horrors of war but also learned to live with the invisible scars left behind – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Introducing the Smiths – A Family Transformed by War

The Smith family, consisting of father John, mother Claire, and their two children, David and Emily, seemed like the epitome of happiness and normality. John was a proud soldier who served multiple deployments, putting his life on the line for the country he loved. Claire was the backbone of the family, supporting her husband through thick and thin. David and Emily were bright, intelligent kids who adored their father and looked up to him as their hero.

Tears of a Warrior: A Family's Story of Combat and Living with PTSD

by Anne Bustard (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2005 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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However, war has a profound way of transforming lives, and the Smiths were about to experience this firsthand. John returned from his final deployment profoundly changed, haunted by the memories of death and destruction he witnessed on the battlefield.

The Invisible Battle Within: Living with PTSD

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that develops in some individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. John's military service had taken him to the front lines, where he had seen the worst humanity had to offer. As a result, he began to suffer from debilitating symptoms – nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, and constant anxiety.

The Smith family had to adapt quickly and learn how to navigate the challenges that living with PTSD presented. Claire became John's unwavering support system, attending therapy sessions with him and helping him cope with his triggers. For David and Emily, it meant adjusting to their father's sudden mood swings and sometimes irrational behavior.

The True Cost of War: Impacting the Entire Family

Living with PTSD had a ripple effect on the Smith family. The once-close-knit unit found themselves in a new reality where everything revolved around John's mental health. Simple outings became a source of anxiety and stress, as John constantly scanned the environment for potential threats. Family gatherings became scarce, as John struggled with crowds and noise.

The burden of caretaking fell heavily on Claire's shoulders, often leaving her physically and emotionally drained. David and Emily had to adjust to an unpredictable and sometimes distant father – a far cry from the loving and gentle man they once knew. This stark change forced the children to grow up quickly and develop a deep sense of empathy and resilience.

Finding Strength in Unity: A Family United

Despite the challenges, the Smith family refused to let PTSD tear them apart. They sought therapy as a family, learning effective communication techniques, and developing coping mechanisms together. They educated themselves about PTSD, reaching out to support groups and connecting with other families who shared similar experiences.

John began exploring various treatment options, including therapy, medication, and alternative healing practices such as yoga and meditation. Slowly but surely, he started finding ways to cope with his symptoms, giving hope to the entire family.

A Beacon of Hope: The Smith Family's Journey Towards Healing

The Smiths' story is not one of tragedy alone. It is a tale of resilience, love, and triumph over adversity. Their journey towards healing is ongoing, with good days and bad days. But through it all, they remain a united front, supporting and understanding each other.

In sharing their story, the Smith family hopes to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by families living with PTSD. They emphasize the importance of compassion, understanding, and reaching out for help. Their journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of family bonds.

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The Smith family's story is an inspiration to us all – a reminder that the effects of war extend far beyond the battlefield. From the initial shock of combat to the ongoing battle with PTSD, their journey serves as a guide to families facing similar challenges.

As a society, it is crucial that we provide support and resources for both the soldiers and their families, recognizing the immense sacrifices they make. The Smiths' story is a wake-up call, urging us to better understand the effects of war and to offer the assistance and empathy these families so desperately need.

Tears of a Warrior: A Family's Story of Combat and Living with PTSD

by Anne Bustard (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2005 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Returning war veterans may face a multitude of physical and mental challenges. Veterans' families are often unprepared to deal with a family member who may experience pain, nightmares, feelings of detachment, irritability, trouble concentrating, and sleeplessness. These are some of the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Experts estimate that between 25% and 30% of Vietnam veterans who fought in combat have symptoms of PTSD and the experiences associated with combat. It's been recently estimated that 30% of combat soldiers returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing similar trauma.

"Tears of a Warrior: A Family's Story of Combat and Living with PTSD" is a patriotic book written about soldiers who are called to duty in service of their country. It is a story of courage, valor, and life-long sacrifice. Long after the cries of battle have ended, many warriors return home to face a multitude of physical and mental challenges. Author Tony Seahorn writes from his experience as a young army officer in Vietnam who served with the Black Lions of the First Infantry Division, which fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the war. He was wounded in action and continues to recover from the physical and emotional scars of combat.

Tony returned to Wyoming from the war decorated for heroism. Some of his most honored medals include two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, Air Medal for Valor in flight, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, and a Presidential Unit Citation. He has experienced the trauma of combat. His experience is painful. His story is real.

Janet Seahorn, Tony's wife and co-author, writes from both the perspective of a wife who has lived for thirty years with a veteran with PTSD, and as a professional in human development and neuroscience. Dr. Seahorn's research has focused on the effects PTSD has on the brain, body, and spirit.

"Tears of a Warrior" was written to educate families and veterans about the symptoms of PTSD and to offer strategies for living with the disorder. The book includes over 50 photos integrated into the text which provide the reader with a visual picture of the sequence of events as the storyline moves from the realities of combat, to returning home, to the ultimate impact on family and friends. Families and society in general will better understand the long-term effects of combat. Veterans from all wars, regardless of service branch, will benefit by the authors' experiences and their message of hope.

"If we send them, then we must mend them."