PTSD Can be Generational

I have a friend who suffers from high anxiety. While John and I were talking, I learned that his mother had high anxiety too. After a lengthy discussion, I found out John’s grandfather was a World War II veteran. As I talked to John about his grandfather I began to believe John’s grandfather possibly had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I cannot diagnose PTSD without seeing his grandfather but it sure sounded like he was suffering from it. John’s grandfather was not married to his grandmother while he stormed the beach on “D” day and continued the battle through Europe. John discussed his grandfather’s sudden anger outbursts and his inability to be in crowds. Both of these issues can be traced back to the possibility of PTSD. From what I could tell, John’s mother witnessed Domestic Violence between her mother and father and was in constant fear that her father would have a sudden anger outburst. These outbursts could have caused John’s mother to have PTSD, but it also could cause the high anxiety John’s mother displays. John’s mother is not alone if her father did have PTSD, there are many more like her. There are millions of family members who lived or are living with someone living with PTSD.

Not every family who lives with a combat veteran see symptoms of PTSD. An estimated 31% of Vietnam veterans, 10% of Gulf War veterans, 11% Afghanistan veterans and 20% of Iraq veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD. Vets who have not presented for treatment, but suffer none the less are not included in these numbers.  These numbers show there are a lot of families who live with PTSD symptoms. The number of veteran families is unknown. However, the accepted number of “Military Brats” is 18.5 million. This number does not include family members of veterans who, like John’s mother did not live with their parent while they were in the military. The number of children who were or are living with military veterans could be way higher than the 18.5 million. This leaves a lot of folks living with PTSD and its effects.   

The issue of PTSD is relatively new for families. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that PTSD was given a name. Due to the stigma associated with mental illness, PTSD families frequently suffer in silence. Often, people do not want to discuss PTSD in their homes because it is the family secret. Some families are suffering with an increase in domestic violence and substance abuse, causing shame and anxiety associated with their loved one’s PTSD. This “walking on egg shells” creates a lot of anxiety within the household because of the uncertainty of aggressive behavior by the person suffering from PTSD. Many who have PTSD suffer in silence and often self-medicate with drugs, alcohol and prescription drugs. Regularly these medications are prescribed by the Veterans Administration (VA) medical doctors, because the medication is prescribed, the families feel it is OK. Living with someone who has PTSD and self-medicating is tough. Often those who live with someone with PTSD must change the way they live. Family members resort to their own self-medication or begin to suffer with PTSD themselves because they live with the violence, substance abuse, and risky behavior that can come along with living with someone who suffers from PTSD.       

There has been a new term being used by families of those living with PTSD. Even the VA has co-opted the term “Secondary PTSD”. The reality is those who have been subjected to the irrational behavior and domestic abuse cause by PTSD could be suffering from it themselves. If a family member starts to exhibit PTSD symptoms it is possible, it’s not secondary…. It is PTSD! We have known for years that children exposed to the erratic behavior of a PTSD sufferer can cause PTSD in these kids.  However, recently there have been studies that link PTSD to genetics. This genetic makeup can be passed on by someone who has lived with someone suffering from PTSD and lives with the effects that can accompany it.

I know that not all military families deal with PTSD. We all need to understand that not all who served in combat have PTSD. It is possible John has had to deal with his grandfather’s PTSD through his mother. It is amazing how PTSD can go down several generations. With the newest research, it is possible PTSD can be attached genetically to individuals. I know this sounds a little out there but time will tell. Either way I believe it is possible for PTSD to be generational whether it is through behavior caused by living with someone with PTSD or through genetics. Either way we know PTSD can be managed through counseling and / or medication. Not getting help for PTSD is a choice, and this change can start by family members going to counseling and taking care of themselves and their children first.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at bo@afterdutyvets.com or visit our website at afterdutyvets.com.