How might a veterans PTSD symptoms affect his or her children?
Individuals who have PTSD often ‘re-experience’ traumatic events through vivid daytime memories or dreams. Re-experiencing can occur suddenly and without intention, and it is typically accompanied by intense emotions, such as grief, guilt, fear, or anger. Sometimes these intrusions can be so strong or vivid that the individual believes the trauma is reoccurring. These symptoms can be frightening not only for the individual experiencing them but also for children who witness them. Children may not understand what is happening or why it is happening, and they may start to worry about their parent’s well-being. Children may also worry that their parent cannot properly care for them.
