Why does it seem so difficult for family members to understand and cope with a veteran with ptsd and brain injury? The lack of interest and trying to learn has taken it s toll on a young family and it just seem we old folks only care or try to understand . What are the concrete things we need to do everyday?Yes.,the Va has helped but I m not sure society was ready for the grief that goes with it and that includes family members . this person is not the same . how does one really support?
Hi, For providing support, one first needs to accept the other as they are. It is often difficult for family members to accept people with PTSD, brain damage or other such disorders as most of them do not understand what the patient is going through. Sharing reading material about the disease, symptoms and management amongst the family members can help them become aware of what this is all about. They will then find it easier to accept and not be critical about behavior that otherwise might have seemed weird to them. Best wishes.