Having a family member return from deployment is often a celebrated event. There can be a lot to look forward to and a number of exciting plans that can finally come to fruition. Though this is often a joyous occasion, it can also be a complicated one. Deployments can be incredibly stressful for everyone involved and the stressors do not always go away once your service member returns home. Any stressful or traumatizing event, particularly a deployment, can result in anxiety as well as symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) can also be experienced by those close to an individual with PTSD symptoms.

What is the Difference between PTSD and STS?

PTSD is a condition that develops after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, which can be common with deployment. Symptoms of PTSD can include nightmares, flashbacks/re-experiencing of the event, extreme fear, numbness, panic and distress. These symptoms can be so severe that they impact functioning. These changes don’t just affect the person experiencing them. This may cause a “ripple effect” affecting the people around them resulting in “Secondary Traumatic Stress” or STS.

STS can develop in response to hearing about the trauma that a loved one has experienced. A person who develops STS can experience symptoms similar to PTSD. In an effort to cope one may experience an altered perception or memory, a transformed sense of self-image, and/or a cynical perception of safety, well-being and independence.

The Effects of PTSD and STS

Many soldiers who come back from deployment experience PTSD. It has been found that about 20 percent of the soldiers who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan developed symptoms of PTSD or depression.

While there is a great deal of research on PTSD, there is not as much when it comes to STS. This is an area of growing concern as we know how intrusive these symptoms can be. You are not alone, help is available.

Therapy Can Help

Deployments can be incredibly difficult and challenging. While military service can be rewarding, there are also other aspects that deserve attention. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of PTSD or STS know that help is available. Therapy can help you move forward and find ways to cope with these intrusive symptoms. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC. CCS independently contracts with therapists who can help you tackle and work through symptoms of PTSD and STS. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

Related Articles:

• Achieving Healing from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• PTSD and Trauma: How to Feel Safe Again
• EMDR: Exploring New Options to Overcome Trauma
• EMDR- A New Pathway to Relieving Issues Arising from Trauma
• Trauma: Letting Go and Moving On
• Working Through Trauma with Therapy