Traumatic Stress in Children

and Families

Military Families

Acknowledgments

MN National Guard & State of MN

Ambit Network, University of Minnesota

Dr. Abigail Gewirtz, Executive Director

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Implementation Sciences International, Inc.

Marion Forgatch, Ph.D.

MN Veterans Medical Center

Melissa Polusney, Ph.D., LP

National Institute on Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Overview

Mental Health Post Deployment

Most returned soldiers do not meet criteria for mental

health diagnoses

Estimates of MH diagnoses range from 7-15%

Depression & non-PTSD disorders are most common

When PTSD occurs severe implications for functioning

PTSD often? Co-occurs with other problems

Does not incrementally decrease quality of life

Kehle, Reddy, et al., 2010

Substance Use & Reintegration after

Combat Deployment

36% screened positive for “risky” levels 3 months

after their return

30% continued to report drinking at risky levels 1

year later

9% fit criteria for a clinical disorder relating to alcohol

(either alcohol abuse or dependence) within the first

year of return

From the Readiness and Resilience in National Guard Soldiers

(RINGS) Study

Challenges for Service Members

Home…

But not at home…

Challenges for Children & Youth

Common Reactions

Coping with loss and transition

Coping with visible and invisible injuries

Feelings of personal blame, guilt, anger, and worry

Changes in routines & daily rhythms

For those not on a base, feeling like an “outsider” or

different

What Do We See?

Changes in behavior at home & school

Separation anxiety & confusion

Withdrawal

Anger

Difficulties concentrating

Lower academic performance

Increased risky behaviors

Changes in Social Interactions

Social withdrawal or turning to friends

Increased use of social drinking

Challenge as Parent

Self as Person

Emotions

Emotional “shut-down” or restriction

Anger

Guilt

Fear of disappointing family and children

Behaviors: Fight or Flight….or Escape

Reinforced defensive responses from military training

Increased risk for abusive or violent reactions

Sudden outbursts

Withdraw, Reenlist, Drink/get high/shoot up

Self as Parent

Tolerance for chaos, change, being needed, &

discipline

How do I respond to my child’s needs and emotions?

How do I discipline?

Can I maintain positive involvement with my child &

their social activities?

Resources

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs C.O.R.E. – Case-management, Outreach, and Education

http://MinnesotaVeteran.org

Minnesota Department of Education: Military Family Resources http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/StuSuc/MilFam/index.ht

ml

Provides resources to Minnesota educators regarding how students may be affected by a parent’s military service

Military Child Education Coalation

http://www.militarychild.org/

Ensures quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition.

Resources

Free on-line tutoring:

http://www.tutor.com/military/how-it-works

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

http://www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org

Operation Military Kids Speak Out Retreat

Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp

Camp Gratitude

Basecamp

Operation Purple Camp

Minnesota Military Teen Panel

Military Teen Adventure Camp

“I really enjoyed hanging out with everyone that knows how it feels to be a military kid. It’s easy to meet people when you have things

in common.”

Resources

Operation Military Kids

http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/statePOCHom

e.aspx?state=Minnesota

Hero Packs

Mobile Technology Labs

Ready, Set, Go! (Hidden Heroes) Training