A Social Worker's Journey of Residing with a Military Member with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Authors

  • Tara Collins University of Calgary
  • Christine Walsh University of Calgary
  • Dora Tam University of Calgary

Keywords:

self-reflection, military, secondary trauma, healing

Abstract

This reflection explores my (Collins') experience residing with a military member diagnosed with military-related post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite being a social worker, I was unsure what was happening to my partner and myself following the diagnosis. With little supports and understanding from others about what I was facing, I felt completely defeated and hopeless as my own mental health plummeted to the point that I was also diagnosed with secondary PTSD. This paper reflects upon this journey while also sharing insight to help others in similar situations, researchers, and practitioners so that they are better equipped to address the concerns. The connection between healing the body, mind, and spirit was instrumental in my healing. It is hoped that through some of the strategies, and by demonstrating that healing is possible, hope will be instilled in others while also educating helping professionals on the impact of PTSD.

Author Biographies

Tara Collins, University of Calgary

Tara Collins, PhD, RSW is Post Doctoral Scholar, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta (tara.collins2@ucalgary.ca).

Christine Walsh, University of Calgary

Christine Walsh, PhD, RSW is Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta (cwalsh@ucalgary.ca).

Dora Tam, University of Calgary

Dora Tam, PhD, RSW is Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta (dtam@ucalgary.ca).

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Published

2023-11-29

How to Cite

Collins, T., Walsh, C., & Tam, D. (2023). A Social Worker’s Journey of Residing with a Military Member with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 29(3), 23–31. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2033

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