Trauma is virtually synonymous with active-duty military service members and veterans who have served our country in uniform. However, military family members can also suffer deep psychological wounds, known as secondary or indirect trauma.
Palm Springs Behavioral Health recognizes the unique mental health difficulties you may live with as a military spouse or child. Though these are valid, they are often invisible and deserve compassionate support.
What Is Secondary Trauma?
Secondary trauma is emotional duress that arises from hearing about or witnessing someone else’s struggles – especially a loved one. This phenomenon is prevalent in spouses and children, who often witness the psychological aftershocks associated with military service.
Over time, internalized fear, hypervigilance, depression, or emotional volatility can evolve into:
- Chronic stress
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Sleep disturbances
- Emotional numbness
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Compassion fatigue
The Ripple Effects of Deployment and Trauma
The military lifestyle is inherently stressful. Frequent relocations, extended deployments, long-distance communication, and reintegration challenges force families to deal with ongoing upheaval and instability. When a service member returns home with post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues, their family often enters survival mode alongside them.
Effects on Spouses and Partners
- Feeling emotionally abandoned or unsafe
- Difficulty communicating or reconnecting after deployment
- Living with someone whose moods are frequently angry or erratic
- Pressure to manage the household and parenting alone
- Sacrificing personal goals or career advancement
Effects on Children
- Attachment issues
- Anxiety or acting out in school
- Parentification
- Fear of future deployments
- Mimicking emotional dysregulation or trauma responses
Children who grow up in military families may feel torn between pride for their parent’s service and the invisible wounds it brings home. Without guidance, this conflict can impact their development, identity, and long-term mental wellness.
Dysfunctional Relationship Dynamics
In some cases, trauma can disrupt the entire family system. Service members may unintentionally self-isolate or lash out. Pushing others away can create cycles of emotional withdrawal, resentment, and miscommunication, which erode the fabric of even the most devoted relationships.
Without professional help, these dynamics can become deeply ingrained, leading to:
- Marital breakdown or divorce
- Domestic violence
- Substance abuse
- Estrangement
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
If you’re part of a military family struggling with the emotional fallout of trauma, you deserve support for what you’ve gone through.
Palm Springs Behavioral Health honors the sacrifices made by service members and their loved ones. Our experienced team is here to help you unpack the emotional weight you carry, rebuild your relationships, and move toward lasting healing. Contact us today to learn about trauma-focused treatment.