Veterans’ families share struggles with trauma in Denmark

Trauma from war not only impacts veterans but also their families. Anne Mette Pedersen, the wife of a veteran suffering from PTSD, shared her experience. At just 22, she waved goodbye to a cheerful husband heading for a deployment in the former Yugoslavia. Upon his return, she noticed significant changes in his behavior.

Anne Mette and her eldest daughter, Cecilie Pedersen, spoke about the effects of war-related trauma on their lives in a recent radio program. Karin Rønnebæk-Kornum, a psychologist at the Center for Complex PTSD, explained that it is not the trauma itself that spreads, but rather the reactions to it, which can deeply affect family members.

Altered behaviors, such as avoidance, can have a profound impact on children and spouses. Fortunately, there are methods to mitigate the transmission of trauma, primarily through communication strategies within the family. She advises caregivers to be guided by the child’s questions and to consider their developmental stage to prevent trauma from being passed on.

Cecilie, who was born after her father’s deployment in 1994, also feels the effects of her father’s PTSD. She often scans restaurant environments to ensure her father has a safe seat and worries about his well-being when they are apart. Despite this, she emphasizes that she had a good childhood.

Cecilie urges veterans to communicate openly with their families about their struggles, as she believes it fosters understanding. Resources and support networks are available for families affected by veteran trauma, including organizations where they can connect with others facing similar challenges.