Support for Veterans’ Loved Ones

Three weeks ago, my commentary on peer counseling for combat trauma – and the connection to American Sniper and former SEAL Chris Kyle – appeared in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat’s Close to Home column. A reader responded: Yes, many veterans suffer from PTSD and other emotional challenges and need and deserve help. What about the partners, spouses, and family members of struggling veterans? We’re suffering, too, in our own ways.

This loving partner of local veteran is absolutely right. I won’t reveal her name, but she has really hit the nail on the head. Loved ones of veterans and service members struggling with behavioral health issues need information and support. They need help to take care of themselves so that they in turn can take care of the veteran in their lives and any other family members depending on them for care. My respondent asked: Did I know of any support groups for loved ones of struggling veterans?

I’m a man of action, and now I’m acting. I’m in the process of forming the kind of group this loving partner needs. I’m also involving our affiliated nonprofit, Sonoma Coast Trauma Treatment (SCTT) to help make this group a reality.

Part of SCTT’s vision is to provide emotional trauma-related services and support for local veterans and their families. This new support group fits squarely into their mission. It also fits squarely into my passion to give back to the military men and women and their families who have sacrificed so much for us and for our country.

We are now forming the Support Group for Loved Ones of Veterans with PTSD. If we can help you, or if you know of someone who could use our help, or if you would like to contribute financially to this outreach, please contact us. You will have my deepest gratitude.

For more information about SCTT and our new support group, please contact either myself or group coordinator Hilloah Levy, at 707-781-3335.