Why do combat veterans struggle so much with resolving conflicts or coming to terms with many situations in civilian life? One reason may be the issue of “rank”.  In the military, the troops don’t make decisions as equals. You get an order and you follow it. You don’t discuss your feelings. You don’t hear the reasoning behind the order. You simply obey the one who outranks you.

The same is true if you are a leader. When you give an order, you don’t expect to explain yourself, or to have to listen to everyone’s feelings about your order. You expect obedience. Military members often carry this hierarchy of rank over into their personal lives.  We’ve all heard of military commanders who try to parent their children as though they were in boot camp.

That kind of parenting doesn’t work well with our own children, and it is especially detrimental to interpersonal relationships. If you care about your spouse, you must value his or her needs and wants; remembering that their viewpoints and insights are just as important as yours.

A relationship has nothing to do with rank. Relationships are formed by equals, and putting effort into really getting to know one another.  One must put time and energy into exploring the differences between you in order to understand your similarities and visa versa.

Another way combat training may interfere with reaching “middle ground” in coming to terms in a civilian situation has to do with human biology. As we strive for peaceful resolution of conflicts it’s important to know something about adrenaline—it is the “juice” that drives most of us from day to day. It also gets us into trouble in our relationships.  It sometimes overrides our judgment and leads to behaviors and decisions, which may not settle well within a relationship.

Here’s how it works.

We came into this world with adrenal glands. Located on the top of each kidney, the adrenals are small glands, which are stimulated by the autonomic nervous system. When we get upset or frightened these glands secrete survival hormones—chemicals which pour into the bloodstream giving us new energy and strength to overcome perceived dangers. This sudden flow makes us stronger and more alert. It also protects us from blood loss, increases our lung capacity, focuses our vision, and directs blood flow away from unnecessary organs to the large muscles of the body. In other words the adrenaline serves to hone in our natural instincts for survival.

These physical changes are commonly referred to as the “fight or flight” response. For example, it enables a frightened wife to lift the car off her injured husband, or a terrified person to run long distances for help. With this system fully functioning, our physical capacity to do extraordinary things borders on the supernatural.

While this system helps keep us alive in the face of extraordinary danger, it does have one major flaw. The human brain cannot differentiate between a real threat and an imagined one! The brain doesn’t notice (or care) if it has encountered something real or a memory that has been triggered from something in our immediate surroundings.  Determined to keep us safe, it simply sends out the signal to react, which is also reinforced by military training. The adrenaline flows, and sometimes we may even function with an “out of body” response.

Adrenaline flowing from a “false need” can result in a precarious reaction. It can be notably dangerous to our own health as well as those nearest to us. Not only does it add stress to normal body organs—like the heart and circulatory system—but the constant presence of adrenaline can become quite addictive as well. Many trauma survivors seek the next adrenaline “rush” and do not feel complete without the routine experience.  This is one of the reasons that thrill seeking behavior after surviving something that has turned on our system is so often the case.  Life can be pretty boring without this feeling of vitality, but at the same time this can certainly result in negative consequences if it interferes with ones ability or desire to devote time to a relationship.

In relationships, the adrenaline response almost always works against us. Once the process begins, adrenaline is nearly impossible to control—especially after months of combat, where survival depended on adrenaline for prolonged periods of time.  This is an automatic response pattern, so it important to be aware of the messages your body receives in order to head the reaction off at the pass.

In human relationships the adrenaline cycle can send us down two equally destructive pathways.

First, you have heard about the combat veteran who suddenly dives for cover when he (or she) hears a car backfire or fireworks explode. The noise signals danger; the brain, unable to differentiate between a real or imagined threat, initiates the adrenaline cycle. An old imprinted message says move into action to survive. Without thinking the familiar response takes over just like it did in combat; most of the time this response is inappropriate for the situation on the home front.

The trigger can be a smell, sound, or any combination of many other sensory perceptions that may be associated with a past injury or threat. When these sudden triggers occur a veteran may suffer tremendous emotional upset. The pain, fear, helplessness, and confusion of horrific wartime experiences might surface immediately. Not to mention the disappointment or embarrassment that may part of the package.

When this cycle happens in the presence of those close to the veteran, they too become affected by these behaviors. I have had many spouses vent their frustration to me about how little they understand about what is happening with their loved one. They feel so helpless to change situations as they arise. In order to obtain a better understanding of the effects of combat trauma it is vital to educate oneself.  If family members do not take the time to learn as much as they can resentments may be formed and they themselves begin to move away from the relationship.

Not only is education important but the forming of social support amongst others who have similar experiences does much for emotional stability. One very bright young wife also knew that it was important that her husband who was returning from Iraq and she had a therapist in place once he returned. She consulted with me and by the time her wounded husband returned to their hometown he was scheduled for an appointment. It was very rewarding to help them both work on gaining insights into his behaviors, which could have clearly caused a great deal of distress in their relationship had this not happened.

Children are certainly affected by the process of deployment. Sometimes both parents are deployed at the same time, and this creates unique and very challenging times for the children, extended family members, friends, and for the troopers who are deployed. Children have many behaviors that can indicate stress symptoms, however this varies according to age. We might see quite a few regressive behaviors such as bedwetting; thumb sucking, feelings of insecurity and being more needy in terms of attention, poor sleep patterns, fearful of being left alone. With older children they may show signs of anxiety or depression in other ways. They may sleep longer, use substances or alcohol, be less cooperative at home, and isolate. These are just some examples but it is clearly not an exhaustive list of possibilities.

It is very important for the parents or other adults to help the children understand their emotions, provide support, and not to burden them with the issues best carried by adults. In order to help them discern the difference between reality and fantasy, use language that does not alarm the and monitor the programs they watch on television—including the computer games they play,

Teachers are a very good first line of defense also. They are in a position to observe and address the subtle changes in their student’s behaviors, school performance and peer interactions.  It is vital for parents to alert the teacher of a parent’s and some of the concerns around these events.

Family members, as well as those returning from deployment, need to get emotional support from those experts who truly understand the adjustment issues associated with deployments and trauma reactions.

Many of the VA hospitals have Deployment Clinics, that are doing their best to streamline the red tape in order to get the service member registered and in the system.  They are entitled to two years of care for medical issues through the VA federal system, and it is critical that they get established as soon as possible to assure care.

There are also options available for those who are fearful of going into the VA system: Military One Source is good because they can refer the service person to a mental health provider in the community and off base. There are also programs that are available in some states, such as Washington State where I am a provider, who can provide free mental health care to active duty, veterans and their families.  So there are options in the community that might provide more security for those who are concerned with the stigmas and negative implications of seeking help.

One phenomenon that occurs frequently when an embarrassing episode catches an unsuspecting veteran, or any heavily traumatized person, is “flight”. Out of a sense of protection for loved ones, the survivor may withdraw, isolate or dissociate. The resulting distance is a breeding ground for the erosion of healthy relationships.

The second pathway is equally as destructive. The flowing adrenaline produces a type of high that was perfectly acceptable in the war zone. That high commonly known as an adrenaline rush can be described as rage. However becoming accustomed to acting out with rage during combat can become an all too familiar pattern in the civilian world. Sadly, these behaviors or violent responses (in times of danger or perceived danger) in civilian environs have incarcerated many veterans and destroyed lives.

Over the years of working with combat veterans and their families I have found that the more trauma survivors learn about the dynamics of their experience the easier it is for them to make positive changes. So, in relationships we need to go back to square one and work forward from there.

Finally, learning the mechanics of finding middle ground and applying these to life’s situations as they present themselves is critical to fending off many negative behaviors and reactions. A good search and to discover and isolate personal triggers (and perimeter wires that do not allow others to get close) is paramount in locating much missing peace in our lives.

 

Bridget C. Cantrell, Ph.D.

Bridget C. Cantrell is a member of the American Psychological Association and Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists. She specializes in trauma with her primary work encompassing therapeutic counseling for war veterans and their families. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Bridget is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington, and a Nationally Board Certified Mental Health Counselor. She currently works as one of a small number of specially selected and trained Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD Contractors.

 

Dr. Cantrell is the founder and President/CEO of *Hearts Toward Home International, a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to the recovery and reintegration of trauma survivors. She is the co-author of Turning Your Heart Toward Home, a vital re-integration workbook course for returning troops and families. Her books, Down Range: To Iraq and Back and Once a Warrior: Wired for Life both co-authored with Vietnam veteran Chuck Dean, presents information and resources on PTSD and the various transitional issues for returning troops and their loved ones. In 2004 the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs appointed her the Outstanding Female Non-Veteran for her service to veterans.

 

Bridget travels extensively around the globe teaching and lecturing military personnel and their families regarding the different aspects of re-integration after experiencing war. Her workshops have been given in both the European and Pacific duty assignments. Please contact her directly to schedule a time when she can work with your unit or organization. (360) 714-1525 or bc@bridgetcantrell.com

 

 

* Hearts Toward Home International

1050 Larrabee Avenue, Suite 104, PMB 714

Bellingham, Washington 98225-7367

360-714-1525

www.heartstowardhome.com

 

FORT LEWIS, Wash. — Home for at least two months, soldiers with a combat brigade still are in the fight.

Posted by sr on September 1, 2008 10:54 PM

Original Article

 

Posted from the Home Town Clipper April 2010

Last month, I Corps arrived back at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Main. Over the next six months, the 3rd, 5th and 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Teams will follow suit. The base will be busy again; the homes within our communities will be full and the families complete. While this homecoming is nothing short of joyous, the waiting families and return-
ing soldiers need to appropriately prepare for the re-integration. Re-integration is defined as the restoring of something to a condition of unity, which is exactly what families expect to happen when deployments end.
More often than not, however, it is a process that is far from instantaneous. Dr. Bridget Cantrell runs Hearts toward Home International in Bell- ingham, which is a non-profit specializing in the issues that arise from
deployments, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“It is very important that family members, be it spouses, parents or other relatives, not take a passive role during deployment,” said Dr. Cantrell. “The time leading up to a soldier’s arrival back home can be used to initiate an easier return.”
One of the primary concerns for families enduring a deployment is how the children will cope with the situation. While their deployed parent is away it is best to explain where that parent is by using a map or globe and even to teach them about the culture of that area. Removing the mystery will make things less frightening and more familiar, and will also allow the child to feel knowledgeable when the parent returns.
Likewise, keeping a calendar handy so that kids know what they are looking forward to can lessen the fear of a parent’s absence. Obvi- ously firm dates for a soldier’s R&R or redeployment cannot always be given, but an approximate timeframe can help them handle what is truly a daunting length of time.
Counselor Geri Magee (M.A.), of Accountability Counseling Ser- vices in Lakewood, believes that it is vital to advise children of what things will be like once mom or dad is back home. Explaining that the parent will be around more often is good, and following that with statements like ‘Dad might be tired for a bit’ or ‘He still has to work, but he will be here and not far away’ can ease the transition for kids.
For spouses and partners, this is a time to renew the bond they shared prior to deployment. Some couples may find that taking a communication or therapy course together can help them to readjust. For this, Magee recommends tools like the Receiving Love workbook (by Dr. Helen Hunt and Dr. Harville Hendrix) to facilitate honest com- munication between partners that may have become estranged.
For couples with children, remember that when there is tension and anxiety between parents, children will exhibit their own anxious tenden- cies. All couples need to reconnect, and often, that does not involve the entire family unit. A night or weekend either alone at home or away from home provides an opportunity to talk openly about changes that have oc- curred as well as what they’d like to happen in the future. An unpopular recommendation, but one made by both Cantrell and Magee, is that in- laws and extended family take a step back and wait until couples have had a chance to reconnect before overwhelming the soldier.
“Often the returning warrior is unsure how they will fit back into the family,” said Cantrell, who advised that the best tactic is to take things slow. “Start talking about things before they are home,” she advised.
Spouses at home need to honestly think about their expectations for the homecoming and evaluate if they are set too high, whether in regard to basic household issues or even intimacy. Furthermore, they need to communicate about these things with their soldier now, rath- er than later. It is imperative that the soldier’s wishes are respected. If they want to spend time alone without the kids at first or do not want a big welcome home party, abide by those requests.
Any one close to a service member needs to be aware of the symptoms of PTSD. Things like self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, violent nightmares or withdrawing emotionally are red flags and should not be ignored. Cantrell’s published books, Down Range, to Iraq and Back; Once a Warrior, Wired for Life; and Souls Under Siege are excellent resources that can aid in understanding the difficulties facing a soldier as they shift from the battlefield to the home front.
At the end of the day, families should take comfort in the fact that help is readily available for any problem they may face. Both Cantrell and Magee actively promote counseling for families and soldiers, though their services do come at a cost. JBLM Main’s Army Family Team Building and Family Advocacy Program will be unveiling a new schedule of free classes focusing on re-integration issues. To find out more, visit www.jblmmwr.com/acs/ and look under Family Support.
“Just remember that every deployment is different,” added Cantrell. “Do not compare your soldier to any other soldier. There is no tool for measuring how he or she will be affected.”
So as we say welcome home to each unique soldier, keep that in mind.

Home Town Clipper Article 2010

By Chris Aguinaldo
Hickam Kukini Editor

For many returning warriors, coming back after deployment is a welcome experience. But for some, adjusting to life here can be a challenge — and leadership, family and friends need to be involved, said Dr. Bridget Cantrell, psychologist. She is vis- iting various bases in PACAF and recently spoke at Hickam AFB at the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

“Everyone is affected. No one leaves unscathed when you leave a war zone,” said Cantrell, who counsels war veterans from all eras and their family members.

“I’ve been working with mili- tary personnel for over 20 years,” said Dr. Cantrell, one of a small number of specially selected and trained mental health providers for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Program.

In addition to an increase of domestic violence, failed rela- tionships and money and legal problems related to PTSD, it could lead to the greatest loss of all through suicide. She is pleased people are taking advan- tage of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs suicide preven- tion hotline (1-800-273-TALK). She reminds Airmen that there are great many resources avail- able, including treatment pro- grams and chaplains, for those having a tough time back home.

Dr. Cantrell is visiting other bases in March, including Yokota, Misawa and Kadena. She also has a book out this month, “Souls Under Siege: The Effects of Multiple Troop Deployments — and How to Weather the Storm.” For infor- mation and links to resources, see www.heartstowardhome.com.

Download Original Article

Reposted from the Kitsap Sun.

Last week we began a discussion on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Before continuing this week’s discussion I want to state the information offered is for informational and educational purposes and is in no way intended to diagnose PTSD. Please consult a medical or mental health professional regarding the health of you or your loved one.

Military “stress teams” recognize what they call Combat Operational Stress, or COS. COS is experienced by every participant in a war zone to varying degrees. Symptoms of COS include hyperalertness, frustration, anger, sleeplessness, anxiety, even an intolerance of “silly” behavior in others. These can be expected as part of the readjustment to normal life. The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily confirm PTSD. However, if these symptoms continue and interfere with your quality of life it is highly recommended that you seek professional diagnosis, advice and support.

PTSD can manifest itself in many ways. As spouses it is important to become familiar with the most common symptoms:

— Depression

— Cynicism and distrust of authority/government

— Anger

— Alienation

— Isolation

— Sleep Disturbances

— Poor concentration

— Tendency to react with survival tactics in stressful situations

— Emotional Numbing or shutting down emotionally

— Loss of interest in work or activities

— Memory Impairment

— Negative Self-image

— Problems with intimate relationships

— Survivor Guilt

— Emotional distance from wife, children, family and others

— Hyper-alertness

— Risky behaviors (driving fast, dangerous or adrenaline pumping activities)

— Suicidal feelings or thoughts

— Flashbacks to danger or thoughts

Dr. Bridget Cantrell, noted authority on PTSD states, “The very first aspect of PTSD that requires understanding is that it is not mental illness. It is a normal reaction to extreme stress as part of a combat experience.”

As spouses we need to be able to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and have an understanding of the resources and process in recovering from PTSD. Spouses and parents are often the first to recognize the symptoms. Jennifer, a veteran herself and spouse of a soldier explains, “Anger was the first clue that things were going on inside.” Jennifer’s active duty husband is now accessing the support that is making a difference for him and his family. Chris, a National Guard spouse agreed that anger was the first manifestation. He also refuses to have anything to do with the men in his unit. Both women recognized the challenges being faced by their husbands before the husband could verbalize their feelings.

I want to bust a myth about PTSD that permeates the armed forces. For some reason many service members believe that a diagnosis of PTSD is a career killer. They avoid seeking support for PTSD as a result of this belief. PTSD is not an automatic career killer. Again, it is not a mental illness. Early diagnosis and support will provide the best outcome and preserve their career.

If you suspect that your service member is experiencing COS or PTSD there is support available for both of you. Next week we will look at various resources available for both your service member and you.

Questions or comments for Beth? Please contact her at beth@homefrontinfocus.com. Check out her Internet talk show for spouses, Navy Homefront Talk! at www.blogtalkradio.com/nht.

Dr. Bridget C. Cantrell

Author of: Down Range: To Iraq and Back and Once a Warrior: Wired for Life

Why do combat veterans struggle so much with resolving conflicts or coming to terms with many situations in civilian life? One reason may be the issue of “rank.” In the military, the troops don’t make decisions as equals. You get an order and you follow it. You don’t discuss your feelings. You don’t hear the reasoning behind the order. You simply obey the one who outranks you.

The same is true if you are a leader. When you give an order, you don’t expect to explain yourself, or to have to listen to everyone’s feelings about your order. You expect obedience. Military members often carry this hierarchy of rank over into their personal lives. We’ve all heard of military commanders who try to parent their children as though they were in boot camp.

That kind of parenting doesn’t work well with our own children, and it is especially detrimental to interpersonal relationships. If you care about your spouse, you must value his or her needs and wants, remembering that their viewpoints and insights are just as important as yours.

A relationship has nothing to do with rank. Relationships are formed by equals, and putting effort into really getting to know one another. One must put time and energy into exploring the differences between you in order to understand your similarities and visa versa.

Another way combat training may interfere with reaching “middle ground” in coming to terms in a civilian situation has to do with human biology. As we strive for peaceful resolution of conflicts it’s important to know something about adrenaline-it is the “juice” that drives most of us from day to day. It also gets us into trouble in our relationships. It sometimes overrides our judgment and leads to behaviors and decisions, which may not settle well within a relationship.

 

Here’s how it works.

We came into this world with adrenal glands. Located on the top of each kidney, the adrenals are small glands, which are stimulated by the autonomic nervous system. When we get upset or frightened these glands secrete survival hormones-chemicals which pour into the bloodstream giving us new energy and strength to overcome perceived dangers. This sudden flow makes us stronger and more alert. It also protects us from blood loss, increases our lung capacity, focuses our vision, and directs blood flow away from unnecessary organs to the large muscles of the body. In other words the adrenaline serves to hone in our natural instincts for survival.

These physical changes are commonly referred to as the “fight or flight” response. For example, it enables a frightened wife to lift the car off her injured husband, or a terrified person to run long distances for help. With this system fully functioning, our physical capacity to do extraordinary things borders on the supernatural.

While this system helps keep us alive in the face of extraordinary danger, it does have one major flaw. The human brain cannot differentiate between a real threat and an imagined one! The brain doesn’t notice (or care) if it has encountered something real or a memory that has been triggered from something in our immediate surroundings. Determined to keep us safe, it simply sends out the signal to react, which is also reinforced by military training. The adrenaline flows, and sometimes we may even function with an “out of body” response.

Adrenaline flowing from a “false need” can result in a precarious reaction. It can be notably dangerous to our own health as well as those nearest to us. Not only does it add stress to normal body organs-like the heart and circulatory system-but the constant presence of adrenaline can become quite addictive as well. Many trauma survivors seek the next adrenaline “rush” and do not feel complete without the routine experience. This is one of the reasons that thrill seeking behavior after surviving something that has turned on our system is so often the case. Life can be pretty boring without this feeling of vitality, but at the same time this can certainly result in negative consequences if it interferes with ones ability or desire to devote time to a relationship.

In relationships, the adrenaline response almost always works against us. Once the process begins, adrenaline is nearly impossible to control-especially after months of combat, where survival depended on adrenaline for prolonged periods of time. This is an automatic response pattern, so it important to be aware of the messages your body receives in order to head the reaction off at the pass.

In human relationships the adrenaline cycle can send us down two equally destructive pathways. First, you have heard about the combat veteran who suddenly dives for cover when he (or she) hears a car backfire or fireworks explode. The noise signals danger; the brain, unable to differentiate between a real or imagined threat, initiates the adrenaline cycle. An old imprinted message says move into action to survive. Without thinking the familiar response takes over just like it did in combat; most of the time this response is inappropriate for the situation on the home front.

The trigger can be a smell, sound, or any combination of many other sensory perceptions that may be associated with a past injury or threat. When these sudden triggers occur a veteran may suffer tremendous emotional upset. The pain, fear, helplessness, and confusion of horrific wartime experiences might surface immediately. Not to mention the disappointment or embarrassment that may be part of the package.

When this cycle happens in the presence of those close to the veteran, they too become affected by these behaviors. I have had many spouses vent their frustration to me about how little they understand about what is happening with their loved one. They feel so helpless to change situations as they arise. In order to obtain a better understanding of the effects of combat trauma it is vital to educate oneself. If family members do not take the time to learn as much as they can resentments may be formed and they themselves begin to move away from the relationship.

Not only is education important but the forming of social support amongst others who have similar experiences does much for emotional stability. One very bright young wife also knew that it was important that her husband who was returning from Iraq and she had a therapist in place once he returned. She consulted with me and by the time her wounded husband returned to their hometown he was scheduled for an appointment. It was very rewarding to help them both work on gaining insights into his behaviors, which could have clearly caused a great deal of distress in their relationship had this not happened.

Children are certainly affected by the process of deployment. Sometimes both parents are deployed at the same time, and this creates unique and very challenging times for the children, extended family members, friends, and for the troopers who are deployed. Children have many behaviors that can indicate stress symptoms, however this varies according to age. We might see quite a few regressive behaviors such as bed wetting; thumb sucking, feelings of insecurity and being more needy in terms of attention, poor sleep patterns, fearful of being left alone. With older children they may show signs of anxiety or depression in other ways. They may sleep longer, use substances or alcohol, be less cooperative at home, and isolate. These are just some examples but it is clearly not an exhaustive list of possibilities.

It is very important for the parents or other adults to help the children understand their emotions, provide support, and not to burden them with the issues best carried by adults. In order to help them discern the difference between reality and fantasy, use language that does not alarm them and monitor the programs they watch on television-including the computer games they play.

Teachers are a very good first line of defense also. They are in a position to observe and address the subtle changes in their student’s behaviors, school performance and peer interactions. It is vital for parents to alert the teacher of the concerns about their children and the circumstances that could affect them.

Family members, as well as those returning from deployment, need to get emotional support from those experts who truly understand the adjustment issues associated with deployments and trauma reactions.

Many of the VA hospitals have Deployment Clinics, that are doing their best to streamline the red tape in order to get the service member registered and in the system. They are entitled to two years of care for medical issues through the VA federal system, and it is critical that they get established as soon as possible to assure care.

There are also options available for those who are fearful of going into the VA system: Military One Source is good because they can refer the service person to a mental health provider in the community and off base. There are also programs that are available in some states, such as Washington State where I am a provider, who can provide free mental health care to active duty, veterans and their families. So there are options in the community that might provide more security for those who are concerned with the stigmas and negative implications of seeking help.

One phenomenon that occurs frequently when an embarrassing episode catches an unsuspecting veteran, or any heavily traumatized person, is “flight.” Out of a sense of protection for loved ones, the survivor may withdraw, isolate or dissociate. The resulting distance is a breeding ground for the erosion of healthy relationships.

The second pathway is equally as destructive. The flowing adrenaline produces a type of high that was perfectly acceptable in the war zone. That high commonly known as an adrenaline rush can be described as rage. However becoming accustomed to acting out with rage during combat can become an all too familiar pattern in the civilian world. Sadly, these behaviors or violent responses (in times of danger or perceived danger) in civilian environs have incarcerated many veterans and destroyed lives.

Over the years of working with combat veterans and their families I have found that the more trauma survivors learn about the dynamics of their experience the easier it is for them to make positive changes. So, in relationships we need to go back to square one and work forward from there.

Finally, learning the techniques of reaching middle ground and applying them to situations in life is critical to fending off many negative behaviors and reactions. Searching for, finding, and isolating personal triggers (and perimeter wires that do not allow others to get close) is paramount in achieving peace in our lives.

Bridget C. Cantrell, Ph.D.

Bridget C. Cantrell is a member of the American Psychological Association and Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists. She specializes in trauma with her primary work encompassing therapeutic counseling for war veterans and their families. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Bridget is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington, and a Nationally Board Certified Mental Health Counselor. She currently works as one of a small number of specially selected and trained Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD Contractors.

Dr. Cantrell is the founder and President/CEO of *Hearts Toward Home International, a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to the recovery and reintegration of trauma survivors. She is the co-author of Turning Your Heart Toward Home, a vital re-integration workbook course for returning troops and families. Her books, Down Range: To Iraq and Back and Once a Warrior: Wired for Life both co-authored with Vietnam veteran Chuck Dean, presents information and resources on PTSD and the various transitional issues for returning troops and their loved ones. In 2004 the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs appointed her the Outstanding Female Non-Veteran for her service to veterans.

Bridget travels extensively around the globe teaching and lecturing military personnel and their families regarding the different aspects of re-integration after experiencing war. Her workshops have been given in both the European and Pacific duty assignments. Please contact her directly to schedule a time when she can work with your unit or organization. (360) 714-1525 or bc@bridgetcantrell.com

* Hearts Toward Home International
1050 Larrabee Avenue, Suite 104, PMB 714
Bellingham, Washington 98225-7367
360-714-1525
www.heartstowardhome.com

 

Souls Under Siege: The Effects of Multiple Troop Deployments-and How to Weather the Storm

Everyone is looking for a quick fix for the current war—to win it, fight it, or end it! In the meantime, the resiliency of the dedicated men and women serving our country has been stretched thin by another concern—the “siege of their souls” as they go through the revolving door of seemingly endless combat tours.

The most voracious enemy for today’s troops and their families is time, attrition, and unpreparedness. These elements continue to eat away at every level of their lives. It is all in the makeup of living under siege, and those under siege need to find ways to hold their ground as long as the war lasts. They need to prepare well in advance for the inevitability of multiple deployments.

It has been confirmed that warriors on their third and fourth tours of duty have much greater rates of mental health challenges than those on their first or second deployments. Time, and the wear and tear, has become a daunting enemy.

For the families—the weight of these deployments is magnified when they are ill-prepared for the tremendous emotional change and upheaval that may develop from these circumstances.

Dr. Bridget C. Cantrell, Ph.D. is the author of “Down Range to Iraq and Back” and “Once a Warrior: Wired For Life” and she now brings you “Souls under Siege: The Effects of Multiple Troop Deployments—and How to Weather the Storm”. It is a book that will help us all find ways to support and tend to those living with the pressures of multiple deployments.

Its’ thrust is to not only expand awareness of the issues involved, but to also outline sensible tools for finding relief in these trying times.

“Souls under Siege” is not a book to sit idle on your shelf. It will become a useful guide to be used over and over again.

Price: $16.99

From war fighter to citizen soldier…

As a caring society we cannot afford to neglect the fact that “welcome home, go back to work and forget the war” is not as easy as it sounds. Helping our military men and women transition from an adrenaline-fueled, tactically disciplined life, to conventional life in a civilian environment is a critical endeavor both for the individual and the nation.

“Once a Warrior: And Wired For Life” illustrates how to turn negatives into positives and assists our highly trained military personnel in utilizing their tremendous potential in achieving success and happiness after their released from military service. This book highlights the path along the way to transitioning from warrior to civilian. It is not a book to read just once, but one to study over and over again.

The authors of best-selling, “Down Range: To Iraq and Back”, Dr. Bridget Cantrell and Vietnam Veteran Chuck Dean, have teamed up once again to take you on the next step in the process of coming home when your tour of duty is over.

Price: $16.99

Down Range: To Iraq and Back

There are some things people don’t get over easily —

pain from the past is one of them.

Trauma changes people: It changes values, priorities, worldviews, and most of all…it changes how we relate to others. Painful, life-threatening experiences take people beyond the normal day-to-day life, leaving them stuck behind defensive walls that keep them from re-entering the world they have always known as “home”.

So how does it happen? How do we lose the loving closeness with those around us? And better yet, how do we re-gain what pain has robbed us of?

“Down Range” is not only a book explaining war trauma — it is required reading for anyone seriously interested about how to make healthy transitions from war to peace.

Bridget C. Cantrell, Ph.D. and Vietnam veteran, Chuck Dean have joined forces to present this vital information and resource manual for both returning troops and their loved ones. Here you will find answers, explanations, and insights as to why so many combat veterans suffer from flashbacks, depression, fits of rage, nightmares, anxiety, emotional numbing, and other troubling aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Price: $16.99

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