The Impact of PTSD on WWII Veterans and their Families: A Personal and Historical Perspective
Introduction
War veterans who have experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often face significant challenges in their personal lives. This article explores the impact of PTSD on veterans who served in World War II, drawing from personal anecdotes and historical research to illustrate the far-reaching consequences on both the veterans and their families.Understanding PTSD in WWII Veterans
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and hypervigilance, was not officially recognized as such during the years of World War II. However, the term 'shell shock' was used to describe the psychological trauma experienced by soldiers.A Personal Story: My Grandfather's Experience
My grandfather, who served in the Australian 6th Division 2/1st Machine Gun Battalion during World War II, provides a poignant example of the impact of PTSD. My grandfather fought in Greece and Crete, and later in the Middle East and New Guinea, where he contracted malaria. Upon his return, he never spoke about his experiences, except during his first and only conversation with his wife after returning home. He confessed, 'Shooting so many Germans made me sick to the stomach.'After the war, my grandfather struggled with alcoholism and verbally abused his children when drunk. As a result, their household became quite dysfunctional. One of my father's brothers ran away from home at 13 and ended up in Daruk Boys Home, notorious for its association with pedophiles. He was in and out of jail for his entire adult life and tragically ended his life in Bathurst Gaol in 2000. Two of my father's sisters had Schizophrenia, and one ended up as a paraplegic after jumping off a balcony due to paranoid delusions.
The Wider Impact on Families
War veterans like my grandfather often faced severe mental health challenges, including alcoholism, depression, and a lack of ability to form stable relationships. They were prone to self-medication, which further complicated their conditions. The stigma surrounding mental health issues in that era often meant that veterans either sought treatment in mental hospitals or faced the devastating consequences of suicide.Returned veterans often had difficulty holding down jobs and maintaining healthy relationships with their families. The absence of societal support and understanding could lead to divorce, as seen with my grandfather's marriage. Additionally, veterans sometimes reenlisted to escape the stress of civilian life or due to unresolved trauma.
Case Study: A Specific Soldier
A soldier I studied, who served in the US Army during World War I and the Canadian Army during World War II, provides another perspective on the impact of PTSD on veterans and their families. According to the research, this soldier experienced symptoms of PTSD, but they were not officially recognized as such during his time.The soldier's impact on his family was typical of veterans experiencing similar symptoms. He had trouble keeping a job, withdrew from his family, and his marriage ended in divorce. He did not talk with his only surviving brother for the rest of his life, mistakenly blaming him for his younger brother's death. The soldier wandered until he joined the Canadian Army again in 1939. After his service, he had further legal issues and did not remarry. He clashed with his children initially but eventually reestablished contact with them after many years.