Approximately 8-10% of Service members who served in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq experience post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Research has documented ripple effects of PTSD on families, including children. Although most offspring are resilient and do not develop long-term problems, parental PTSD is associated with higher risks of distress and behavioral problems among children. However, these youth and families do not need to suffer alone, and many resources are available.
Tonight's guest, Michelle Sherman, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who has dedicated her career to supporting veterans and their families with mental illness, trauma, and PTSD. She has worked in the VA system for almost 20 years, and has developed family education programs that have been used nationally in the VA. Further, along with her mother (a teacher), she writes books for teens dealing with parental mental health problems, including "Finding My Way: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma" (www.SeedsofHopeBooks.com)