Military children often feel 'aftershock' of parent's PTSD

Military children often feel 'aftershock' of parent's PTSD
Topeka Capital Journal
By Jan Biles
March 29, 2014

The pain Kristin and Kaili Stowers have experienced as a result of their father's military-related post-traumatic stress disorder can be seen in their eyes and heard in their voices.

The sisters, who attend Prairie Hills Middle School in Hutchinson, have learned PTSD not only affects veterans, but its "aftershocks" also can be felt by the children of veterans.

"I've gotten more nervous, and like with test grades, I'm afraid if I do fail that Dad's going to harm me in some way or just say something to me," said Kristin, 12.

"His PTSD was affecting me, I think, the most out of the family," said Kaili, 14. "I just got quiet. I isolated myself like he was doing to himself. I snapped at my mom a few times like he did.

"They finally noticed, and my mom asked me if I wanted help. I now see a therapist along with my sister. Hopefully, we're going to start getting family therapy."

Their father, Steve Stowers, 43, is a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91 and was diagnosed with PTSD in 2010. After his diagnosis, Steve was medically retired from his duties as a sergeant with the Hutchinson Police Department.
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