Janet Austin understands first-hand the experience and struggles associated with being the spouse and caregiver of a combat veteran. Her husband, Bill, is a medically retired Master Sergeant who has served over 30 years in the Army and Air National Guard before being medically discharged due to his diagnosis of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) following his last tour in Afghanistan. Since his discharge, Janet has tirelessly advocated for military families and others suffering through combat-related trauma through the Facebook group she created, PTSD The Truth In Numbers. Additionally, Janet is a staunch advocate for service dogs, largely due to the tremendous strides she has seen with Bill’s former service dog, J.P., and regularly speaks at various events to educate others regarding the laws on service dogs for military veterans.

Janet joins us today to share her experience as a military wife while her husband was serving overseas and the emotional turmoil military spouses endure when their husbands or wives are fighting for our country. She explains why military wives often take their spouse’s post-combat PTSD-related outbursts personally and why it’s critical to remember their outbursts have nothing to do with you. She explains why many civilians don’t understand the emotional impact veterans and their families experience and why she felt compelled to avoid discussing these challenges with others. She shares why they chose not to display Bill’s military accomplishments after moving to Montana, the difference between mental health issues and educational issues for military veterans and their spouses, and how post-combat PTSD impacts the children in military families. She also explains how military veterans can benefit from receiving a service dog, the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog, and the legal requirements that must be met to receive one.

“Don’t take it personal - it’s not you.” - Janet Austin

This week on the Stigma Free Vet Zone Podcast:

The challenges Janet faced as a military spouse while her husband served overseasHow the effects of combat impacted her husband emotionally and why she initially thought his change in emotional behavior was her faultThe lack of resources and support available to military spousesWhat Janet initially expected Bill’s return home would be like and how it differed from realityWhy Janet hid her emotions related to Bill’s post-combat PTSD outbursts from her husbandHow Bill’s service dog, J.P., helped him cope with the trauma he experiencedHow BIll’s sleeping habits has changed since returning home from the militaryWhy they chose not to display Bill’s military awards after moving to MontanaThe difference between mental health issues and educational issues regarding military veterans and their spousesHow post-combat PTSD impacts the children in military familiesThe importance of including the entire family in repairing a veteran’s health and wellbeingWhy Janet blames a lot of the stigmatic perspectives associated with military veterans and post-combat PTSD  on how the media portrays themThe benefits of service dogs for military veterans, the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog, and the legal guidelines required to receive a service dog

Resources Mentioned:

Balancing Compassion with Emotional Control as an AirEvac Medic with Bill Austin Part 1Balancing Compassion with Emotional Control as an AirEvac Medic with Bill Austin Part 2The Vets CenterElizabeth Dole FoundationGary Sinise FoundationMontana Wounded WarriorsBook: Why is Dad So Mad? By Seth Kastle

Connect with Janet Austin:

PTSD The Truth in Numbers Facebook GroupJP’s Journey to PTSD Service Dog Facebook page