{"id":409,"date":"2024-12-27T13:54:09","date_gmt":"2024-12-27T12:54:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aads.patmo.app\/?page_id=409"},"modified":"2025-05-01T23:01:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T21:01:38","slug":"living-with-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wissen\/leben-mit-einsatzfolgestoerung\/","title":{"rendered":"Living with a post-traumatic stress disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"bde-section-409-100 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-breadcrumbs-409-486 bde-breadcrumbs\"><nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav><\/div><div class=\"bde-div-409-101 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-102 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-103 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-104 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"bde-heading-409-105 bde-heading\">\nLiving with a post-traumatic stress disorder\n<\/h1><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-106 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>Soldiers are exposed to particular stresses during foreign deployments. These can cause them to <strong>various mental disorders<\/strong> trigger, a <a href=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/knowledge\/what-is-post-traumatic-stress-disorder\/\"><strong>Post-traumatic stress disorder<\/strong><\/a> (PTSD) or <a href=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/knowledge\/mental-illnesses\/\"><strong>other psychological disorders resulting from deployment<\/strong><\/a>. Affected soldiers must then live with this for a more or less extended period of time \u2013 around the clock. <strong>Such a disturbance does not disappear.<\/strong> <strong>in a hurry<\/strong> and it cannot simply be switched off after work in one's free time.<\/p>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"bde-heading-409-114 bde-heading\">\nEffects of psychological post-traumatic stress disorders on the lives of soldiers\n<\/h2><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-115 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\nMany <strong>soldiers<\/strong> think they have to solve their problems on their own after a mission, without the help of other people. They <strong>do not like to talk about what happened to them and how they feel.<\/strong> With their silence, they do not want to burden others or protect themselves from painful memories. They <strong>keep it<\/strong> even in such a difficult situation <strong>not for completely \u00a0<em>normal<\/em>, needing help.<\/strong> They believe that if they need help, they are a bad soldier. Traumatic experiences in the field can trigger many stressful feelings. These include, for example\n<ul>\n \t<li>Hopelessness and powerlessness<\/li>\n \t<li>Self-reproach for having failed<\/li>\n \t<li>Self-accusations because the person concerned believes they have made a mistake themselves<\/li>\n \t<li>Feelings of guilt for having survived<\/li>\n \t<li>Tantrums because the event has just happened to you<\/li>\n \t<li>Outbursts of anger towards people who are blamed for the incident<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-107 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-table-of-contents-409-108 bde-table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"bde-table-of-contents__wrapper\">\n  <header class=\"bde-table-of-contents__header\">\n        <h4 class=\"bde-table-of-contents__title toc-ignore\">Here you will find:<\/h4>\n           <\/header>\n\n  <div class=\"bde-table-of-contents__list\">\n    <nav id=\"bde-toc\" class=\"toc js-breakdance-toc\" aria-label=\"Here you will find:\">There are no headings in this document.<\/nav>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-121 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-122 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-123 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-124 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-125 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-126 bde-heading\">\nOut of misplaced shame, many soldiers endure suffering for far too long.\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-127 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><em>For those affected<\/em> with a deployment-related mental illness <strong>the entire life situation can be extremely stressful <\/strong>be. They often wait <strong>with severe symptoms to the point of exhaustion<\/strong> from \u2013 sometimes <strong>for years<\/strong>.<\/p><p>They persevere because they fear these consequences above all else:<\/p><ul><li>disrespect for one's comrades<\/li><li>a possible end to one's career<\/li><li>Stigmatisation following a mental health diagnosis<\/li><\/ul><p>In addition to the stresses of deployment, there may be <strong>further problems at home in a private setting<\/strong> find. For example, when the family <strong>grown apart during the long period of separation<\/strong> or cannot find a common way to live with the consequences of trauma. Soldiers often find it extremely difficult to cope with everyday life, both professionally and privately.<\/p><p>The attempt to, <strong>Wanting to solve all problems on your own often makes the situation more difficult for those affected.<\/strong>. Most people find it helpful to involve those around them in overcoming their problems. However, <strong>although it<\/strong> it is now known that <strong>even for PTSD, there are good treatment options with a chance of recovery,<\/strong> <strong>shy away from <\/strong>oneself <strong>many soldiers, the first step<\/strong> in <strong>Direction Help<\/strong> to do.<\/p><p>When experiencing psychological stress, the following thoughts in particular prevent people from going to see the military doctor:<\/p><ul><li>A soldier has to be strong. I am embarrassed that I need help, I am ashamed of it.<\/li><li>Others might think I'm a <em>wimp<\/em><\/li><li>I am letting my comrades down if I cannot be deployed as widely as I could be because of restrictions on my use, or if I am temporarily released from duty for therapy.<\/li><li>I am no longer as valuable in the unit with a mental disorder.<\/li><li>I will be <em>damaged<\/em> stamped<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-128 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-129 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-218 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Although much work has been done in recent years to raise awareness of mental illness among the general public and within the armed forces, fear of stigmatisation is still a major reason why people with mental illness do not seek professional help.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Soldiers affected by PTSD who require professional help should contact their <a href=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/knowledge\/professional-assistance\/#Truppen%C3%A4rzte\">military doctor<\/a>. If necessary, they will initiate further steps.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 14.78125 5 C 14.75 5.007813 14.71875 5.019531 14.6875 5.03125 C 14.644531 5.050781 14.601563 5.070313 14.5625 5.09375 C 14.550781 5.09375 14.542969 5.09375 14.53125 5.09375 C 14.511719 5.101563 14.488281 5.113281 14.46875 5.125 C 14.457031 5.136719 14.449219 5.144531 14.4375 5.15625 C 14.425781 5.167969 14.417969 5.175781 14.40625 5.1875 C 14.375 5.207031 14.34375 5.226563 14.3125 5.25 C 14.289063 5.269531 14.269531 5.289063 14.25 5.3125 C 14.238281 5.332031 14.226563 5.355469 14.21875 5.375 C 14.183594 5.414063 14.152344 5.457031 14.125 5.5 C 14.113281 5.511719 14.105469 5.519531 14.09375 5.53125 C 14.09375 5.542969 14.09375 5.550781 14.09375 5.5625 C 14.082031 5.582031 14.070313 5.605469 14.0625 5.625 C 14.050781 5.636719 14.042969 5.644531 14.03125 5.65625 C 14.03125 5.675781 14.03125 5.699219 14.03125 5.71875 C 14.019531 5.757813 14.007813 5.800781 14 5.84375 C 14 5.875 14 5.90625 14 5.9375 C 14 5.949219 14 5.957031 14 5.96875 C 14 5.980469 14 5.988281 14 6 C 13.996094 6.050781 13.996094 6.105469 14 6.15625 L 14 39 C 14.003906 39.398438 14.242188 39.757813 14.609375 39.914063 C 14.972656 40.070313 15.398438 39.992188 15.6875 39.71875 L 22.9375 32.90625 L 28.78125 46.40625 C 28.890625 46.652344 29.09375 46.847656 29.347656 46.941406 C 29.601563 47.035156 29.882813 47.023438 30.125 46.90625 L 34.5 44.90625 C 34.996094 44.679688 35.21875 44.09375 35 43.59375 L 28.90625 30.28125 L 39.09375 29.40625 C 39.496094 29.378906 39.84375 29.113281 39.976563 28.730469 C 40.105469 28.347656 39.992188 27.921875 39.6875 27.65625 L 15.84375 5.4375 C 15.796875 5.378906 15.746094 5.328125 15.6875 5.28125 C 15.648438 5.234375 15.609375 5.195313 15.5625 5.15625 C 15.550781 5.15625 15.542969 5.15625 15.53125 5.15625 C 15.511719 5.132813 15.492188 5.113281 15.46875 5.09375 C 15.457031 5.09375 15.449219 5.09375 15.4375 5.09375 C 15.386719 5.070313 15.335938 5.046875 15.28125 5.03125 C 15.269531 5.03125 15.261719 5.03125 15.25 5.03125 C 15.230469 5.019531 15.207031 5.007813 15.1875 5 C 15.175781 5 15.167969 5 15.15625 5 C 15.136719 5 15.113281 5 15.09375 5 C 15.082031 5 15.074219 5 15.0625 5 C 15.042969 5 15.019531 5 15 5 C 14.988281 5 14.980469 5 14.96875 5 C 14.9375 5 14.90625 5 14.875 5 C 14.84375 5 14.8125 5 14.78125 5 Z M 16 8.28125 L 36.6875 27.59375 L 27.3125 28.40625 C 26.992188 28.4375 26.707031 28.621094 26.546875 28.902344 C 26.382813 29.179688 26.367188 29.519531 26.5 29.8125 L 32.78125 43.5 L 30.21875 44.65625 L 24.21875 30.8125 C 24.089844 30.515625 23.828125 30.296875 23.511719 30.230469 C 23.195313 30.160156 22.863281 30.25 22.625 30.46875 L 16 36.6875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Soldiers suffering from mental health issues who are still hesitant to seek help can find support in our special service. <a href=\"https:\/\/beratung.angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/\">Advice from an expert<\/br> (currently only available in German)<\/a> Get anonymous advice. The free smartphone app <a href=\"\/en\/offer-of-assistance\/coach-ptbs-app\/\">Coach PTSD<\/a> provides anonymous information to those who are undecided about PTSD and other psychological conditions resulting from deployment, and how to deal with them.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-220 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-221 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-222 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-223 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-224 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-225 bde-heading\">\nA change in mindset is needed to accept help\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-226 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>Traumatised soldiers should be aware of one thing: <strong>It is perfectly normal to react psychologically to extremely stressful situations and experiences. <\/strong>And then it's good to get help so that you can get back to normal as quickly as possible. <em>normal<\/em> To be able to live life.<\/p><p>There are also good reasons for soldiers to accept help:<\/p><ul><li>Soldiers have a duty to maintain their health \u2013 including their mental health. They are acting in accordance with their duties and orders when they seek help from military doctors and specialists when necessary. There is no reason to feel guilty if the recovery process takes time.<\/li><li>It is not unusual to have problems. After deployment, many soldiers in the German Armed Forces have expressed concerns about their mental health.<\/li><li>Psychotherapy is not just for weak people or those unfit for military service. Treatment helps those affected to talk about their experiences and process traumatic memories. Afterwards, they feel better and stronger. With psychotherapeutic support, it is much easier to find your way back to full resilience in your professional and private life.<\/li><li>Soldiers with PTSD are not automatically unfit for service. The stress disorder does not necessarily lead to incapacity for service (DU) or the end of a military career. In most cases, the condition can even be treated while continuing to serve in the country.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-227 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-228 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-229 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      It is a sign of strength, self-respect, courage and personal growth when soldiers in a mental health crisis seek the support they need to be able to lead a fulfilling, satisfying life again.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Soldiers suffering from PTSD or other psychological disorders resulting from deployment are not alone. There are now many <a href=\"\/en\/knowledge\/offers-of-assistance\/\">Offers of help<\/a> in both military and civilian areas, where people are active who want to and are able to help them.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-230 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-231 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-232 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-233 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-234 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-235 bde-heading\">\nWhat happens to your career after suffering psychological damage in the line of duty\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-236 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>For soldiers, PTSD or other psychological damage sustained during deployment means <strong>not automatically the end of one's career<\/strong>. Depending on the status of the person affected, when the psychological post-traumatic stress disorder occurred, how long it has been affecting the person's performance and how severely, the following may apply <strong>various measures <\/strong>as well as<strong> various claims for financial benefits<\/strong> consider.<\/p><p><strong>Basis for measures and claims<\/strong> following a psychological post-traumatic stress disorder <strong>form<\/strong> primarily <strong>following laws<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li>Soldiers' Pensions Act (SVG)<\/li><li>Deployment Supply Act (EinsatzVG) and Deployment Supply Improvement Act (EinsatzVVerbG)<\/li><li>Reuse Act (EinsatzWVG)<\/li><\/ul><p>Regulations, procedures and entitlements vary depending on the status of the Bundeswehr member concerned (professional soldier, former soldier, temporary soldier, civil servant, civilian employee).<\/p><p>The following are <strong>The most important procedures for soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder <\/strong>briefly described:<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-grid-409-184 bde-grid\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-185 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<h4 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Wehrdienstbesch\u00e4digung (WDB)<\/h4><p>The military service disability procedure (WDB procedure) deals with the question of whether military service has caused damage to health that requires compensation. For active and former soldiers, the Federal Office of Personnel Management of the German Armed Forces (BAPersBw) is responsible for processing WDB applications. After various investigations involving medical records, statements and expert opinions, and taking into account the applicable legal provisions, a decision will be made as to whether there are recognisable consequences of damage and what the degree of damage (GDS) is. This is decisive in determining what entitlements exist under the Soldiers' Pension Act.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-186 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<h4 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Transfer recommendation<\/h4><p>In the context of PTSD, a transfer closer to home may be medically justified. This allows patients to engage more effectively in outpatient psychotherapy in familiar surroundings with supportive social structures and without the stress of commuting, thereby achieving healing or relief and successfully reintegrating into society within a protected environment. Soldiers must submit the relevant application to their respective disciplinary superior.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-187 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<h4 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Temporarily unfit for duty (sick at home, KzH)<\/h4><p>If performance is severely impaired or eliminated due to PTSD or another mental disorder, the military doctor or a psychiatrist from the British Armed Forces may temporarily <em>KzH<\/em> (Sick at home). However, it should be noted that, in the case of trauma-related disorders, prolonged periods of sick leave often have an unfavourable effect and tend to be detrimental to recovery.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-188 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<h4 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Reintegration<\/h4><p>If performance is reduced over a longer period of time, reintegration may be considered. To this end, the military doctor or a psychiatrist from the German Armed Forces certifies that the patient is entitled to a temporary reduction in daily working hours, for example <em>five hours a day for five days a week for eight weeks<\/em> or until a specific end date.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-189 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<h4 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Term of protection<\/h4>\nAccording to the Deployment Reuse Act, those affected by deployment are entitled to a protection period of up to eight years for professional qualification. The aim is to enable those affected to continue in employment. During and after the protection period, various provisions may apply. Here are a few examples:\n<ul>\n \t<li>During the protection period, personnel who have suffered damage in the line of duty may not be retired or dismissed on grounds of incapacity for service without their consent.<\/li>\n \t<li>Those who have suffered damage in the line of duty may be promoted during the protection period if they meet the career requirements and are in active service.<\/li>\n \t<li>Soldiers who have already left the service may, under certain conditions, be re-enlisted or transferred to a so-called <em>special type of military service<\/em> be imposed if damage caused by deployment is only recognised after their departure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-237 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-240 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-315 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Detailed information on the care of soldiers injured in action is provided by the regional service centres of the <a hrf=\"https:\/\/www.bundeswehr.de\/de\/betreuung-fuersorge\/der-sozialdienst-der-bundeswehr\">Social services of the German Armed Forces<\/a>\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-242 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-243 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-244 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-245 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-246 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"bde-heading-409-247 bde-heading\">\nEffects of psychological post-traumatic stress disorders on the social environment\n<\/h2><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-248 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>Psychological post-traumatic stress disorders are <strong>non-contagious<\/strong>. You have <strong>but massive impact on the living environment<\/strong> of those affected. In the course of PTSD, for example <strong>the behaviour, character and personality of the traumatised person can change significantly<\/strong>. This is felt most acutely by the people around him: close and distant family members, partners, children, friends, colleagues and comrades.<\/p><p>Fun-loving optimists become <strong>People who withdraw and only perceive the negative aspects of life<\/strong>. Confident and successful personalities mutate into helpless beings who no longer feel capable of coping with even the smallest difficulty. Loving fathers become angry and frightening men whom women and children are afraid of.<\/p><p>Everyone must first adjust to this new life situation and find a new basis for living together. Social<strong> support<\/strong> <strong>among family and friends<\/strong> is very important for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, because the <strong>promotes the healing process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-255 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-256 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-257 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Relatives and friends of someone with a mental illness cannot cure them, but they can provide significant support during their recovery process.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-258 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-259 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-260 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-261 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-262 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-263 bde-heading\">\nDealing with traumatised people is not easy.\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-264 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>If a soldier shows symptoms of trauma after serving abroad, the people at home are initially unsettled. <strong>Close friends and family often do not know how to<\/strong> towards the person concerned <strong>should behave<\/strong>. Some people think that, <strong>help without interruption<\/strong> Some express their insecurity by getting into embarrassing situations. <strong>look away<\/strong>, while others react by completely <strong>withdraw<\/strong>.<\/p><p>The following tips will help you interact with someone who has a psychological disorder resulting from their service or PTSD:<\/p><ul><li>Learn as much as you can about the causes, symptoms and effects of PTSD. Only then will you be able to understand what the person affected is going through and why they sometimes behave in ways that are difficult to understand.<\/li><li>Always remember that the behaviour of someone who has experienced trauma is a normal reaction to an abnormal event and not, for example, malice or disinterest towards you.<\/li><li>Use words and your behaviour to convey to the person affected that they can trust you and that you are there for them when they need you.<\/li><li>Keep reminding the person affected that their condition is not their own fault or failure, but a mental illness that they can do something about.<\/li><li>Listen attentively when the person affected wants to talk about their experiences and feelings. However, do not pressure them to talk if they do not want to. You should not judge what you hear and should refrain from offering unsolicited advice. The person affected should be able to decide for themselves what they want to talk about, how much and for how long. Anyone who wants to hear what happened should also be prepared to hear terrible things.<\/li><li>You should be accepting and patient if the person concerned is unreasonable about well-intentioned advice \u2013 for example, to consult a doctor \u2013 and does not follow it. Nevertheless, you should keep an eye on the person's state of health and repeatedly point out possible sources of help or offer your assistance in finding support.<\/li><li>You should constantly keep an eye on your own mental well-being and seek professional help yourself if you realise that you are unable to cope with the situation.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-265 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-266 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-267 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      It is important for traumatised people to have social contacts they can rely on. They need people who understand their problems, take them seriously and accept their limitations unconditionally.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      In order to comfort traumatised individuals, many people try to downplay the underlying experience and its consequences. However, attempts at consolation such as \u201eYou'll get over it\u201c or \u201eJust pull yourself together\u201c are counterproductive. They cause the affected person to feel guilty and blame themselves, which only exacerbates the condition.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-268 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-269 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-270 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-271 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-272 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"bde-heading-409-273 bde-heading\">\nEffects of psychological post-deployment disorders on relationships\n<\/h2><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-274 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>As the closest confidants of soldiers, their partners are most affected by the consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder. A traumatic experience can significantly impair a soldier's ability to be emotionally there for their partner.<\/p><p><strong>Foreign assignments are often<\/strong> for partnerships <strong>in itself already a test of endurance<\/strong>. It is not uncommon for partners to feel like strangers when they return. They have lived in different worlds for months and must first grow together again. <strong>All the more difficult<\/strong> will that be, <strong>when a partner returns from deployment with a traumatic experience<\/strong>. Feelings and behaviours that a partner with post-traumatic stress disorder may have and trigger can mean a <strong>great strain on a relationship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-275 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-276 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-277 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Traumatised soldiers are reluctant to talk about their experiences in the field with civilians \u2013 not even with their closest relatives. On the one hand, they want to spare their loved ones, and on the other, they assume that only a fellow soldier can understand and relate to their suffering. Partners often feel excluded from an important part of their lives. They want to know what happened to the person affected and how they are doing.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.921875 3 C 18.581252 3 14.303756 4.9302084 11.599609 8.0019531 C 8.9557509 11.005216 7.8672852 14.978385 7.3984375 19.066406 L 3.3457031 26.050781 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 3.3359375 26.066406 C 2.646307 27.307427 3.0876317 28.925449 4.3378906 29.621094 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 4.3769531 29.640625 L 7.4199219 31.162109 L 8.3984375 37.929688 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 8.4003906 37.943359 C 8.6154808 39.287826 9.3136276 40.53304 10.292969 41.470703 C 11.272309 42.408367 12.573122 43.05731 14.001953 43 L 17 43 L 17 46 L 17 47 L 17.832031 47 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 18.158203 47 L 19 47 L 19 45 L 19 42 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 18 41 L 13.962891 41 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 13.921875 41 C 13.15671 41.03069 12.347191 40.67018 11.675781 40.027344 C 11.004372 39.384507 10.51091 38.478439 10.375 37.628906 L 9.3242188 30.359375 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 8.78125 29.607422 L 5.3105469 27.873047 C 4.9828058 27.690692 4.897568 27.378042 5.0859375 27.039062 L 9.2011719 19.947266 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 9.3300781 19.552734 C 9.7571873 15.578233 10.80346 11.932771 13.101562 9.3222656 C 15.399668 6.7117604 18.976498 5 24.921875 5 C 25.607616 5 26.266517 5.0348609 26.912109 5.0917969 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 1 0 27.087891 3.0996094 C 26.395483 3.0385451 25.676134 3 24.921875 3 z M 37 3 C 31.494165 3 27 7.4413793 27 12.908203 C 27 16.24509 28.457858 18.295978 29.785156 19.652344 C 30.448805 20.330527 31.068478 20.8645 31.460938 21.320312 C 31.853395 21.776127 32 22.0719 32 22.453125 L 32 25 L 32 26 L 32 28.818359 C 32 30.031592 33.056857 30.935734 34.179688 30.990234 C 34.590935 32.154487 35.701526 33 37 33 C 38.298474 33 39.409065 32.154487 39.820312 30.990234 C 40.942839 30.935734 42 30.031592 42 28.818359 L 42 26 L 42 25 L 42 22.455078 C 42 21.841495 42.183287 21.460863 42.5625 20.986328 C 42.941713 20.511793 43.538383 20.001847 44.195312 19.367188 C 45.509172 18.097869 47 16.188841 47 12.910156 C 47 7.4424436 42.505835 3 37 3 z M 37 5 C 41.436165 5 45 8.5338698 45 12.910156 C 45 15.633471 43.990828 16.783756 42.804688 17.929688 C 42.211616 18.502652 41.558287 19.03966 41 19.738281 C 40.441713 20.436903 40 21.355161 40 22.455078 L 40 25 L 38 25 L 38 16.414062 L 40.707031 13.707031 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 39.990234 11.986328 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 39.292969 12.292969 L 37 14.585938 L 34.707031 12.292969 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 33.990234 11.990234 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 33.292969 13.707031 L 36 16.414062 L 36 25 L 34 25 L 34 22.453125 C 34 21.46385 33.521605 20.648655 32.976562 20.015625 C 32.431522 19.382595 31.801195 18.853098 31.214844 18.253906 C 30.042142 17.055522 29 15.701316 29 12.908203 C 29 8.5330273 32.563835 5 37 5 z M 34 27 L 40 27 L 40 28.818359 C 40 28.966931 39.965697 29 39.714844 29 L 34.285156 29 C 34.032659 29 34 28.966931 34 28.818359 L 34 27 z M 36.779297 34.986328 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 35.818359 35.681641 C 35.295238 37.244625 35 38.894009 35 40.59375 L 35 45 L 35 46 L 35 47 L 35.832031 47 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 36.158203 47 L 37 47 L 37 46 L 37 45 L 37 40.59375 C 37 39.125491 37.253965 37.695375 37.714844 36.318359 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 36.779297 34.986328 z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      In most cases, it is difficult for couples to talk about the traumatic event. It is advisable to start by talking about neutral topics related to the country of deployment. Possible topics include questions about regional conditions, geography or the culture of the country in question. Questions about deployment- or event-related content should initially be taboo, as should intensive questioning about details of the traumatic event, unless the person affected wants to talk about it themselves.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-280 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-281 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bde-image2-409-287 bde-image2\" src=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Partnerschaft-EN.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Partnerschaft-EN.jpg 3508w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Partnerschaft-EN-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Partnerschaft-EN-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Partnerschaft-EN-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Partnerschaft-EN-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Partnerschaft-EN-2048x1448.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Partnerschaft-EN-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-291 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-292 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-293 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-294 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-295 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-296 bde-heading\">\nHow partners can help with post-traumatic stress disorder\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-297 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>A partner and a partner with trauma <strong>Providing support means helping your partner to regain control of their own life.<\/strong> It does not mean taking all decisions, tasks and problems off your partner's hands.<\/p><p><strong>By taking this approach, the partner shows their support:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-grid-409-304 bde-grid\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-305 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Allow freedom<\/strong><\/p><p>After returning from deployment, soldiers need time and space to process traumatic experiences and readjust to life at home. Partners should be understanding and ready to help if the soldier needs it, but should not impose themselves.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-306 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Be confident<\/strong><\/p><p>For a shared future, it is beneficial to trust that your partner will recover and that their life situation will change for the better. This also means involving your traumatised partner in everyday tasks as much as possible and giving them the opportunity to make their own decisions. This prevents them from feeling alienated at home or losing the ability to cope with everyday life.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-307 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Convey security<\/strong><\/p><p>In order to regain trust in themselves and in other people, it helps the affected partner if they can perceive their home as a safe place. To achieve this, it is important to keep promises, to show that you are committed to the relationship and stand by your partner, even if they do not always behave as you would like or expect them to.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-308 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Creating stability<\/strong><\/p><p>Routine in everyday life makes it easier for those affected to regain control of their lives. Fixed meal and bedtimes can help, as can the distribution of tasks.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-309 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Express affection and support<\/strong><\/p><p>A tender touch, a few kind words or small favours show your partner that you are there for them.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-310 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Be open to discussion<\/strong><\/p><p>In order to be able to assess your partner's behaviour correctly, it is important to talk about feelings, frustrations and fears. The basis for a good conversation is mutual trust, treating each other's feelings with respect and showing compassion (not pity) when listening and talking. It is important to be able to listen to your partner when they want to talk about their experiences, but not to force them to talk.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-311 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Avoid injuries<\/strong><\/p><p>Before a situation escalates and hurtful words are said or it even comes to blows, it is better to interrupt the conversation and take a break. The conversation can then be continued once the situation has calmed down again.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-312 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Redefining intimacy<\/strong><\/p><p>The stress caused by PTSD can disrupt sexuality, tenderness and intimacy. In this case, it is important to discover and appreciate other forms of physical closeness. For example: hugging, kissing, holding each other in your arms.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-313 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Encourage<\/strong><\/p><p>If the traumatised partner needs professional help, they should be repeatedly encouraged to accept offers of assistance. Supportive partners can help them find suitable services or accompany them to a counselling session.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-316 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>Below, we have listed a few <strong>advice<\/strong> compiled, <strong>which make it easier to live with a partner who has been injured in the line of duty<\/strong> can:<\/p><ul><li>Be patient: it takes time to adjust to living with a traumatised partner. Even with psychotherapy, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder do not disappear overnight.<\/li><li>Do not take your partner's incomprehensible behaviour personally.<\/li><li>Make compromises for the sake of harmony, but do not accept everything uncritically.<\/li><li>Do not allow your life together to be dominated solely by the illness.<\/li><li>Set your own limits for helpfulness and accommodation. Communicate these clearly to your partner and do not allow yourself to be persuaded to exceed these limits.<\/li><li>Do not lose your sense of humour.<\/li><li>Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed by the situation.<\/li><\/ul><p>Possible sources of assistance in partnerships with mentally distressed soldiers may include:<\/p><ul><li>Relatives and friends,<\/li><li>Partners of other soldiers,<\/li><li>psychotherapeutic counselling centres,<\/li><li>couples therapists,<\/li><li>Self-help groups.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-298 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-314 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-239 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 14.78125 5 C 14.75 5.007813 14.71875 5.019531 14.6875 5.03125 C 14.644531 5.050781 14.601563 5.070313 14.5625 5.09375 C 14.550781 5.09375 14.542969 5.09375 14.53125 5.09375 C 14.511719 5.101563 14.488281 5.113281 14.46875 5.125 C 14.457031 5.136719 14.449219 5.144531 14.4375 5.15625 C 14.425781 5.167969 14.417969 5.175781 14.40625 5.1875 C 14.375 5.207031 14.34375 5.226563 14.3125 5.25 C 14.289063 5.269531 14.269531 5.289063 14.25 5.3125 C 14.238281 5.332031 14.226563 5.355469 14.21875 5.375 C 14.183594 5.414063 14.152344 5.457031 14.125 5.5 C 14.113281 5.511719 14.105469 5.519531 14.09375 5.53125 C 14.09375 5.542969 14.09375 5.550781 14.09375 5.5625 C 14.082031 5.582031 14.070313 5.605469 14.0625 5.625 C 14.050781 5.636719 14.042969 5.644531 14.03125 5.65625 C 14.03125 5.675781 14.03125 5.699219 14.03125 5.71875 C 14.019531 5.757813 14.007813 5.800781 14 5.84375 C 14 5.875 14 5.90625 14 5.9375 C 14 5.949219 14 5.957031 14 5.96875 C 14 5.980469 14 5.988281 14 6 C 13.996094 6.050781 13.996094 6.105469 14 6.15625 L 14 39 C 14.003906 39.398438 14.242188 39.757813 14.609375 39.914063 C 14.972656 40.070313 15.398438 39.992188 15.6875 39.71875 L 22.9375 32.90625 L 28.78125 46.40625 C 28.890625 46.652344 29.09375 46.847656 29.347656 46.941406 C 29.601563 47.035156 29.882813 47.023438 30.125 46.90625 L 34.5 44.90625 C 34.996094 44.679688 35.21875 44.09375 35 43.59375 L 28.90625 30.28125 L 39.09375 29.40625 C 39.496094 29.378906 39.84375 29.113281 39.976563 28.730469 C 40.105469 28.347656 39.992188 27.921875 39.6875 27.65625 L 15.84375 5.4375 C 15.796875 5.378906 15.746094 5.328125 15.6875 5.28125 C 15.648438 5.234375 15.609375 5.195313 15.5625 5.15625 C 15.550781 5.15625 15.542969 5.15625 15.53125 5.15625 C 15.511719 5.132813 15.492188 5.113281 15.46875 5.09375 C 15.457031 5.09375 15.449219 5.09375 15.4375 5.09375 C 15.386719 5.070313 15.335938 5.046875 15.28125 5.03125 C 15.269531 5.03125 15.261719 5.03125 15.25 5.03125 C 15.230469 5.019531 15.207031 5.007813 15.1875 5 C 15.175781 5 15.167969 5 15.15625 5 C 15.136719 5 15.113281 5 15.09375 5 C 15.082031 5 15.074219 5 15.0625 5 C 15.042969 5 15.019531 5 15 5 C 14.988281 5 14.980469 5 14.96875 5 C 14.9375 5 14.90625 5 14.875 5 C 14.84375 5 14.8125 5 14.78125 5 Z M 16 8.28125 L 36.6875 27.59375 L 27.3125 28.40625 C 26.992188 28.4375 26.707031 28.621094 26.546875 28.902344 C 26.382813 29.179688 26.367188 29.519531 26.5 29.8125 L 32.78125 43.5 L 30.21875 44.65625 L 24.21875 30.8125 C 24.089844 30.515625 23.828125 30.296875 23.511719 30.230469 C 23.195313 30.160156 22.863281 30.25 22.625 30.46875 L 16 36.6875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Good communication is important in a relationship, but it is not always easy, especially in a crisis situation. In our guide, we have <a href=\"\/en\/knowledge\/guide\/#Kommunikation%20mit%20Partner\/in\">Tips for good communication between partners<\/a> compiled.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Symptoms of PTSD also include suicidal thoughts (intentions to take one's own life). If a partner expresses acute suicidal thoughts, the emergency services should be called immediately on the free telephone number 112.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-317 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-318 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-319 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-320 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-321 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-322 bde-heading\">\nPartners must protect themselves\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-323 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>It requires strength and endurance.<\/strong>, for a partner with a mental illness <strong>to be there<\/strong>. To prevent your energy from running out one day and your mental health from falling by the wayside, everyone should take care of their own wellbeing.<\/p><p>Many people do not dare to enjoy themselves when their partner is suffering. <strong>It is <\/strong>but<strong> It is important for everyone to stay healthy. <\/strong>If you are drained and exhausted yourself, you cannot help others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-335 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-336 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-337 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.921875 3 C 18.581252 3 14.303756 4.9302084 11.599609 8.0019531 C 8.9557509 11.005216 7.8672852 14.978385 7.3984375 19.066406 L 3.3457031 26.050781 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 3.3359375 26.066406 C 2.646307 27.307427 3.0876317 28.925449 4.3378906 29.621094 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 4.3769531 29.640625 L 7.4199219 31.162109 L 8.3984375 37.929688 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 8.4003906 37.943359 C 8.6154808 39.287826 9.3136276 40.53304 10.292969 41.470703 C 11.272309 42.408367 12.573122 43.05731 14.001953 43 L 17 43 L 17 46 L 17 47 L 17.832031 47 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 18.158203 47 L 19 47 L 19 45 L 19 42 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 18 41 L 13.962891 41 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 13.921875 41 C 13.15671 41.03069 12.347191 40.67018 11.675781 40.027344 C 11.004372 39.384507 10.51091 38.478439 10.375 37.628906 L 9.3242188 30.359375 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 8.78125 29.607422 L 5.3105469 27.873047 C 4.9828058 27.690692 4.897568 27.378042 5.0859375 27.039062 L 9.2011719 19.947266 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 9.3300781 19.552734 C 9.7571873 15.578233 10.80346 11.932771 13.101562 9.3222656 C 15.399668 6.7117604 18.976498 5 24.921875 5 C 25.607616 5 26.266517 5.0348609 26.912109 5.0917969 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 1 0 27.087891 3.0996094 C 26.395483 3.0385451 25.676134 3 24.921875 3 z M 37 3 C 31.494165 3 27 7.4413793 27 12.908203 C 27 16.24509 28.457858 18.295978 29.785156 19.652344 C 30.448805 20.330527 31.068478 20.8645 31.460938 21.320312 C 31.853395 21.776127 32 22.0719 32 22.453125 L 32 25 L 32 26 L 32 28.818359 C 32 30.031592 33.056857 30.935734 34.179688 30.990234 C 34.590935 32.154487 35.701526 33 37 33 C 38.298474 33 39.409065 32.154487 39.820312 30.990234 C 40.942839 30.935734 42 30.031592 42 28.818359 L 42 26 L 42 25 L 42 22.455078 C 42 21.841495 42.183287 21.460863 42.5625 20.986328 C 42.941713 20.511793 43.538383 20.001847 44.195312 19.367188 C 45.509172 18.097869 47 16.188841 47 12.910156 C 47 7.4424436 42.505835 3 37 3 z M 37 5 C 41.436165 5 45 8.5338698 45 12.910156 C 45 15.633471 43.990828 16.783756 42.804688 17.929688 C 42.211616 18.502652 41.558287 19.03966 41 19.738281 C 40.441713 20.436903 40 21.355161 40 22.455078 L 40 25 L 38 25 L 38 16.414062 L 40.707031 13.707031 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 39.990234 11.986328 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 39.292969 12.292969 L 37 14.585938 L 34.707031 12.292969 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 33.990234 11.990234 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 33.292969 13.707031 L 36 16.414062 L 36 25 L 34 25 L 34 22.453125 C 34 21.46385 33.521605 20.648655 32.976562 20.015625 C 32.431522 19.382595 31.801195 18.853098 31.214844 18.253906 C 30.042142 17.055522 29 15.701316 29 12.908203 C 29 8.5330273 32.563835 5 37 5 z M 34 27 L 40 27 L 40 28.818359 C 40 28.966931 39.965697 29 39.714844 29 L 34.285156 29 C 34.032659 29 34 28.966931 34 28.818359 L 34 27 z M 36.779297 34.986328 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 35.818359 35.681641 C 35.295238 37.244625 35 38.894009 35 40.59375 L 35 45 L 35 46 L 35 47 L 35.832031 47 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 36.158203 47 L 37 47 L 37 46 L 37 45 L 37 40.59375 C 37 39.125491 37.253965 37.695375 37.714844 36.318359 A 1.0001 1.0001 0 0 0 36.779297 34.986328 z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      These measures help to promote your own health:\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-409-340 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-339 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<ul><li>take regular breaks to relax<\/li><li>Keep in touch with good friends and relatives<\/li><li>do sports<\/li><li>Do things that make you feel good, such as going to the sauna, taking a bath or reading a book.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-338 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      In the context of PTSD, it is possible for the affected person to become violent. This should never be excused or tolerated. If a partner behaves violently, the most important thing is to get yourself to safety immediately. Further information on this can be found at <a href=\"\/en\/knowledge\/living-with-post-traumatic-stress-disorder\/#H%C3%A4usliche%20Gewalt\">Domestic violence<\/a>.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-341 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-342 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-343 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-344 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-345 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"bde-heading-409-346 bde-heading\">\nEffects of psychological post-traumatic stress disorders on families and children\n<\/h2><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-347 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>In a family with children and adolescents, living with the consequences of a parent's post-traumatic stress disorder is a major challenge for everyone. <strong>Each family member reacts to the changes in their own individual way.<\/strong>. This has an impact on the relationship structure between them. <strong>A family structure that has functioned well up to now can easily become unbalanced.<\/strong>.<\/p><p><strong>The sick person<\/strong> <strong>may feel like a stranger at home<\/strong>, no longer function as usual or as desired within the family unit. Many are no longer able to fulfil their previous role in the family as a partner, father or mother. They withdraw from family life, no longer take part in family celebrations or accompany their children to school activities.<\/p><p>In order to spare those affected from further stress, other family members take on their tasks, put their own needs aside and sometimes find themselves in emotional distress.<\/p><p><strong>parents<\/strong> <strong>be able to<\/strong> due to one's own crisis management <strong>be overwhelmed by the task of raising children<\/strong>. Their own helplessness and disagreement between parents often lead to a <strong>Parenting style that has an unfavourable effect on children's development<\/strong>. Under excessive control or overprotective care, children grow up to become overly anxious or socially withdrawn personalities, for example.<\/p><p><strong>Children may react with confusion and fear.<\/strong> the incomprehensible behaviour that their beloved father or mother suddenly displays.<\/p><p>In extreme cases, flashbacks occurring in the context of PTSD, for example, trigger aggressive behaviour in the affected parent, which can permanently disrupt family harmony or even lead to domestic violence. Such a situation overwhelms many families and can cause other family members to develop mental health problems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-348 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-349 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-350 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      There are a wide range of support services available to family members of soldiers who are unable to cope on their own with the stressful situations they face before, during or after a foreign deployment. These services can be accessed via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundeswehr-netz.de\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the support network<\/a> or our directory of <a href=\"\/en\/knowledge\/offers-of-assistance\/#f%C3%BCr%20Angeh%C3%B6rige\">Support services for relatives<\/a>. No one should hesitate to seek help there if necessary.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-354 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-355 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-356 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-357 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-358 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-359 bde-heading\">\nChildren must first learn to understand changes in the behaviour of a parent suffering from mental health issues.\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-360 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>The stress experienced by a parent with post-traumatic stress disorder can impair or negatively influence a child's development, but this is not necessarily the case. Whether a child is able to process their experiences with a mentally distressed parent without lasting damage depends to a large extent on how the mental distress is dealt with within the family.<\/p><p>The following table shows some examples of how dealing with mental health issues within the family can have a positive or negative effect on children.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-grid-409-365 bde-grid\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-366 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-367 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Positive impact <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-363 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-checkmark\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M27 4l-15 15-7-7-5 5 12 12 20-20z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      The family openly discusses the cause of the trauma, its effect on the traumatised parent and the consequences for family life.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-checkmark\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M27 4l-15 15-7-7-5 5 12 12 20-20z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Children receive information about the traumatic experience in accordance with their age and level of maturity.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-checkmark\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M27 4l-15 15-7-7-5 5 12 12 20-20z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Children can freely express their fears, emotions and needs and are taken seriously.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-409-368 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-369 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Negative impact<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-370 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-cross\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M31.708 25.708c-0-0-0-0-0-0l-9.708-9.708 9.708-9.708c0-0 0-0 0-0 0.105-0.105 0.18-0.227 0.229-0.357 0.133-0.356 0.057-0.771-0.229-1.057l-4.586-4.586c-0.286-0.286-0.702-0.361-1.057-0.229-0.13 0.048-0.252 0.124-0.357 0.228 0 0-0 0-0 0l-9.708 9.708-9.708-9.708c-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.105-0.104-0.227-0.18-0.357-0.228-0.356-0.133-0.771-0.057-1.057 0.229l-4.586 4.586c-0.286 0.286-0.361 0.702-0.229 1.057 0.049 0.13 0.124 0.252 0.229 0.357 0 0 0 0 0 0l9.708 9.708-9.708 9.708c-0 0-0 0-0 0-0.104 0.105-0.18 0.227-0.229 0.357-0.133 0.355-0.057 0.771 0.229 1.057l4.586 4.586c0.286 0.286 0.702 0.361 1.057 0.229 0.13-0.049 0.252-0.124 0.357-0.229 0-0 0-0 0-0l9.708-9.708 9.708 9.708c0 0 0 0 0 0 0.105 0.105 0.227 0.18 0.357 0.229 0.356 0.133 0.771 0.057 1.057-0.229l4.586-4.586c0.286-0.286 0.362-0.702 0.229-1.057-0.049-0.13-0.124-0.252-0.229-0.357z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      The parents try to hide the problems of the traumatised parent from the children. It is not discussed.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-cross\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M31.708 25.708c-0-0-0-0-0-0l-9.708-9.708 9.708-9.708c0-0 0-0 0-0 0.105-0.105 0.18-0.227 0.229-0.357 0.133-0.356 0.057-0.771-0.229-1.057l-4.586-4.586c-0.286-0.286-0.702-0.361-1.057-0.229-0.13 0.048-0.252 0.124-0.357 0.228 0 0-0 0-0 0l-9.708 9.708-9.708-9.708c-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.105-0.104-0.227-0.18-0.357-0.228-0.356-0.133-0.771-0.057-1.057 0.229l-4.586 4.586c-0.286 0.286-0.361 0.702-0.229 1.057 0.049 0.13 0.124 0.252 0.229 0.357 0 0 0 0 0 0l9.708 9.708-9.708 9.708c-0 0-0 0-0 0-0.104 0.105-0.18 0.227-0.229 0.357-0.133 0.355-0.057 0.771 0.229 1.057l4.586 4.586c0.286 0.286 0.702 0.361 1.057 0.229 0.13-0.049 0.252-0.124 0.357-0.229 0-0 0-0 0-0l9.708-9.708 9.708 9.708c0 0 0 0 0 0 0.105 0.105 0.227 0.18 0.357 0.229 0.356 0.133 0.771 0.057 1.057-0.229l4.586-4.586c0.286-0.286 0.362-0.702 0.229-1.057-0.049-0.13-0.124-0.252-0.229-0.357z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Children are confronted with all the dangerous and frightening details of the trauma. \n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-cross\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M31.708 25.708c-0-0-0-0-0-0l-9.708-9.708 9.708-9.708c0-0 0-0 0-0 0.105-0.105 0.18-0.227 0.229-0.357 0.133-0.356 0.057-0.771-0.229-1.057l-4.586-4.586c-0.286-0.286-0.702-0.361-1.057-0.229-0.13 0.048-0.252 0.124-0.357 0.228 0 0-0 0-0 0l-9.708 9.708-9.708-9.708c-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.105-0.104-0.227-0.18-0.357-0.228-0.356-0.133-0.771-0.057-1.057 0.229l-4.586 4.586c-0.286 0.286-0.361 0.702-0.229 1.057 0.049 0.13 0.124 0.252 0.229 0.357 0 0 0 0 0 0l9.708 9.708-9.708 9.708c-0 0-0 0-0 0-0.104 0.105-0.18 0.227-0.229 0.357-0.133 0.355-0.057 0.771 0.229 1.057l4.586 4.586c0.286 0.286 0.702 0.361 1.057 0.229 0.13-0.049 0.252-0.124 0.357-0.229 0-0 0-0 0-0l9.708-9.708 9.708 9.708c0 0 0 0 0 0 0.105 0.105 0.227 0.18 0.357 0.229 0.356 0.133 0.771 0.057 1.057-0.229l4.586-4.586c0.286-0.286 0.362-0.702 0.229-1.057-0.049-0.13-0.124-0.252-0.229-0.357z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Children are left alone with their emotions or reprimanded for emotional outbursts.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-371 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<h4>A traumatised parent confuses a child's emotional world.<\/h4><p>Children can have great difficulty classifying their feelings that arise in connection with the traumatised parent. <strong>The spectrum of their emotions ranges from loving, concerned and protective to annoyed, frightened or even angry.<\/strong><\/p><p>Children often cannot understand why the traumatised parent no longer spends time with them or behaves aggressively towards them and other family members, for example.<\/p><p>Below are a few <strong>Examples<\/strong> listed, <strong>what feelings children<\/strong> of soldiers suffering from mental stress <strong>may have<\/strong>.<\/p><ul><li>Children feel neglected or no longer loved.<\/li><li>Children suffer alongside their ill parent until they themselves become mentally ill.<\/li><li>Children fear that their sick parent will no longer be interested in them, will no longer want to spend time with them or will no longer be able to care for them.<\/li><li>Children feel guilty for the condition of their sick parent or the resulting problems in the family.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Children have an even greater problem than adults when it comes to recognising feelings, classifying them correctly, talking about them and seeking help when needed.<\/strong> However, learning this is very important for a child's emotional development. Parents with PTSD in particular are hardly able to deal adequately with their own feelings and those of other people. They are often only able to respond to their own children with emotional numbness.<\/p><h4>Children can become ill themselves<\/h4><p><strong>If children are left alone with their feelings of helplessness, sadness, anger or fear, there is a risk that they will develop problematic behaviours.<\/strong> They may react by being disobedient, aggressive or withdrawn. Parents, in turn, often fail to recognise the distress their child is experiencing. Instead of responding with more affection, they react with reprimands or punishment. A vicious circle develops that soon becomes almost impossible to break.<\/p><p>Children who are affected by the psychological stress of a parent may exhibit the following reactions:<\/p><ul><li>They behave like the sick parent and display similar symptoms. For example, they are easily irritable, anxious or difficult to deal with. Behind this lies the need to develop a closer relationship with the sick parent.<\/li><li>They take on some of the roles and responsibilities of the sick parent within the family. This can cause them to act too maturely for their age and feel overwhelmed.<\/li><li>They display regressive behaviour and appear to regress in their development. Bedwetting, defiant behaviour and tantrums are examples of this.<\/li><li>They relate the problems of their sick parent to themselves and believe that they are responsible for their parent's illness.<\/li><li>They have problems at school or in their relationships within their circle of friends.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-361 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-362 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-364 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      It helps children to learn what happened and why it happened.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Children need adults with whom they can talk about their feelings and who can help them understand those feelings. It is important for their development that they learn to deal with their feelings appropriately. If both parents are unable to do this, they should ask another adult whom the child trusts to take on this task. This could be a godmother, an uncle or a good friend of the family, for example.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-372 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-373 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-374 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-375 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-376 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-377 bde-heading\">\nWhat helps children cope with a parent's mental illness\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-378 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>Children should receive plenty of care, love, security and attention within the family circle. At the same time, care must be taken to ensure that the child's development is not significantly disrupted by a parent's mental illness. This includes ensuring that the child attends school regularly and remains involved in school and other social activities with other children.<\/p><p>Freeing children from feelings of guilt: It is very important to make it clear to a child that the traumatised parent's behaviour is related to the trauma and is not the child's fault. Children should be given the opportunity and guidance to talk about their fears and concerns themselves. Parents must take these feelings seriously and accept them, and help the child to cope with the stress.<\/p><p>The following table lists some examples of activities that help children manage their stress:<\/p>\n<\/div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bde-image2-409-393 bde-image2\" src=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kinder-Aktivitaeten-EN.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kinder-Aktivitaeten-EN.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kinder-Aktivitaeten-EN-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kinder-Aktivitaeten-EN-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kinder-Aktivitaeten-EN-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kinder-Aktivitaeten-EN-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kinder-Aktivitaeten-EN-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-387 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-388 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-389 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      The more normal family life is, the better children can cope with the additional stress caused by a parent with a mental health condition resulting from their service.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      In the following cases, it is imperative to consult a doctor or psychologist with the child.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-409-390 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-391 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<ul><li>The child deliberately hurts, injures or cuts (scratches) themselves.<\/li><li>The child is clearly about to hurt others.<\/li><li>The child expresses thoughts related to suicide.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-394 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-395 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-396 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-397 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-398 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-402 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>Providing children with security and stability: Familiar rituals can give children a sense of stability and security, especially in difficult times. Therefore, habits and routines within the family should be maintained as much as possible.<\/p><p>These rituals give children stability:<\/p><ul><li>a regular daily routine<\/li><li>regular communal meal times<\/li><li>joint activities within the family circle, for example, games afternoons or excursions<\/li><li>Bedtime rituals<\/li><li>Visits to the grandparents<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Seek professional help: <\/strong>If children are unable to cope with the stress and show changes that give cause for concern, professional advice should be sought immediately from the family doctor, paediatrician or a psychosocial specialist.<\/p><p>These signs and symptoms indicate that a child needs professional help:<\/p><ul><li>difficulty concentrating;<\/li><li>Problems participating in normal tasks or exercises at school;<\/li><li>intense emotional reactions: for example, persistent crying, intense sadness, moodiness;<\/li><li>depressive behaviour, being withdrawn or uncommunicative, speaking little;<\/li><li>violent or depressive feelings, which may be expressed in \u201edark\u201c drawings or writings;<\/li><li>significant increase or decrease in body weight;<\/li><li>Lack of attention to personal appearance or hygiene;<\/li><li>major changes in social activities or friendships;<\/li><li>Drug and alcohol abuse.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-403 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-404 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-405 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      If a child requires psychotherapeutic treatment, individual counselling and therapy may be considered. There are specially trained child and adolescent psychotherapists. In many cases, family therapy is recommended to support the parent affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and to help other family members meet their own needs.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nummergegenkummer.de\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Helpline<\/a> The free telephone number 116 111 is a helpline where children and young people can receive advice and assistance with any questions, concerns or problems they may have.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 25 3 C 16.726563 3 10 9.726563 10 18 C 10 23.058594 11.929688 26.066406 13.75 28.15625 C 14.660156 29.203125 15.539063 30.046875 16.125 30.8125 C 16.710938 31.578125 17 32.195313 17 33 L 17 43 C 17 44.644531 18.355469 46 20 46 L 21.15625 46 C 21.601563 47.71875 23.148438 49 25 49 C 26.851563 49 28.398438 47.71875 28.84375 46 L 30 46 C 31.644531 46 33 44.644531 33 43 L 33 33 C 33 31.871094 33.332031 31.089844 33.90625 30.28125 C 34.480469 29.472656 35.34375 28.667969 36.25 27.6875 C 38.058594 25.722656 40 22.964844 40 18 C 40 9.726563 33.273438 3 25 3 Z M 25 5 C 32.191406 5 38 10.808594 38 18 C 38 22.46875 36.441406 24.511719 34.75 26.34375 C 33.90625 27.261719 33.019531 28.089844 32.28125 29.125 C 31.542969 30.160156 31 31.4375 31 33 L 31 38 L 19 38 L 19 33 C 19 31.652344 18.414063 30.539063 17.6875 29.59375 C 16.960938 28.648438 16.089844 27.804688 15.25 26.84375 C 13.570313 24.917969 12 22.574219 12 18 C 12 10.808594 17.808594 5 25 5 Z M 20.90625 17.96875 C 20.863281 17.976563 20.820313 17.988281 20.78125 18 C 20.40625 18.066406 20.105469 18.339844 20 18.703125 C 19.894531 19.070313 20.003906 19.460938 20.28125 19.71875 L 24 23.4375 L 24 36 L 26 36 L 26 23.4375 L 29.71875 19.71875 C 30.117188 19.320313 30.117188 18.679688 29.71875 18.28125 C 29.320313 17.882813 28.679688 17.882813 28.28125 18.28125 L 25 21.5625 L 21.71875 18.28125 C 21.511719 18.058594 21.210938 17.945313 20.90625 17.96875 Z M 19 40 L 31 40 L 31 43 C 31 43.554688 30.554688 44 30 44 L 22.1875 44 C 22.054688 43.972656 21.914063 43.972656 21.78125 44 L 20 44 C 19.445313 44 19 43.554688 19 43 Z M 23.28125 46 L 26.71875 46 C 26.375 46.597656 25.746094 47 25 47 C 24.253906 47 23.625 46.597656 23.28125 46 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      There are two children's books on the subject of foreign deployments and PTSD for children of soldiers:<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundeswehr.de\/de\/ein-baer-im-einsatz-66104\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Karl, the bear reporter<\/a> is intended for young children. It aims to explain the circumstances of an overseas assignment in language suitable for children and give them an idea of what Mum and Dad are experiencing in the country where they are posted.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundeswehr.de\/de\/betreuung-fuersorge\/ptbs-hilfe\/informationen-ptbs-angehoerige\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shady spots \u2013 My dad has PTSD<\/a> is designed for children aged 4 to 14 and aims to help children understand the connections between foreign deployment, trauma and the resulting changes to family life. It is available free of charge to those affected and their families via the Protestant military chaplaincies at the various locations.<br><br>There is a \u201ewarning notice\u201c on the German Armed Forces website:<br><em>However, we strongly advise parents to only go through the children's book with their children under the guidance of professionals and not to use it on their own.<\/em>\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-408 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-409 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-410 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-411 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-412 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"bde-heading-409-413 bde-heading\">\nRisks for relatives\n<\/h2><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-414 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>It may be that relatives of soldiers suffering from a psychological post-traumatic stress disorder develop similar symptoms to those exhibited by the affected person after a certain period of time. Relatives may adopt the bad habits of the affected person: smoking, drinking, an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise. Behind this lies the need to be close to the affected person or to keep them company.<\/p><p>In addition, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can also have a negative impact on family members. The following table shows some examples of this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-416 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-409-421 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bde-image2-409-427 bde-image2\" src=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Angehoerige-EN.jpg\" alt=\"What effects symptoms of a post-deployment illness can have on the health of family members\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Angehoerige-EN.jpg 3508w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Angehoerige-EN-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Angehoerige-EN-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Angehoerige-EN-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Angehoerige-EN-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Angehoerige-EN-2048x1448.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Angehoerige-EN-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-429 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-430 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-431 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-432 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-433 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-434 bde-heading\">\nWhen compassion fatigue sets in\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-435 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>Carers or nursing staff for sick people can apply for a <em>compassion fatigue<\/em> (in English <em>Compassion fatigue<\/em>). They then experience exhaustion, grief and suffering themselves, or become overly preoccupied with the suffering of the person they are caring for. Some symptoms of compassion fatigue can be very similar to those of PTSD.<\/p><p>In people who care for someone affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, compassion fatigue manifests itself in the following ways:<\/p><ul><li>They often think about their loved one, worry about them, and are upset about their traumatic experience.<\/li><li>They suffer from sleep deprivation or disturbing dreams related to the trauma of their loved one.<\/li><li>They feel exhausted or weak most of the time.<\/li><li>You have difficulty falling asleep.<\/li><li>You are easily irritated or annoyed, even by minor issues.<\/li><li>Feeling hopeless, depressed, confined, angry about the state of one's life.<\/li><li>They feel less compassion and interest for others.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-409-442 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"bde-heading-409-443 bde-heading\">\nPreventing compassion fatigue\n<\/h4><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-444 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>To prevent compassion fatigue, the caregiver should <strong>Take regular breaks from stressful situations and practise self-care.<\/strong>. This includes focusing on your own well-being as often as possible and spending time on activities and with people who are good for your soul.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-409-445 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"bde-heading-409-446 bde-heading\">\nImportant self-care measures include\n<\/h4><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-447 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<ul><li>ensure sufficient sleep;<\/li><li>pay attention to healthy eating;<\/li><li>Regular exercise: just 10 minutes of exercise a day can reduce stress and boost your energy levels.<\/li><\/ul><p><br \/>In addition, it is advisable to regularly assess your own well-being and, if necessary, <strong>Possibilities for relief<\/strong> to <strong>search<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-409-448 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"bde-heading-409-449 bde-heading\">\nMeasures to ease the burden of coping with everyday life can include:\n<\/h4><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-450 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<ul><li>ensure sufficient sleep;<\/li><li>pay attention to healthy eating;<\/li><li>Regular exercise: just 10 minutes of exercise a day can reduce stress and boost your energy levels.<\/li><\/ul><p><br \/>In addition, it is advisable to regularly assess your own well-being and, if necessary, <strong>Possibilities for relief<\/strong> to <strong>search<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-grid-409-451 bde-grid\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-452 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Sharing responsibility<\/strong><\/p><p>You don't have to do everything on your own. Usually, there are people in your family or circle of friends who are willing and able to take on some of the responsibility and tasks.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-453 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Simplify tasks<\/strong><\/p><p>There may be ways and means of simplifying daily routines.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-454 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Find balance<\/strong><\/p><p>Spiritual, religious, or voluntary activities help many people find comfort, meaning, and a sense of connection.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-455 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p><strong>Learn<\/strong><\/p><p>Participating in courses such as stress management, aggression management, couple communication or parenting seminars can provide perspectives for dealing with problems more effectively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-437 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-438 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-439 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      Relatives of members of the German Armed Forces who suffer from a mental illness resulting from their service and who require support can find help via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundeswehr-netz.de\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Netzwerk der Hilfe<\/a> or our <a href=\"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/knowledge\/offers-of-assistance\/#f%C3%BCr%20Angeh%C3%B6rige\">Support services for relatives<\/a> suitable contacts.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-462 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-463 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-464 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-465 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-466 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-409-467 bde-heading\">\nDomestic violence\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-rich-text-409-468 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<p>Trauma can cause the affected person to lose control of stressful emotions such as anger or rage and hurt themselves or others. This can lead to verbal or physical aggression: loud shouting, pushing or shoving. This behaviour is known as <em>domestic violence <\/em>falls.<\/p><p><strong>Violent assaults should never be excused or tolerated. <\/strong>Not even if the person who becomes violent is under psychological stress. Nevertheless, domestic violence often goes unreported for a long time. In many cases, a spiral of apologies and reconciliation followed by renewed outbreaks of violence ensues before the victim finds the courage to call the police or seek other forms of help.<\/p><p>For their own safety, family members of a person prone to violence should definitely develop an emergency plan so that they can react quickly in an emergency. It is important to practise the measures and regularly check that they are suitable for use in real life.<\/p><p>The following overview lists the most important <strong>Key points for an emergency plan in cases of domestic violence <\/strong>listed:<\/p><ul><li>Find a safe place in your home that you can go to when a conflict becomes too heated.<\/li><li>Avoid places where there are potentially dangerous objects, such as the kitchen.<\/li><li>Avoid places that have no exit, such as a bathroom or a closet.<\/li><li>Think of a code word that can serve as an emergency signal for people you trust. Tell these people in advance that they should get help immediately as soon as you use this code word.<\/li><li>Pack a bag with essential items in case you need to leave quickly. This should include: copies of important documents such as ID cards, driving licence, health insurance card, birth certificate and, if applicable, medical records documenting previous injuries. Set aside some cash. Hide all these items in a place where your partner cannot find them.<\/li><li>Make a list of people and organisations you can call in an emergency. Memorise important telephone numbers in case you do not have your own telephone with you.<\/li><li>Confide in someone. You do not need to discuss the details, but it is beneficial to have someone who understands the basics of your situation and whom you can turn to for support in the future.<\/li><li>Consider whether you might want to arrange with your neighbours that they should call the police if they hear loud noises or an argument coming from your flat.<\/li><li>Consider whether you want to speak to a supervisor at your workplace so that they can help you with safety planning at work.<\/li><\/ul><p>If there are children in the household, safety precautions should also be taken for them:<\/p><ul><li>Tell your child about a safe place they can go to when conflicts at home become heated. Practise escape routes with your child.<\/li><li>Teach your child who to call in an emergency. Help them memorise important emergency telephone numbers. Explain very clearly how and when to get help.<\/li><li>Some children may try to intervene in an argument or fight between their parents in order to protect one parent. This puts the child at risk of being hurt themselves. Teach your child not to get involved in an argument. Tell your child what to do if a serious argument breaks out: go to a safe place and call emergency numbers.<\/li><li>Talk to the child and listen to them. Most children want an opportunity to talk about how they feel. Try to talk honestly about the situation without frightening the child. A child wants to be sure that they can believe and trust you.<\/li><li>Explain to the child that the violent altercation is not their fault and that they are not responsible for the behaviour of adults.<\/li><li>Keep reminding the child that violence is wrong and does not solve problems.<\/li><li>Seek help for the child if you are unable to resolve conflicts within the family yourself.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-483 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider-409-484 bde-fancy-divider\">\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"bde-fancy-divider__separator has-content\">\n  \t    \t    \t          <h4 class=\"bde-fancy-divider__content bde-fancy-divider__content--text\">\n          Further information\n          <\/h4>\n    \t      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-icon-list-409-485 bde-icon-list\">\n<ul>\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M256 512A256 256 0 1 0 256 0a256 256 0 1 0 0 512zM216 336h24V272H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24h48c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v88h8c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24s-10.7 24-24 24H216c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24zm40-208a32 32 0 1 1 0 64 32 32 0 1 1 0-64z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      <em>Domestic violence<\/em> describes violent assaults within a current, disintegrating or dissolved partnership or between persons who are related to each other and\/or live in the same household. The violence can be physical, sexual, psychological or economic in nature.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      In the event of an acute threat of domestic violence, you should immediately call the police on the free emergency number 110 for your own protection.<br><br>Women who experience violence can seek advice and help by calling the Violence Against Women Helpline on the toll-free number 08000 \u2013 116 016. Available 365 days a year, around the clock, confidential and anonymous.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  \n              \n    <li>\n              <div class='bde-icon-list__item-wrapper'>\n      \n      <span class='bde-icon-list__icon' aria-hidden='true'>\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" width=\"128px\" height=\"128px\"><path d=\"M 24.84375 3.4375 C 24.539063 3.484375 24.273438 3.667969 24.125 3.9375 L 0.125 45.5 C -0.0546875 45.8125 -0.0546875 46.195313 0.128906 46.503906 C 0.308594 46.8125 0.640625 47.003906 1 47 L 49 47 C 49.359375 47.003906 49.691406 46.8125 49.871094 46.503906 C 50.054688 46.195313 50.054688 45.8125 49.875 45.5 L 25.875 3.9375 C 25.671875 3.570313 25.257813 3.371094 24.84375 3.4375 Z M 25 6.4375 L 47.25 45 L 2.75 45 Z M 23.84375 18.90625 C 23.628906 18.90625 23.5 19.035156 23.5 19.25 L 23.5 33.71875 C 23.5 33.933594 23.628906 34.09375 23.84375 34.09375 L 26.15625 34.09375 C 26.371094 34.09375 26.5 33.933594 26.5 33.71875 L 26.5 19.25 C 26.5 19.035156 26.371094 18.90625 26.15625 18.90625 Z M 23.625 36.96875 C 23.492188 37.019531 23.4375 37.152344 23.4375 37.3125 L 23.4375 39.9375 C 23.4375 40.152344 23.566406 40.28125 23.78125 40.28125 L 26.21875 40.28125 C 26.433594 40.28125 26.5625 40.152344 26.5625 39.9375 L 26.5625 37.3125 C 26.5625 37.097656 26.433594 36.96875 26.21875 36.96875 L 23.78125 36.96875 C 23.726563 36.96875 23.667969 36.953125 23.625 36.96875 Z\"\/><\/svg>\n      <\/span>\n      <span class='bde-icon-list__text' >\n      If you fear domestic violence, you should build up your own personal support network. This includes a list of contact details for all trustworthy people and institutions whose help you can and want to call on. Keep this list up to date at all times. This will give you quick access to a functioning support network when you need urgent help.\n      <\/span>\n              <\/div>\n      \n    <\/li>\n\n  <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-409-207 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-409-208 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-209 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-210 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-409-211 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-columns-409-212 bde-columns\"><div class=\"bde-column-409-213 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-button-409-214 bde-button\">\n        \n    \n    \n    \n    \n            \n                    \n            \n            \n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    <a class=\"breakdance-link button-atom button-atom--custom bde-button__button\" href=\"\/en\/knowledge\/professional-assistance\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\"  >\n\n    \n        <span class=\"button-atom__text\">Professional assistance<\/span>\n\n                            \n        \n                <\/a>\n\n    \n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-215 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-button-409-216 bde-button\">\n        \n    \n    \n    \n    \n            \n                    \n            \n            \n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    <a class=\"breakdance-link button-atom button-atom--custom bde-button__button\" href=\"\/en\/knowledge\/guide\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\"  >\n\n    \n        <span class=\"button-atom__text\">Guide<\/span>\n\n                            \n        \n                <\/a>\n\n    \n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-column-409-217 bde-column\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Information page on the topic of living with post-traumatic stress disorder, its effects and what can be done about it.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1874,"parent":137,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-409","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=409"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2304,"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/409\/revisions\/2304"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/137"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angriff-auf-die-seele.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}