Living in the Crossfire: Navigating PTSD as a Family
The past few weeks have had its ups and downs. They’ve been the kind of days that remind me just how layered and unpredictable life can feel when you’re living in a family deeply affected by PTSD. For us, it’s not just a diagnosis—it’s a constant undercurrent shaping how we communicate, love, and, sometimes, how we fight to hold everything together.
It started with what seemed like an ordinary moment—a misunderstanding over where something is placed. Voices raised, and suddenly the peaceful afternoon I had envisioned spiraled into tension and frustration. One of the kids lashed out, their emotions spilling over like a shaken soda can. And then my husband, who has been working tirelessly to manage his PTSD, was triggered. His voice joined the crescendo, frustration and hurt flooding the room.
I wanted to freeze time. To pause everything long enough to figure out how to de-escalate the situation and calm everyone down, myself included. But life doesn’t come with a pause button, does it?
We’ve been through these moments before. And while they’re never easy, they have taught me a lot about resilience, patience, and grace. Living with PTSD in the household is like walking a tightrope—you try balance everyone’s needs while navigating a minefield of triggers.
The teen and young adult, still figuring out their own emotions, sometimes feel like they’re carrying the weight of what they don’t yet fully understand. The outbursts are a mix of confusion and a deep desire to be seen, heard, and loved. My role as their mother often feels like a mediator, a coach, and a calm presence in the storm.
My husband, on the other hand, carries a different burden. His journey with PTSD has been long and complex, and while he’s made incredible strides, there are still days when the past comes rushing back in ways that none of us expect. The frustration he feels when experiencing a trigger that leads to an elevated response is often followed by an apology, and that cycle can be just as painful for him as it is for us.
In those moments, I remind myself: we’re all doing the best we can with what we have. I’ve learned to offer grace—to the kids, to my husband, and even to myself. I’ve also learned the power of stepping back and breathing before responding. Sometimes, the most important thing I can do is create space for everyone to feel what they need to feel without judgment.
After the storm passed this time, we sat together in the quiet. Apologies were exchanged—not just from them to me, but from me to them. Because let’s be honest, even as adults, we don’t always get it right. I reminded the kids that it’s okay to have big feelings, but it’s important to express them in ways that don’t hurt others. And I reminded my husband, as I always do, that his progress is worth celebrating, even on the hard days.
Through it all, I cling to this scripture from the bible also in the 30 day family devotional ,Together in the Trenches:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
This verse is an anchor for me in the hardest moments. It reminds me that even in the chaos, we are not alone. God’s presence surrounds us, offering comfort and strength when we feel like we’ve reached the end of ourselves.
Living as a family that navigates PTSD is messy, but it’s also beautiful in its own way. It forces us to confront our vulnerabilities, to lean into forgiveness, and to grow together. Every outburst, every tear, every reconciliation—it all becomes part of our story.
Today, I hold onto the hope that tomorrow will be a little easier. Not because the challenges will disappear, but because we’re learning how to face them as a team. We’re not perfect, but we’re in this together—and that makes all the difference.
To those who are walking a similar journey: You’re not alone. The struggles are real, but so is the love that binds us to the ones we fight for. Keep holding on, one day at a time.
With Gratitude,
Jasmine Rush
