Claire Fermo takes the microphone for International women’s Day to chat with Tina Joy, lifting the lid on the military experience and PTSD from the spouse view point. As a veteran’s wife of some 33 years Tina has experienced a lot in this space and wants to create a community and support system for those who feel there is something lacking in their relationships.

With 4 children and a marriage breakdown on her plate, Tina left Melbourne to disconnect from her husbands PTSD and severe Covid lockdowns to deal with her own invisible injuries exacerbated by a wrist reconstruction after a car accident. Putting cold weather behind her Tina headed north with her children for the warmer weather and eventually hearing of a gorgeous Veterans Retreat in Gympie she headed there.

By stepping off and out of the PTSD situation, Tina was able to concentrate on her pain levels and work on her own stressed nervous system. She talks about her children with pride, the big part they play in life’s journey and the mature outlook they display at an early age dealing with a PTSD parent. “They develop a level of resilience and understanding she explains because they are in a circumstance that forces that outcome. Spouses, children and families can sometimes feel invisible like the invisible injuries they deal with in their home environment due to not being able to discuss the events of the war environment with their partners.”

Tina has started a Facebook page for spouses of partners with PTSD. Male or Female, military or first responders Tina felt there was a void in this space when she needed it and is determined to be there when others go looking. A place to connect, to gain insight, discover tools and meet new like minded friends. Maybe even to do fun stuff that is 100% NOT PTSD. Most of all, to be acknowledged for the special walk they have alongside a partner with PTSD.

Tina went on to outline some of her personal observations during her struggles, particularly regarding her children in the family dynamic. When studying pain and neutral pathways in the brain, Tina mentions she discovered that singing may have a neurological link. Tina says that it certainly seems to help her.

Contact - Tina Joy
Facebook - Those who stand beside them (Partners of veterans with PTSD)
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

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S02E07 - Tina Joy (Partners of veterans with PTSD) - Part 1 17:45 Share

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S02E07 - Tina Joy (Partners of veterans with PTSD) - Part 1