The Resilience of Military Children

Warriors Unmasked: Changing the Narrative on Military Mental Health

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Caitlin Bixby shares her story about her resilient military child, Grayson. Caitlin and her husband are a dual military couple in the United States Navy. Grayson was born prematurely at 29 weeks due to Caitlin's severe pre-eclampsia. He spent 11 months in the NICU, undergoing multiple surgeries and treatments. Caitlin discusses the challenges of being a parent in the NICU, feeling alone and depressed, and the importance of getting connected and seeking support. She also emphasizes that every child is unique and grows at their own pace.
Takeaways
Military children are incredibly resilient, but they are not stronger or more resilient simply because they are part of a military family.
Parents of children in the NICU often feel alone and depressed, especially in the military community, where they may not have family or friends nearby.
Getting connected and seeking support is crucial for parents in the NICU. This can include joining support groups, reaching out to other parents, and utilizing resources provided by hospitals and organizations.
Every child is unique and grows at their own pace. It's important not to compare their development to other children's milestones.
Donating breast milk to a milk bank can make a significant difference for NICU babies who cannot breastfeed.
Building resiliency in military children involves creating a supportive community and providing resources and opportunities for growth and development.
Sound Bites
"Leaving your child in the NICU without bringing them home, your first child especially, it's the worst thing ever."
"Get connected. The biggest way to build resiliency is to get connected."
"Consider donating to a milk bank for NICU babies. Even a few ounces can make a huge difference."