The Neptune Warrior

When a veteran lives with PTSD, the effects ripple through the entire household, often impacting the children in subtle but profound ways. Children in these families may face unique emotional and psychological challenges as they navigate the complexities of growing up in an environment marked by the unpredictability of PTSD symptoms. This could manifest as the child feeling anxious or isolated, especially if their parent experiences episodes of hypervigilance, mood swings, or withdrawal. The unpredictability of these episodes can make children feel unsure of their role in the family or lead them to adopt a caregiver mindset at an early age.

Elsie’s journey toward her Open Water Certification has been a testament to how important it is to create safe, supportive spaces for children in these situations. In our work with her over the past 18 months, we’ve made a conscious effort to move at her pace, recognizing that her diving journey reflects a broader need for patience, encouragement, and stability in her life. Through Neptune Warrior, we extend our core values of empowerment, community, and healing to children of veterans, recognizing that they too are part of the larger healing process.

Diving offers children like Elsie a unique outlet—one where they can break free from the pressures at home and find calm beneath the water’s surface. The structured, supportive environment of our programs helps them build confidence, develop skills, and experience the freedom that water provides. In an underwater world, they aren’t the child of someone with PTSD—they’re just a diver, exploring a new environment, free from judgment and the weight of their home circumstances. This therapeutic process allows children to find a sense of personal accomplishment, something that might be hard to achieve in an emotionally charged household.

Neptune Warrior’s programs also foster an environment of shared experiences, where children of veterans can connect with others who understand their journey. They learn that they aren’t alone, and their unique circumstances are acknowledged, validated, and supported by a community that truly cares. The support Elsie has received not only helped her progress toward her certification but also contributed to her personal growth, resilience, and confidence—qualities that will serve her well as she navigates life with a parent who faces the challenges of PTSD.