Married with PTSD

This powerful presentation offers an unfiltered look into the daily realities of a married couple navigating life with severe post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, medical disabilities, and the very real challenges of marriage—a.k.a. communication.

Meg Hawkins and Eric Provow, both veteran first responders, have been married for over eleven years. Their shared passion for service and mental health advocacy is rooted in a simple but vital message: it’s okay to not be okay—and asking for help is a sign of strength, not a weakness. That message is felt throughout every part of their story.

Meg first met Eric on a call—where he unsuccessfully attempted one of the worst female-cop “handcuff” pickup lines imaginable. He crashed and burned. Years later, they were formally introduced by a mutual friend, became engaged within two months of dating, and were married just six months after meeting. At that time, Eric had been retired from the special operations military community for more than seven years and had lived undiagnosed and untreated with PTSD for over a decade.

On January 7, 2017, a seemingly small disagreement changed everything. Eric left their home, turned off his phone, and spent hours contemplating suicide. That night became a defining turning point in both of their lives.

The presentation begins with Eric courageously sharing his story—his traumatic childhood, combat military service, ongoing struggles with PTSD, addiction, moral injury, and depression. His vulnerability sets the foundation for an honest conversation about trauma and survival.

Meg then shares what it is like to live alongside someone with severe PTSD, prior suicide attempts, and addiction. With 22 years in law enforcement and more than a decade of marriage to Eric—she’s not entirely sure which has felt longer—Meg brings attention to a perspective that is consistently overlooked: the spouses, partners, and loved ones of first responders and veterans. She speaks for the caregivers who quietly shoulder the weight of trauma, constantly carefully navigating every minute with their partner, and most importantly putting their own needs last. Meg highlights the urgent need to support the mental and physical health of these “Silent Warriors” who stand beside first responders and veterans every day.

Together, Meg and Eric offer a raw, honest, and at times stormy—but ultimately hopeful—account of their journey. They openly discuss various treatment modalities, hard conversations, and self-care strategies that helped them survive their darkest moments.

Throughout the presentation, some of what you hear may be uncomfortable. You may wonder if they are still struggling—individually or together. The answer is honest: yes, at times, just like everyone else. Meg and Eric share their story with vulnerability and authenticity, emphasizing that healing is not about perfection—it’s about progress and growth. That belief is why they continue to engage in therapy, both individually and as a couple, and why they continue to show up, speak out, and help others feel less alone.