Partners with PTSD?

Question

Anyone who is married to or in a long term relationship with someone with PTSD/other mental health issues? How do you handle it?

I've been married to my husband (combat vet with PTSD, OCD & TBIs) for 4.5 years and while the physical things are getting better, the mental health aspect is not really getting any better. How do you deal with it when you don't know whether the things they say and way they act is because of their mental illness or because they are just being cruel?

Sorry, hard to put into words without going into a long, drawn out explanation

Answer

My husband goes through spurts where he is really depressed. His PTSD is not too severe. I've noticed it's worse when things at home or in his social life are off. The feeling of loneliness really effects him. So I try my best to keep home happy and take away that lonely feeling.

Answer

I'm the one with PTSD and for me personally,  my behavior can absolutely be controlled. If I'm behaving a certain way, it's not something I blame on my mental health. I know my triggers and so does my husband. If I'm having an episode, we both know what that looks like. It has never included saying hurtful things or lashing out at others. Can you speak to his doctor or therapist?

Answer

My husband did two tours in Iraq before we met. I had known of PTSD before hand but have never dealt with it. His was/sometimes still is more so when he's sleeping/dreaming. I learned very quick to move fast if he started swinging or kicking. When it comes to the depression just me being there and catering extra to him is what helps.

Answer

It's not easy, my fiance has PTSD as well as other mental health problems (major depression being one). Some days are good & some are bad, best thing you can do is let him know that you love him & be there when he needs you. You can make sure he's taking his meds, going to therapy or doctor appointments. You can't force him to be happy or get over it, but you can be there to offer love & support.

Answer

I have non cost related ptsd. Sometimes we don't realize how raw what we're seeing is coming across. Honestly, I'm not sure why my husband has stuck around. In not able to leave the house by myself due to severe anxiety. If he's not in any mental health care, it could help. It it's a hard disorder to treat for some. Hope you find some answers soon.

Answer

My husband was in a horrible car accident about 2 years before I met him, leaving him with a catastrophic brain injury. It took 4 doctors to determine he had PTSD due to him having night terrors and violent outbursts from him receiving flashbacks of the accident.

Now after therapy and the right medication he is able to control it most times and I now can sleep during the night without being woken up numerous times from him having said outbursts.

That being said he's a great father and husband!

Answer

Is he still seeing mental health? N is he being treated for it all? It's a long process. How long ago did he return?

All I can explain is I'm active duty military and we all deal with things in a different way. It is a hard adjustment back after war. It also is a hard adjustment getting out. I'm in process of getting out and it scares the hell out of me. So if he just returned n just got out he may b dealing with a lot. He may have some grief or guilt from getting out. He may have a hard time adjusting n doesn't want to tell u bc some spouses take it that they r struggling bc they don't wanna b home with them when that isn't true we want to b home more then u can know but it's still a adjustment.

Try talking with him and see if he will open up about what goes on in his head. Not making excuses for him bc he shouldn't b being mean. Just trying to help u understand that there r feelings with coming home and getting out. Not sure what he is seen but I know many who have come home and gotten out and felt like they abandoned their team n left ones they lost down range n feel they shud b over there fighting for what they started. It's hard to get invested in a mission n then one day just walk away from it n return home.

Answer

My husband has recently been diagnosed with bipolar and add. We have been together for 8 almost 9 years. It is really hard to deal with his behavior sometimes and almost geeks like it's pushing me over the edge. His doctor finally talked hun into trying couples counseling. With the medicine he is now taking and the counseling is helping so much with our marriage. I highly suggest it. Sometimes we do individual sessions but mostly together. The doctor also prescribed me a non narcotic nerve pills and that helps me to deal with him.

Partners with PTSD?

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