How can I support my man with war ptsd?

Question

I am seeing a veteran who has a war ptsd. He was sent to Afghanistan twice where he witnessed the worst of humanities. While he was able to pull himself through 8 years later, he still deals with his ptsd daily. I love this man and I would like to support him through this but I have no idea how. Any advice?

Answer

my husband and i both have PTSD, he has the form where he actually believes he’s still there. full on will call me by my last name, thinks he’s still my sgt, he’s yanked me by my bun a couple of times to “get me down below deck”. he hasn’t had an episode in a year and has been cleared to go back to his civilian job. therapy helped him a lot, we use the 5 senses method, when either of us start to disassociate we have to remind each other to get ahold of reality. i tell him “smell the air, it doesn’t smell like XYZ.” and he does the same, and we go down the list. it’s all about keeping reality REALITY. i don’t have PTSD as extreme as him, i have panic attacks and nightmares and anything can set it off. i’m terrified of being alone or getting phone calls and the depression has been really hard to manage. but just being there for each other, offering kind words, hearing how we each perceive our PTSD helps. just knowing we’re not alone and we’re safe, helps

Answer

If you truly love him and you want to be that person that helps him get through, then you have to be patient, you have to listen when he’s having a moment. It might help for the two of you to go to counseling together so you can get some guidance how to specifically help him. Just tell him, that you love him and you know he struggles sometimes but when he’s ready to talk about it, you’re there waiting. When he has a hard time and he just needs some love or comfort or something, that you want him to feel comfortable in leaning on you. In the end, it’ll make your relationship so strong! And if you’re both committed, your relationship will be untouchable

Answer

My brother is in the military and has admitted seeing the worst stuff but he never ever goes past that. He doesn’t open up about it all and I wouldn’t either if he has and seen really bad stuff. I have found to just be there making sure he knows you’re a safe space to talk. I know it’s a different relationship than me and my brother obviously since were family. I just really suggest on his bad days just say hey I’m here and let him come to you! Just be there and i wouldn’t dig too deep if he’s not ready to talk.

How can I support my man with war ptsd?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey