Although I love him very much, living with him can sometimes be extremely difficult. He is just now starting to get professional help for PTSD, after being home for a year. I was just wondering if any one could give me some advice on how to help him at home too?
I always considered myself a very patient person, but when he's throwing his "fits" as we call them, it is extremely hard for me to not lose my temper also.
2006-11-20 20:44:28 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
PTSD is such a difficult thing to deal with--for both the sufferer and those around them, as I'm sure you know. I'm glad your loved one is getting help (counceling, I hope, and meds.)
Many times, the majority of attention is paid to the sufferer and there is very little thought into how the caretaker is doing. Your health is just as important as his--you need to provide strength and have the will to help him through the roughest of times.
I dealt with PTSD a few years ago, and though it wasn't nearly as bad as the trauma of war, I'm sure, it's stil hell.
Have you ever had a nightmare where you swore it was real, then woke up and were so relieved it was just a dream? This is a diluted example of what PTSD is like--only it's all the time, day or night. He's probably reliving the trauma--people dying, constant uneasiness, being prepared for the worst at all times.
I recommend making your home as much of a sanctuary for him as possible. Put on some soothing music, light a few lavender-scented candles and keep the atmosphere as calm as possible. The key here is to limit the amount of situations where he can become startled or be reminded of his time in the military, which may be what's leading to these "fits."
Again, I'm so glad he's getting help, but be sure to monitor your health as well. If you feel overwhelmed, it might be time to see a councelor who can listen to and understand what you're going through.
Good luck!
2006-11-21 09:18:12 · answer #1 · answered by lalalola775 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there you sound like a good semaritin as well as a lover. However you will become disturbed by this as well. So the first thing is you seek outside help for yourself in order to learn how to cope with this. You may be doing everything right but that is never the case when you are involved and not objective. Co-dependency is not a myth. After he gets well you will be traumatised and he will not be able to deal with you and then what? You both should seek help apart and together if it is that serious. And they should be psychologists with the experience of these types of problems.
2006-11-21 04:53:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Losing your temper is the last thing you want to do.
He requires compassion. He is very traumatized and scared and needs tenderness, not a lost temper.
However, if his "fits" are loud and feel dangerous to you then you need to get away from them. Don't get caught up in his dramas.
He needs to work through them in his own way, at his own pace.
2006-11-21 04:48:37 · answer #3 · answered by ontheroadagainwithoutyou 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should see a qualified professional too. First off, to give you good advice on how to support your partner, and second, to help you with the emotional strain that this is no doubt putting you under.
2006-11-21 04:47:46 · answer #4 · answered by Victoria 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he can get help but remember their are lots of people who claim they have it just to get compensation so they will do a series of tests to find out for sure, so they can tell the genuine people from those who are not. i am sure you are.
2006-11-21 05:15:29 · answer #5 · answered by guysmithdenise 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋