My boyfriend has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its really hard to tell the difference when he is being a jerk because of that or just because he feels like it! Also I dont know what i can do to make his little spells better for him? Any ideas?
2007-12-31 05:24:07 · 5 answers · asked by Bobbie M 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
yeah, it's REALLY hard sometimes to tell if a person is just being a guy (or being a jerk, which is usually different), or it's caused by PTSD.
Sometimes we can't tell, and just have to do the best we can at being understanding. However, people do still have some control over their actions and reactions, even if they have PTSD. The exceptions are if he/or she is in a fugue or memory state (like a flashback) or "dissociation" state, where the person does not have a grasp of current reality (time, place, circumstance).
You don't say what kind of PTSD he has.
Combat PTSD is different from say, PTSD from being in Hurricaine Katrina.
Childhood PTSD (if the trauma was severe enough, and believe me, I have heard some horrible stories that no one would want to hear...) can be as severe as Combat PTSD but some features are different.
If he does not have help and a specialist (psychologist or psych doc) experienced in PTSD treatment, he needs one.
Sometimes it's hard to get people to go for treatment.
Things to do for yourself: keep doing hobbies, outings with friends/ family, and thingsdo you love. This will give you some fun, perspective, and other things to keep your mind healthy and lend emotional support.
See links below.
Best wishes.
2008-01-04 02:14:31 · answer #1 · answered by Tanya968 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He needs to see a therapist to work through his PTSD of he will NEVER heal.
2007-12-31 06:36:25 · answer #2 · answered by La-Te-Da 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi--Whether he wants help or not, that would probably be in his best interest.Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder can be very effective and help you regain a sense of control over your life. With successful treatment, you can also feel better about yourself and learn ways to cope if any symptoms arise again.
Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment often includes both medications and psychotherapy. This combined approach can help improve your symptoms and teach you skills to cope better with the traumatic event and its aftermath.
Medications:
Several types of medications can help symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder get better. Antidepressants can help symptoms of both depression and anxiety. They can also help improve sleep problems and improve your concentration. Anti-anxiety medications also can improve feelings of anxiety and stress.
Which medications are best for you depends on your specific symptoms and situation. You and your doctor will work together to find medications that work well and have the fewest side effects. It may take a few tries. But you may see an improvement in your mood and other symptoms within a few weeks. Be sure to tell your health care professional about any side effects or problems you have with the medications, as you may be able to try something different.
Psychotherapy:
Several forms of therapy may be used to treat both children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. Which form is best for you depends on your symptoms and situation. You may try one type and then a different type of therapy, or combine elements of several. You may also try individual therapy, group therapy or both. Group therapy can offer a way to connect to others going through similar experiences.
Some types of therapy used in PTSD treatment include:
Cognitive therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy
Exposure therapy
All these approaches can help you gain control of the fear and distress that happen after a traumatic event. They can help you learn more about why you have certain feelings and thoughts, and how to replace them with more positive and realistic thinking. You may also gain skills in stress management and healthy coping. Through psychotherapy, you learn ways to cope so that you don't feel overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings related to your traumatic experience. The type of therapy that may be best for you depends on a number of factors that you and your health care professional can discuss.
Medications and psychotherapy also can help you if you've developed other problems related to your traumatic experience, such as depression, anxiety, alcohol or substance abuse. You don't have to try to handle the burden of PTSD on your own.
2007-12-31 05:31:42 · answer #3 · answered by 777 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Does he take anything for it? There are meds now that can help.
2007-12-31 05:31:10 · answer #4 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would just laugh and not care. Why should we worry about things that cannot be controlled?
2007-12-31 05:28:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋