She goes on to explain that approximately eight percent of all people will experience PTSD at some point in their life and this number increases to about 30 percent for combat veterans.
Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the event through nightmares and flashbacks, avoiding places or people that remind one of the traumas experienced, numbing oneself with drugs or alcohol, anxiety, hypervigilance, irritable, startling easily, and addictive behaviors (excessive gambling, pornography, or substance abuse).
PTSD effects one’s mental health and often negatively impacts relationships with others. In a marriage or intimate relationship, problems can manifest with trust, closeness, intimacy, communication, decision-making, and problem solving. A PTSD spouse may feel isolated and frustrated by the difficulties with maintaining the relationship. Because it is common for there to be a loss of interest in hobbies, sex, and social outings, a partner can begin to feel a lack of connection and pushed away. This often leads to the undoing of the relationship.
There are steps that people with PTSD can take to patch up and maintain a healthy marriage:
- Individual and couples counseling
- Being open and honest with feelings
- Being respectful and compassionate
- Leaning and practicing problem-solving and communication skills
- Integrating fun and playfulness into life
- Learning relaxation techniques and engaging in them alone and together with spouse
- Being compliant with any prescribed medication
- Avoiding addictive substances such as drugs, alcohol, gambling and pornography
Treatment for PTSD in the form of therapy and medication have proven to be successful. Although there is no cure for PTSD, medication can reduce symptoms. Therapists who are trained to work with individuals with a PTSD can be a significant help for a couples.
Source:
Understanding PTSD and its Effects on Marriage - https://psychcentral.com/blog/understanding-ptsd-and-its-effects-on-marriage/
