Help! My Spouse Has PTSD

Supporting a partner with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be challenging, and there aren’t always enough resources to help spouses. These tips can help you find balance in difficult times.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric condition. It causes distress for the person experiencing it, and it can also be incredibly disruptive to partners, spouses, and families.

At Lifespan Psychiatry & Wellness Center, our mental health specialists offer compassionate and personalized care for individuals living with PTSD, as well as for the people who love them.

Many Houston, Texas, residents are able to achieve a more stable and fulfilling life through psychiatric support, and we encourage you to reach out if we can help.

What is PTSD, and how do I know if someone I love is experiencing it?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after someone has experienced a traumatic event. It is a common reaction to circumstances that are physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening.

For many years, PTSD was primarily associated with soldiers who were faced with the realities of war. But today, we recognize that a great many experiences can result in PTSD, and that people of all ages can develop it.

Here are just some of the circumstances that can lead to PTSD:

Assault
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Child abuse
Combat exposure
Being a victim of robbery
Severe illness
Natural disasters

Not everyone who experiences these things will develop PTSD. Some will experience symptoms for a period after the event, but will move on relatively quickly. For others, PTSD will develop quickly and linger for a long time.

Here are some of the symptoms of PTSD.

Intrusive thoughts, including flashbacks
Nightmares
Urge to avoid reminders of the traumatic events
Depressive symptoms
Distorted self-image
Money troubles
Feelings of shame
Irritability
Angry outbursts
Being easily startled
Sleep disruption

These symptoms can come and go, and it’s not uncommon for someone with PTSD to exhibit a number of these changes.

Supporting a spouse with PTSD can be difficult

No matter how much you love someone, the symptoms of PTSD affect more than just the individual who has the condition. Everyone in the household often experiences challenges, and it can feel as though there’s no escaping the situation.

Educate yourself on the symptoms of PTSD and how to deliver trauma-informed support. You can research the condition online or through one of the excellent books written on the subject.

You can also turn to Lifespan Psychiatry & Wellness Center to create an action plan for helping your spouse.

Another great way to help your loved one is to make sure they know that you are there to listen to their concerns and talk about anything that might be helpful.

Many people don’t want to relive the traumatic events that caused their PTSD, but they’re willing to talk about how their symptoms affect their lives.

You can also minimize known triggers. This might mean avoiding loud noises, certain scents, or crowded spaces. You can also create an action plan to manage symptoms when they arise, like creating a safe and quiet space within your home for your spouse to retreat to.

Self-care is an important aspect of supporting a spouse

As you navigate your loved one’s PTSD, don’t forget to spend some time taking care of your own mental health needs. Supporting a spouse with any mental health issue takes a toll, and it can be draining.

Taking care of your own needs is not selfish, nor is it a sign of failure. It’s a healthy habit that can help you continue assisting your spouse.

Of course, finding the right mental health professional can go a long way toward your spouse’s treatment path. But therapy can also benefit the partners of individuals with PTSD, so don’t hesitate to seek out support for your own needs.

When you’re ready to explore new treatment options for a loved one with PTSD, or you’d like to find a therapist to help you take care of yourself as you help your spouse, we are here to help.

Reach out to our team at Lifespan Psychiatry & Wellness Center to schedule a visit. We can help you book a visit online, and we also offer online booking as an option.

Telehealth visits are also a possibility, and help expand access to professional mental health support.