PTSD & Relationships

How do you know if your partner is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

How does this affect the relationship?

PTSD doesn’t have to come from war experiences.

PTSD can come from traumatic childhood experiences or abusive relationships.

The trauma doesn’t have to happen to a person directly. PTSD can occur from witnessing trauma to someone else, especially to another parent or sibling or your own child.

How does this effect an adult relationship now?

The person suffering with PTSD maybe filled with shame and guilt going as far back as childhood. They may believe they don’t deserve to have their needs met.

They may also pull away from their partner to avoid getting close and hold strong to being independent and relying only on themselves.

If the partner with PTSD suffered childhood sexual abuse, physical intimacy can retraumatise them.

The affected partner may harbour internal anger and frustrations which look like distance, being critical or abusive.

The partner with PTSD may appear as overreacting in small arguments or may pull away during conflict.

They may also become every dependent on their partner and may pull away from those that do not understand PTSD because they feel unsupported.

The partner with PTSD may re-experience trauma through nightmares, memories, or intrusive thoughts, places and smells.

They are easily startled and even exhibit angry outbursts.

Physical intimacy may cause anxiety and distress.

To help your partner, try not to give advice. Let your partner know when they’re ready to talk, you’re there to listen. Don’t push them to talk about trauma.

Recognise your partner’s triggers and work on minimising these for them.

If loud noises affect them, avoid sudden outbursts even of excitement or loud tones.

Remember; your partner has been damaged emotionally and psychologically. They’re not deliberately trying to damage the relationship.

Try to show compassion and empathy.

If you feel you are out of your depth in the relationship please click on the link below for support for both of you.