Almost 8% of the population will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
While it’s common for people who have served in the military to experience PTSD, it can also be experienced by a person who goes through any number of traumas.
PTSD can put a strain on even the strongest relationships if you don’t know how to treat it properly.
It’s important you learn the best way to deal with PTSD and marriage early in the relationship so you can have a meaningful union.
Do Not Force Them to Talk
Not all PTSD sufferers will want to talk about the traumatic experience they went through.
It’s understandable that their spouse you’re curious about their past and want to hear about the thing that caused them pain. However, for them, talking about the experience could trigger PTSD symptoms and other mental health issues.
Don’t push them to talk about it with you if they decline.
On the flip side, if they do open up about it, be a good listener and listen without judgment. Don’t tell them they’re overreacting, as you didn’t experience it as they did. Respect their need for quiet and alone time is they ask for it.
Establish a Routine
Routines are comfortable for people with PTSD. They generally like stability and a life of routine helps free them from triggers.
Incorporate health and wellness into your daily routine. Physical activities like running help reduce stress hormones and allow people to relax.
Ten minutes of morning yoga can also calm your spouse and prepare them for the day ahead.
It’s best to avoid loud surprises, like fireworks or creeping up behind them for a hug. Every person has their own triggers, so identify what they are for your spouse and take care not to do those things as much as possible.
Get Professional Help
Don’t carry the weight of loving someone with PTSD alone. It’s very likely you don’t have the psychological training necessary to help your spouse.
It’s important to encourage your spouse to get the counseling he or she needs.
Individual counseling services will enable your spouse to open up about their trauma to a third party who won’t judge them. They will be able to work through any repressed feelings they have and ideally improve their PTSD symptoms.
Couples counseling is a great choice too if you want to work through issues in your relationship that might be caused by caring for someone with PTSD.
Now You Know the Tricks for Succeeding at PTSD and Marriage
Accept that your partner has PTSD and that for you, PTSD and marriage go hand in hand.
The important thing is that you love them well and listen to their emotional needs. If you do this, you will have a happier marriage for the rest of your life.
Understanding techniques for stabilizing stress and anxiety is important for living with someone with PTSD. Check out our article full of these tips here.