Post-traumatic stress disorder, referred to as PTSD, is a mental health condition individuals suffer from after experiencing a life-threatening or violent event. Individuals who experience military combat, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, assault, or serious accidents often experience this condition. Symptoms of PTSD vary widely from person to person, but some common symptoms include the ones listed below.
- Engaging in high risk, addictive behaviors such as high-risk sexual situations, substance abuse, or gambling.
- A feeling of “numbness,” where one no longer feels the normal spectrum of common emotions like happiness or grief.
- People who suffer from PTSD experience a lot of anxiety, and can feel like they are unable to relax. Irritability and being easily startled are also common symptoms of PTSD.
- Reliving the traumatic experience. Many people who suffer from PTSD experience nightmares about their traumatic experience. They can have flashbacks and be easily triggered by certain situations that remind them of the trauma they experienced.
- People with PTSD tend to avoid people, places, and things that remind them of the triggering event. This often means that they isolate themselves from all social situations.
The Effects of PTSD on Marriage
People who suffer from PTSD can have many marital problems as a result. PTSD can impact a person’s ability to trust, be intimate, and communicate with their partner. Also, people who experience PTSD tend to isolate, meaning that their partner can feel a lack of connection from their loved one. Spouses of people who suffer from PTSD often feel alienated because the symptoms of the mental health condition prohibit the sufferer from being able to work through their problems. Another problem is that spouses may feel like they are doing a poor job at “fixing” their spouse. It is important to remember that people who suffer from PTSD need professional help.
Other complications of PTSD include angry outbursts and inappropriate impulses that may frighten the non-affected spouse. Spouses may even begin to feel controlled by their PTSD partner, because they are always “walking on eggshells” around them. Spouses of victims of PTSD often feel like they are living in a war zone, and may even begin to feel like they have been through a traumatic experience themselves.
While there are ways to maintain a relationship with someone who has PTSD, many spouses may feel too strained by the relationship. If an individual with PTSD neglects or even abuses their spouse, divorce may be the only viable option.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Represent People Seeking Divorce in Maryland
If you are married to someone with PTSD, you are not alone. If your spouse is aware they have a problem but refuses treatment, you should not have to suffer with them. Divorce is never an easy decision, but it is always important to do what is best for your own health and of your family. To speak with one of the experienced Towson divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, call us at 443-589-0150 or contact us online today.
