Loving Someone with PTSD: The Art of Surviving in a Marriage
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD is a very common disease among people in the United States, most people develop this in the early stages of their life after undergoing a traumatic event. Others might develop the disorder over time when something tragic or unsettling happens to them. While the illness is pretty difficult to manage on a daily basis, being married to someone who has it can be pretty tough too.
Their response to your love, care, and affection would be something you might not expect. No matter how many PTSD books you gulp down in pursuit to learn about how to deal with your partner, you will learn most of the reality through your own experiences.
We have put together some ways that you can make your spouse feel important, ease their suffering, and love them unconditionally despite their inner battles. Let’s begin!
Be Considerate
We know marriage can get tough and there are days you just want to throw your hands up in the air, quit, and leave – but would that fix the problem? You need to be considerate of the situations, their feelings, and yourself. Ask them what they need, ask yourself what you need to do to feel better, and choose to work on the relationship.
Love the Person, Accept the Illness
Luis Trivino in his new book, A Notebook of Love, talks about how it’s important to learn how to love a person, despite their flaws. Whether someone has a devastating mental health illness or is just generally down – accept their flaws, and learn to love them anyway.
Communication is Key
With communication, you can solve the biggest of the world’s problems. All you have to do is make sure to tell the person you love your problems, ask about theirs, and try to resolve whatever issues may pertain through dialogues.
Be Ready to Help
We know you’re trying your best, but sometimes, all you need is external interference. When you and your spouse feel that it is getting too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to suggest external help. Ask them if they would be willing to reach out for help, assess if you need some too, and then get some together.
Luis Trivino in his new book, A Notebook of Love talks about his journey with PTSD and his wife having PTSD and other mental health problems such as bipolar disorder. He talks about how much effort goes into developing marriage and keeping it steady. Learn all about it by buying his eBook about mental trauma and more!