From the Mailbag

An Army wife sends in this question:

I wanted to ask you about something, looking for a bit of advice. I think my husband might be suffering from PTSD and I'm not sure what to do. I've looked up the symptoms and he definitely does fit them. I was wondering if maybe it can be brought up in one of the topics because I am curious as to how other spouses went about handling the situation as far as seeking help.

Each family is different and one size does not fit all, but have any of you been in this situation? If so, how did you handle it?

Related PTSD posts:

SBTR segment on PTSD with Dr. Roca

Quiet Panic

Homecoming

Comments

[plibarmywife]

Only with son. and he recognized it himself and went for eval and treatment. I know of others who refuse to see it, until almost an intervention was done, and they were forced to look at it. The spouse was able to get the rest of the family to assist, but the kicker was the fellow soldier who also told him that he had a problem.

Good luck, and don't give up trying.

LAW

[Ambone]

My boyfriend and brother both suffer from PTSD. My boyfriend had to go through a year or so of HELL and hit rock bottom (becoming severely suicidal) before crawling to the VA for help. Thank GOD he did! He now attends a weekly Group at the local Vet Center that helps him deal with various issues. Also, just admitting, and recognizing the symptoms has helped him face his issues. He is a completely different man now. He still suffers symptoms (nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, hightend alertness, startles easily...etc.) but he is more comfortable with himself and has a strong comrodarie with the vets he has gotten to know at the Vet Center.
I wish you luck and pray he seeks help sooner than later...