Most people have heard about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but may not be aware that it affects military veterans more frequently than civilians. This is because military personnel are exposed to intense situations that can leave them feeling helpless and powerless. The aftermath of these experiences often manifests itself in flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative mood changes, hypervigilance, and increased anxiety levels. These symptoms can also lead to relationship difficulties between partners who struggle to understand why their loved one's emotional state seems so unpredictable.
Trauma-Related Triggers
Trauma-related triggers can be anything that reminds a person of their traumatic experience, such as loud noises, sudden movements, bright lights, enclosed spaces, crowds, or being startled. It can cause an individual to feel anxious, scared, angry, or overwhelmed without warning, leading to an extreme reaction called "fight, flight, or freeze." When this happens, it can interfere with moments of closeness when they would normally relax and open up emotionally with their partner. This can create tension and distance in the relationship.
Navigating Triggers
When navigating triggers, partners must first learn how to recognize when their loved one is having a flashback or other trigger reaction. They need to provide support by listening and understanding what their partner needs at that moment. It could be simply reassurance that they are safe, offering a comforting hug or touch, or helping them calm down through breathwork or deep pressure stimulation techniques. Partners should also refrain from judgment or criticism during these times. It helps if both individuals know each other's love language and use nonverbal cues to communicate needs.
Communication and Understanding
Communication and understanding are crucial in any relationship but even more so for those dealing with PTSD. Open communication about triggers and symptoms can help partners better understand each other and develop strategies for coping together. It allows them to set boundaries around topics that may be difficult to discuss, like past experiences, which may aggravate negative feelings. It also involves learning how to navigate conflict differently than before and avoiding blame-shifting or gaslighting behaviors.
Self-Care and Support Systems
Self-care is essential for both individuals because PTSD affects not only the person experiencing it but also their loved ones. Taking time apart, engaging in activities outside the home, seeking professional help, and utilizing support systems like friends, family, or online communities can alleviate stress and promote overall wellbeing. This way, partners can care for themselves while still supporting each other emotionally and physically.
How do partners navigate the unpredictability of veterans' emotional states when trauma-related triggers interfere with moments of closeness?
Partners play an important role in helping their loved ones cope with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When a partner is struggling with PTSD, it can be difficult for both parties to find balance and maintain intimacy in the relationship. This is especially true when the condition causes unexpected mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and other symptoms that make it hard to predict what may trigger an episode.