Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

merry--check out the Facing Our Fears group. there is a lot of good PTSD info there--including from a veteran who deals with it daily.

Merry - Many people have PTSD for a variety of reasons.

A very effective treatment is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Talk to your doctor about finding someone who professional trained.

Thanks, I'll be right there, it's alot to deal with all by myself. He says that I'm his strength , hopefully this is where I can get some help with this.

Thanks Happy, I think I know someone who is trained for that.

I am also a Vietnam veteran. I have been diagnosed with PTSD for many years. I am on medication and have a standing 6 month evaluation. I like your husband do not talk about my experience there. My Pschologist said,"I need to open up about it. Because until I do, a portion of my life will always be stuck in that time frame of life." So be it then. I spent 10 months of a 12 month tour in the jungle and forward operating areas. I have surpressed alot. I still have no desire to discuss any of it.

You do the right thing. When ever your hubby starts, remove yourself asap. Never try to wake him up. You never know what is to follow. My wife gets up and heads to the couch for a while. She is very understanding about it all. Thank God for that.

As I am told, there are many "triggers" that set things in motion. We have depressed so many memories, and it is our sub consious mind trying to help us deal with the "hidden" things. You are so wise in how you approach this.

And it is not just a veterans problems. Who ever has suffered trauma in their lives most likely will deal with PTSD.

I am told time will take care of it. The government has a very good booklet on it. I got one from the V.A. hospital here where I live. It is written for the family of the person who is suffering from PTSD, and is very informative. Also check out the web sites that deal with PTSD.

You are very important to him, trust that. It is what we suffer alone with in ourselves. Knowing a loved one is there helps a lot.

Hope this helps some what.

Seek therapy. Something called "bilateral stimulation" really helps. Very few pdocs know how to do it as it requires special equipment and skills. It really really works! If ya want more info email me. PTSD or any form of trauma induces stress is not gonna go away on its own!

Michael V: This was a really helpful post on this topic and it is great to hear someone who has been there share it! Thank you!