Ptsd can cause a change in feelings towards partner?

[CJ33]

Is it common that some people who are suffering from PTSD can go from being happy in a relationship to not wanting to be in one at all? Also, can it cause emotional numbness or no longer feeling "in love" and not knowing why their feelings for their partner have changed?

 

[Friday]

Yes.

PTSD Diagnosis - What is PTSD? Understand The Signs of PTSD
D. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:

1. Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s) (typically due to dissociative amnesia and not to other factors such as head injury, alcohol, or drugs).
2. Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “no one can be trusted,” “The world is completely dangerous,” “My whole nervous system is permanently ruined”).
3. Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others.
4. Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
5. Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
6. Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
7. Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings).

That doesn't mean that's what happening, and there are a lot of other reasons -many having nothing to do with PTSD- so be careful about over assigning blame, but it's common for it to.

 

[EveHarrington]

Yes, and yes.

It seems to be quite common, at least in the stories I read here.

 

[grimalkin]

What @Friday said. Short answer is yes, but without a diagnosis, could be something else.

My own soon to be ex went from "I love you and we can work through anything" to "I don't know if I love you and I'm just numb and want to be alone," after his stress cup ran way over, in the matter of a week.

 

[WishfulThinking123]

Yes definitely! Especially the emotional numbness

 

[Deleted member 44240]

Is it common that some people who are suffering from PTSD can go from being happy in a relationship to not...

I just went through my ptsd partner broke up with me and said it was due to our not being compatible, which sounds weird. Although I've tried to reason with him, he is still very strong in his convictions. I've read where I should just give him the space he needs for now of which I'm planning to do. He moved out one day when I was working and has basically become a different person. I'm trying not to take things personal, but it's hard. If you or anyone else have an opinion or suggestion, I'm all ears.

 

[CJ33]

I just went through my ptsd partner broke up with me and said it was due to our not being compatible, whic...

Thanks for your response. I've literally been dealing with a similar situation for the past few months and it's definitely not easy.

 

[The Albatross]

A lot of things can cause it. What else is there that may be going on more directly? I disagree with the "yes's" but that is my own personal experience and those of peers. Do we at times seem to have a change of part to the people who are important to us? Sure... but to say, it's common or normal? Uh no.

 

[Deleted member 44240]

A lot of things can cause it. What else is there that may be going on more directly? I disagree...

Update: He's being friendly and I believe wanting to be friends. We went from being happy to,"not being compatible for a relationship". I'm not sure where the interruption happened or what may have caused him to make a final judgement the way he did. Since I've read so many articles and learned more about ptsd and depression, I also believe he may be somewhat narcissistic, which leads me to believe he must have things his way only. I'm not sure of how to deal with him or this because I've given all that I can as well as taken more than I ever did from anyone else.

 

[Deleted member 44240]

I had an extremely wonderful conversation with him today. Sounds like he did we when first started dating, however, I'm not gonna be but so excited because I now know that it could change ina week, month or however long. I'm now armed with understanding and knowledge on how to see things change and be prepared on how to handle it when it does. I also know how to have conversations and what maybe to stay sassy from thanks to the many articles I've read and this magnificent forum. Ptsd is hard on sufferers and not so easy on those who love them; I've learned a new form of patience and understanding.