Effects Kids Have On Your Ptsd

[Deleted member 27524]

I would like to hear from sufferers with combat related ptsd or spouses of vets with combat ptsd who have kids in the mix. I'd like to know how having a kid(s) in the home effects your ptsd? Can a healthy balance really be found for both sufferer and children?

 

[Sighs]

@Thunderstorm - can I respectfully suggest another question as well? How does having a PTSD sufferer in your home affect the kids? (I think you were referring to this in your last question about a healthy balance, but I'm suggesting it for clarity.)

My father had untreated combat PTSD and drank to self medicate. It was not a pleasant environment to grow up in. I left home when I was 17 to get away from it.

I hope some people here are able to share positive experiences and suggestions for handling the situation.

 

[Jenn C]

I would like to hear from sufferers with combat related ptsd or spouses of vets with combat ptsd wh...

I have been with my fiancée for 5 years. We got together after his second deployment. I didn't know him before his deployment so I only hear from friends and family members what he was like before. To say that our relationship has been a rollercoaster ride would be an understatement. I brought 2 daughters with me into the relationship and at times it has been good. One of my daughters has been diagnosed bipolar during this time. We have been through 3 suicide attempts with her. My fiancée has PTSD and has chose not to get help for fear of losing his job or being able to deploy if need be again. As a result, the family has suffered greatly. My daughter who is bipolar and my fiancée are in constant conflict and it even gets loud and almost physical as it does when me and him have conflicts. We are all constantly walking on eggshells waiting for an episode. And I am especially in a constant state of fight or flight waiting for either my fiancée or my daughter to have an episode. My oldest daughter is away at college so she gets a little reprieve, but she has suffered also. My daughter is being treated for her bipolar with meds and counseling but I will say that my fiancée ptsd has probably not helped my daughter. I love this man with all my heart but I also love my daughter and always want to protect her. My fiancée has not been physically violent, just in words, but he will get in our faces and yell at the top of his lungs. This is probably almost as bad as being physically hurt. There are times I feel like just picking up and leaving but he has told me in the past "Go ahead and give up on me like everyone else". I am in counseling also and I have learned techniques to help my veteran calm down as well as reading several books on the subject. Beside dealing with my daughters bipolar, this has been the most difficult thing I have ever had to deal with. I dont think my family will ever get over this. I wish there was less stigma placed on those who suffer from PTSD who seek treatment. It has been a very difficult road for all of us.