Hey, Came Here For Help With A Room Mate

[halp]

A few months ago a new room mate moved into my home. He had served in the special forces and had seen active time in iraq/afghanistan. When I first met him he seemed stable, however a bit obessed with his strength and how great he could fight (as well as a fine collection of "battle axes"). I didn't make much of it and thought that it just came with the terrirtory.

Fast forward a few months and the situation has changed.

He has now gone from the extreme (ie: chuck norris) to being obsessed with his weight, physical appearance and like to cross-dress (ie rupaul). I really don't care how he looks or what he does (I live in a very liberal place that is very receptive to that) but I do worry that he is just going from one extreme to the another and back and forth every few days.

I know he can't sleep at night and does have periods (2-3 days at a time) of depression where he stays in his room, doesn't communicate at all and is very negative about the world.

I've tried to get him to talk it out with someone but he won't let himself believe anything is wrong. And in general doesn't like to be told anything.. but that's just who he is.

He has lashed out against me a few times "jokingly" by either lightly strangling me when I'm sitting down, or whipping out a switchblade knife threatening to end my life, etc.. never with any intent or even scary/serious.. however I am worried this could shift to something more serious and dangerous for me and the other room mate if he fails to find stability.

Currently he is on unemployment and is going back to school shortly.

As far as I know he hasn't been experiencing flash-backs. Is this some form of PTSD and if it is how can I help him?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
-halp

<Full line spaces inserted between paragraphs by Amethist>

 

[intothelight]

Hi Halp,

Although is it admirable that you would like to help your roommate, the fact that you are concerned about your safety speaks volumes. You need to put yourself first and probably extricate yourself from this situation. Look for a new roommate, as everyone should be at peace in their own home.

Take care.
Debbie

 

[halp]

Debbie,
I'm not overly worried about the safety issue at the moment as he hasn't gone overboard with it. I'm a pretty big guy and am pretty good at deflating any situation that comes up. If I was getting worried for my safety I would ask him to leave.
I'd really just like to know if the symptoms i'm seeing are ptsd and if they are, what is the best method for me to help him.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Halp,

There is a lot of information in the supporter's section. You can also search the site by using a key word. Unless he has been diagnosed with PTSD, it is difficult to tell if the symptoms are related or not.

Debbie