How Do I Help Him

[butterfly10142]

I am engaged to a wonderful man who is a loving father and partner in life. He was in the service for 10 years and deployed into battle four times. He has PTSD. Sometimes he will just zone out. I just wait and give him time and he will just come back. I don't try to "wake" him. He will sometimes get out of the bed at night and act out the flash backs. When he comes to he is very confused and so helpless. I do not know how to help him I just hold him and comfort him as long as he will let me, he is such strong willed man. I want to help him but I do not really know how and I often wonder if I am in possible danger when he is acting out the memories. I dont ever try to wake him while he is "dreaming" and reliving these memories I just get away from him as soon as possible with out startling him. Can anyone tell me anything i can do to support him and help him and Should I be concrned about my safety at those times?

 

[LoyalOne]

Read, read, read, butterfly. Glad you made it here. We have military wives and girlfriends whose experience will hopefully help you.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Hello and Welcome. :)

 

[IvyMillie]

My husband does have a problem with getting startled, but he has never been violent with me. You might try asking him, however, he would probably protect you. I think it's good you don't try to startle him though.

Hopefully, someone else can comment on him acting out the flashbacks as I don't know if that would be dangerous or not.