General Secondary PTSD

[blue_eyed_angel]

Does anyone think that they suffer from Secondary PTSD due to the fact that they are currently dealing with someone who has PTSD??

I sometimes wonder if I have it.. :rolleyes:

 

[txdoll38]

Does anyone think that they suffer from Secondary PTSD due to the fact that they are currently dealing with someone who has PTSD??

I sometimes wonder if I have it.. :rolleyes:

I definitely wonder if I have secondary PTSD or if I'm simply depressed. Every night for the past week I've had dreams that involve me being physically attacked or me attacking someone. I've also noticed that when I'm seated, I shake my leg just like my bf. I keep thinking about the stress cup. Seems like I was already on full and then Hurricane Ike sent me spilling over. Even before the storm though, I was considering going to a professional and possibly getting on medication. I'm still thinking and praying about it for now.

 

[void]

:hello:Only Psych can say for certain. My DSM manual does not use that terminology but I believe that a person can experience trauma while relating to a person with PTSD that can cause same in themselves. Some people with PTSD do damage other people.

Void

 

[blue_eyed_angel]

Void:

The reason why I asked this is because sometimes I feel like my boyfriends symptoms are rubbing off on me. Like I get anxious or nervous at times when normally I wouldn't have before I met him. So I just had a curiosity if anyone else experienced this.

 

[void]

:hello:Makes total sense to me. I'll be curious to hear from others who are experiencing the same thing.

:Hug_emoticon: Void

 

[superbee]

My wife and I totally agree that I suffer depression.... though not caused by PTSD - enhanced by it maybe. As far as PTSD, I don't think reliving her PTSD has caused me to go as far as to think I have it. Hard to be objective though - know what I mean??

 

[blue_eyed_angel]

superbee:

I know what you mean.. Umm... I don't think that I actually have PTSD it's just I feel that since being with him (almost 5 months) that little things bother me more than they used to. I get anxious or nervous when normally I wouldn't. Being with someone with PTSD IS NOT very easy. The moodswings (never geared toward me), the being shut out, and being pissed off at the whole world isn't something that I am used to dealing with. I have learned to take things one day at a time. I also realize that I don't think he would "normally" be that way with me. I just want to know if others feel like their own mental health has been affected.


:smile:blue_eyed_angel:smile:

 

[Robyn]

I don't know if it's secondary but I've definately changed and not exactly for the better. I think PTSD is a defense mechanism that people put up to try and block things that they cannot have control over, however traumatic. And, I'm definately doing that. So who's to say for sure.

 

[algm2007]

As a secondary ptsd sufferer, I would like to know if a ptsd sufferer would prefer to live their life alone? Does that person depend on their spouses? Somedays I want to walk because it is hard, but I made a commitment to him, and I feel he would end his life if I leave, but on the other hand it seems like he does not want me here. WHY?

 

[Lola]

As a secondary ptsd sufferer, I would like to know if a ptsd sufferer would prefer to live their life alone? Does that person depend on their spouses?

I don't know if I technically have ptsd, but I suffer from an increase in anxiety and nervousness that I never had before in any relationship. My bf and I moved in together last fall, but it has not been a good solution for our relationship. We seemed to do better when we lived apart and spent weekends and one or two days during the week together. We now have a plan where we can return to this set-up. I am hoping that our relationship goes back to the way it was. This way we each get some "alone time", which I think we both need, but we can still depend on each other and hopefully appreciate each other more.

 

[Shoka]

Hi Everyone,

I don't know that about Secondary ptsd as I do about the original kind, but I can tell you that when I am neglectful of myself I find that I have broken sleep, nightmares about being chased or attacked, and sometimes a rapid heart beat that comes and goes.

I definetly have anxiety attacks when I think my sufferer is heading into a full blown episode. Sometimes I have vivid recollections of our bigger fights that have been on the physical side (like being grabbed during an argument). Those memories aren't much fun and I would say are similar to some of the definitions of "flashbacks" that I've read during trying to research PTSD.

Shoka

 

[freya]

My father had PTSD (undiagnosed until very recently). My husband may have symptoms of PTSD.

More and more I tend to think that 'states of mind' are more or less 'contagious'. By this I mean that if you are with a person who is (or gets) very defensive and stressed, you too will become defensive and stressed. And your body and mind will suffer from the stress. So I think the 'hypervigilance of PTSD will definitely have a big impact on those living with a sufferer.

Algm, with regard to your questions, I think PTSD can make it so hard to give loving or calm responses. Because my father had PTSD I know how very tough it can be to deal with someone who is so often defensive, or agressive, even, because he sees threats and hostility where really none (or only a little of it) exists.

I don't really feel qualified to offer advice... just my thought is that to stay because you fear your partner would end his life if you left is not a situation that's bearable in the long run...
Seems to me that the two of you should communicate about this and you should get it more clear if he does or does not want you around. If he does AND if he can see or realize that he's making your life hard, and willing to try to find ways to improve, it may be easier for you to stay and be motivated to stay.
However if he says he wants you around but doesn't seem to work towards healing, I think it'd be very hard to stay in the relationship. Sorry to hear you're having to face this.

Freya