I'm just so grateful for this site. It was so hard as I really wanted and needed someone to talk to that would understand what I was going through and had been for years. I had tried to reach out to family and a friend or two, but they just don't understand. I didn't want to be talking bad about my husband, and they would see it as such. This site has really been a godsend to me. Just feeling like there are people that understand and get it--has been wonderful. I think I was almost at the point of losing my mind.
I'm married to a Vientam Veteran who is a good guy with PTSD. I went through all the phases in the early part of my marriage--thinking it was my fault. Then just realizing over time it's his fault. However, although I knew the symptoms of PTSD, I think seeing people actually talking about it has made it more real to me. It's not all in my head.
My husband has sought therapy a couple of times. However, he had a bad experience and now likes to say he doesn't have PTSD because he is mad at the VA for not helping him more. When he went to therapy it made him worse in a way because he was like living in Vietnam everyday. The good side was that he was beginning to open up more about how it affected him. I could then talk about a few things about how it affected me. I just don't think he can handle that side of it. Now he is in denial and doesn't want to talk about it. However, imagine it was like 40 years ago his behavior in deeply ingrained. So you supporters of a sufferer who is getting help early I really think that is the best, don't let them wait too long--well at least not 40 years.
I want to thank all of you for your comments and thoughts, it really has helped me alot. I'm starting my new journey on this site. I know when I'm feeling down and perplexed I can come on this site and get some encouragement. I appreciate too that the sufferers give their side of things.
I think like so many of us, I do love my husband and I want to find a way to accept his PTSD. I want to find happiness too--because at times I've just gotten so distressed. I want to make it work for the both of us. Oh the three of us--I have a cat I'm crazy about--she is my carer and supporter. :)
I'm married to a Vientam Veteran who is a good guy with PTSD. I went through all the phases in the early part of my marriage--thinking it was my fault. Then just realizing over time it's his fault. However, although I knew the symptoms of PTSD, I think seeing people actually talking about it has made it more real to me. It's not all in my head.
My husband has sought therapy a couple of times. However, he had a bad experience and now likes to say he doesn't have PTSD because he is mad at the VA for not helping him more. When he went to therapy it made him worse in a way because he was like living in Vietnam everyday. The good side was that he was beginning to open up more about how it affected him. I could then talk about a few things about how it affected me. I just don't think he can handle that side of it. Now he is in denial and doesn't want to talk about it. However, imagine it was like 40 years ago his behavior in deeply ingrained. So you supporters of a sufferer who is getting help early I really think that is the best, don't let them wait too long--well at least not 40 years.
I want to thank all of you for your comments and thoughts, it really has helped me alot. I'm starting my new journey on this site. I know when I'm feeling down and perplexed I can come on this site and get some encouragement. I appreciate too that the sufferers give their side of things.
I think like so many of us, I do love my husband and I want to find a way to accept his PTSD. I want to find happiness too--because at times I've just gotten so distressed. I want to make it work for the both of us. Oh the three of us--I have a cat I'm crazy about--she is my carer and supporter. :)
