General The Entire Range Of Emotion, Every Day, Minute To Minute?

[HollyB]

Tonight, my combat vet acknowledged that his behavior sends mixed signals (to me, and others) because his feelings aren't consistent. "If my feelings are mixed, then it makes sense that the signals I'm sending are mixed." He said that in just a single day, he goes from being anxious and panicky, to depressed, to having near suicidal thoughts, and then to being elated, and hopeful and excited, and then to blah and indifferent, and then back again.

I've been wondering lately if he suffers from other problems (bi-polar perhaps?, or depression, or generalized anxiety disorder), but from my reading here it sounds like this could just be typical of PTSD...? Thoughts?

Is there any way to help him stabilize his feelings?

I'm growing increasingly concerned because over the past month, he seems to be getting worse. He's more hyper-vigilant/easily startled, he's drinking a LOT more (or, at least not hiding it from me), he's watching more of the military channel... (and he's orgasming pretty quickly).

 

[Bilby]

If he were bi-polar, it would have to be rapid-cycling bipolar? Normally the swings between the highs and lows are a bit longer than just a day. Even in rapid-cycling, it can be more like a few days.

I can totally see why you're concerned when the changes in his mood/emotions are also combined with increased drinking etc. I really wish he'd seek help - for both your sakes. So hard, huh? :unsure:

 

[HollyB]

Yeah, I really wish he'd seek help. It's heartbreaking. :(

I thought I'd read here (from sufferers) that their moods and feelings can change not just day to day but minute to minute.

 

[Dallas]

My boyfriend is pretty stable all the time, but he works really hard at his treatment, therapy, etc. If he feels "off" he immediately checks himself into the hospital for a tune-up.

Sincerely,
Dallas.

 

[Bilby]

I think their moods can change awfully fast, yes. I totally agree with you and that is one reason I believe, why sometimes sufferers of PTSD are misdiagnosed as having BPD. Some people also have both.

Do you think he would do some kind of relaxation at home? You can get relaxation CD's and DVD's etc and I really think those things can help with some of the symptoms.