Hi Kaitlyn and welcome to the Forums. Congratulations on your upcoming 1st wedding anniversary!
So sorry to hear that your husband has experienced trauma resulting in a recent PTSD diagnosis. That must be devastating news for you both. Is he seeing a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist - they usually make formal diagnoses of PTSD?
PTSD is a debilitating and long term anxiety disorder, but there are a number of highly successful treatments which allow the suffererto better manage and control their symptoms. Symptoms include typical ones as you described (rage, depression, mood swings) but also high levels of anxiety, insomnia, irritability, easily startled, outburts of anger. All sufferers are different, but many also experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, feeling detached from reality and emotional numbing.
If not already considered or commenced, I would suggest he seek treatment with a psychologist. It may benefit you to go along as well.
As his partner, there's a lot to contend with. I would suggest you learn as much as you can about PTSD and also what your husbands particular triggers are. This will help you to better anticipate and understand his reactions and moods as they occur.
I am a carer for my husband who is a retired Vietnam war veteran. He has PTSD as a result of his war service, and is also an alcoholic which exacerbates his anger and moodiness. So I know how difficult it can be.
Being the wife of someone with PTSD is quite a burden. So please recognise that because you care deeply for him, you may need as much professional help as your husband does. Its very important that you take care of yourself, before learning how best to help your hubby.
The ability to help a loved one is a gift. This gift starts by listening - find out his needs, his fears, let him know he can talk to you about anything, including his trauma. Encourage him to talk rather than bottle things up. Learn as much as you can - what is PTSD, what helps him in moments of crisis? This will allow you to better understand whats going on with him, and sometimes thats the best thing you can do - that, and him knowing you are there for him.
For more information google the following:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/ptsd
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/supporting-someone/supporting-someone-with-depression-or-anxiety
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/supporting-someone/looking-after-yourself
Please post again.
Taurus
