What is spousal PTSD?

Asked by: Jared Kovacek  |  Last update: June 24, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)

In most situations where PTSD and marriage don't mix well, the non-PTSD spouse may develop Vicarious PTSD. Essentially, this type of PTSD evolves from exposure to the trauma that takes place in the midst of your spouse's PTSD episodes.

How do I know if my spouse has PTSD?

Hyperarousal (feeling "on edge")

Someone with PTSD may be very anxious and find it difficult to relax. They may be constantly aware of threats and easily startled. This state of mind is known as hyperarousal.

What are the 17 symptoms of PTSD?

17 symptoms of PTSD explained
  • Intrusive thoughts.
  • Nightmares.
  • Avoidance.
  • Memory loss.
  • Negative thoughts.
  • Self-isolation and distancing.
  • Anger and irritability.
  • Loss of interest.

What happens when PTSD is triggered?

When exposed to a PTSD trigger, some people may re-experience the original trauma, including emotional and physical sensations associated with it. Some people may only experience mild symptoms when exposed to a trigger, while others may have severe symptoms that hinder their daily functioning.

What does PTSD look like in a marriage?

People with PTSD may withdraw from their partners, have difficulty communicating their feelings, and become irritable, angry, and violent. Their partners are often left feeling confused, frustrated, or even scared by their partner's behavior.

Nonprofit helps wives and spouses of veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries

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How do PTSD people act in relationships?

They may push away or find fault with loved ones and friends. Also, drinking and drug problems, which can be an attempt to cope with PTSD, can destroy intimacy and friendships. Verbal or physical violence can occur. In other cases, survivors may depend too much on their partners, family members, and friends.

What does PTSD look like in a woman?

Women with PTSD are more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety and numbing, as well as experience more frequent and intense feelings of guilt and shame.

What are the 5 stages of PTSD?

What are the five stages of PTSD?
  • Impact or Emergency Stage. ...
  • Denial/ Numbing Stage. ...
  • Rescue Stage (including Intrusive or Repetitive stage) ...
  • Short-term Recovery or Intermediate Stage. ...
  • Long-term reconstruction or recovery stage.

What not to do to someone with PTSD?

Don't:
  1. Give easy answers or blithely tell your loved one everything is going to be okay.
  2. Stop your loved one from talking about their feelings or fears.
  3. Offer unsolicited advice or tell your loved one what they “should” do.
  4. Blame all of your relationship or family problems on your loved one's PTSD.

What are the 5 symptoms of PTSD?

Arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • Being easily startled.
  • Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge.
  • Having difficulty concentrating.
  • Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Feeling irritable and having angry or aggressive outbursts.
  • Engaging in risky, reckless, or destructive behavior.

What is the fastest way to calm PTSD?

How can I help myself?
  1. Focus on your breathing. When you are frightened, you might stop breathing normally. ...
  2. Carry an object that reminds you of the present. ...
  3. Tell yourself that you are safe. ...
  4. Comfort yourself. ...
  5. Keep a diary. ...
  6. Try grounding techniques.

How does a person with PTSD behave?

People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.

Does PTSD ever go away?

For some, reactions continue and are severe. PTSD symptoms usually appear soon after trauma. For most people, these symptoms go away on their own within the first few weeks and months after the trauma. For some, the symptoms can last for many years, especially if they go untreated.

What happens when you yell at someone with PTSD?

Yelling can serve as a powerful trigger for individuals with PTSD, reigniting their traumatic memories and plunging them into a state of overwhelming distress. The aggressive and forceful nature of yelling can mimic the threatening and dangerous situations that caused their PTSD in the first place.

How do you test if someone has PTSD?

PTSD assessment may begin using a self-screen. However, a more in-depth assessment is required to diagnose PTSD. That assessment will involve an interview with a provider and may also include self-report questionnaires that you complete. You can always ask questions so that you know what to expect.

What does a PTSD outburst look like?

During a PTSD anger outburst, an individual may experience a sudden and intense surge of anger, accompanied by feelings of frustration, irritability, and a loss of control. They may become verbally or physically aggressive, lashing out at loved ones or becoming withdrawn and silent.

What everyday struggles does a person with PTSD face?

Trauma survivors with PTSD may have trouble with their close family relationships or friendships. The symptoms of PTSD can cause problems with trust, closeness, communication, and problem solving which, in turn, may impact the way a loved one responds to the trauma survivor.

Can someone with PTSD feel love?

While PTSD presents numerous challenges in relationships, it doesn't mean that someone with PTSD cannot love. With the right tools and support, individuals with PTSD can express their love more fully, therapy is one way to gain those tools and support.

What does a PTSD flare up look like?

People who have PTSD can be triggered by physical things, like sounds or smells, that remind them of their trauma. These episodes can cause physical pains, sweating, sickness, and trembling. Avoiding people, places, and things.

Does PTSD qualify for disability?

You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have symptoms related to a traumatic event (the “stressor”) or your experience with the stressor is related to the PTSD symptoms, and you meet both of these requirements.

Does PTSD get worse with age?

For some, PTSD symptoms may be worse in later years as they age. Learn how as an older Veteran, you may still be affected by your past service. There are tips to find help as well. “The PTSD will hit you hardest when you retire or you're not occupied all the time.”

What gets mistaken for PTSD?

PTSD can be misdiagnosed as the symptoms or behaviors of other mental health conditions. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder, and more, have similarities to PTSD. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event has PTSD.

What do people with PTSD do all day?

Many people with PTSD develop avoidance habits in order to steer clear of people, places, or things that remind them of the traumatic event. This type of avoidance can lead to increasing isolation and fear, which affects how you're able to make your way in the world.

What are three unhealthy coping skills for PTSD?

Ginger Mercer: How Treatment Helps Me
  • Substance use. ...
  • Avoiding others. ...
  • Staying always on guard. ...
  • Avoiding reminders of the trauma. ...
  • Anger and violent behavior. ...
  • Dangerous behavior. ...
  • Working too much.