According to the DSM TR-IV, the manual used by mental health clinicians to diagnose illness, roughly 8% of the American population lived with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD occurs following a traumatic incident or series of events. Some of the events are single events such a sexual assault/rape, a car accident or natural disaster. Long term, on-going stressors include, but are not limited to military combat, childhood abuse, and genocide. Regardless of the event that serves as a precursor for PTSD the symptoms and side-effects can be challenging, frustrating and even debilitating. There are five primary effects that PTSD will have on romantic relationships.
1.) Diminished interest in activities or participation in such events. This is often indicated in a lack of involvement in groups or hobbies that a person previously found pleasurable. The significant other of the person living PTSD will often notice that their partner has a general disinterest in social activities and usually chooses not to attend functions.
2.) Feelings of detachment and estrangement from others. Survivors of trauma spend much of their energy trying to protect themselves, which often looks like control and distance. A general inability to connect with others often stems from the individual's attempt to not feel pain or hurt again.
3.) Restricted range of Affect. This means that an individual seldom feels happy or sad, he/she feels safe by always staying in the middle. This symptom can be particularly difficult for partners as they report not "feeling" loved by their partners.
4.) Avoidance. Many people that live with PTSD will go to great lengths to avoid anything that reminds them of their traumatic experience. This varies depending on what they type of trauma is that he/she experienced. For example war veterans often avoid confined places with crowds such as movie theaters or concerts or rape victims will not want to physical contact of any kind.
5.) Increased Arousal. This is sometimes referred to as hyper-arousal and can include: difficulty falling asleep, an inability to relax, difficulty concentrating, outbursts of anger and overacting to certain stimuli.
Each of these symptoms effect a person's quality of live and almost always have an impact of the relationships of those closest to him/her. The good news is that there is help and hope for people living with PTSD. There are various treatments and techniques used by mental health clinicians (counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc.) to help trauma survivors find relief from these symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. If you or loved one lives with PTSD reach out to a professional in your area to find a means of healing.
About this Author
Amber Cleveland is an Associate Professional Counselor in the Atlanta Area. She specializes in couples and family therapy. Her training and experience include working with sexual assault survivors, combat war veterans and their loved ones, as well as children and adolescents in the custody of DFCS. She provides individual, group and family counseling. Additionally Amber is a certified general civil mediator in the state of Georgia.
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