PTSD Is an anxiety disorder that is marked by three clusters of symptoms: intrusive thoughts, avoidance/ numbing and hyper-arousal. When a warrior in unable to seek treatment for PTSD, this can contribute to the stress that the spouse may feel and impair the couple's ability to work out their relationship troubles (Erbes, C., Meis, L.A., Polusny, M.A., & Compton, J.S., 2011). PTSD an CF work hand in hand. The symptoms that the warrior feels can be directly reflected as the same symptoms that the spouse feels. I use the analogy of a mirror to represent the suffering of the warrior and the spouse. The warriors suffering is reflected in the spouse. Studies have shown that the PTSD symptoms of those warriors with strong social support are less severe than those who lack a strong social support network (Tsai, J., Harpaz-Rotem, I., Pietrzak, R.H. & Southwick, S.A., 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Getting HelpThere are plenty of reasons why returning warriors don't seek treatment for PTSD. Whether it be shame, embarassment, time constraints or other reasons, there is one thing that is certain; it will not go away on its own. Our society's notion of masculinity plays a huge role in the developement of warriors, and it is this notion that keeps many warriors from seeking treatment, even when they acknowledge that something isn't quite "right" about them (Fox & Pease, 2012). This stigma associated with mental disorders is diminishing and there are many warrio
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SymptomsIntrusive Recollection
Reoccurring intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event Reoccurring dreams about the traumatic event (Flashbacks) Avoidance/Numbing Avoidance of thoughts, feelings or conversation about the trauma Inability to recall a specific aspect of the traumatic Feeling detachment from others Unable to have loving feelings Hyper-arousal Insomnia Hyper-Vigilance Irritability/ Anger |