[kristenkvinna]

Just a quick question for clarification. Can, is, or does PTSD impact survivors of physical/spousal abuse? I realize there is an abuse group in the main index, but I wanted to pose this question to all of you.

[kristenkvinna]

I think maybe I answered my own question. I just went down and read the "Dreams" thread. I guess it WAS a rather stupid question.

[kristenkvinna]

Okay, so this is my second reply to my own post. Sheesh!

So... I'm not being "Abby - Somebody" when I get a serious attack of the "break and runs" when my current husband (who is very compassionate and in no way abusive) raises his voice in frustration toward inanimate objects (like when he looses his checkbook for the 9 millionth time)?

That's not abnormal for a survivor of spousal abuse in a former marriage?

Seriously, when he raises his voice in frustration - even when it's not aimed at me in any way - I get a major attack of the fraidy cats and want to bolt out the door. He thinks I'm nuts because I'll get really frightened and will sometimes start to cry - or I'll go really silent and I will leave and go for a long drive before coming back home.

[Schatze]

You and my husband are in the sambe boat...he explains what he his feeling as constantly walking on egg shells...has shell shock, etc. because of my PTSD. I have violent outbursts and they are always directed at my husband. They are getting to be more rare now that I've started treating my PTSD but his shell shock has not gone away yet. I discuss this with my psychiatrist and he doesn't think my husband will be effected by this long-term, but I can tell you that it very much effects him now.

This is probably one of the biggest struggles I have in treating my PTSD....how am I going to be able to make amends and how long is it going to be until my husband can go back to feeling relaxed around me instead of being afraid of me.

Now that I've been diagnosed and understand a little bit about PTSD and the violent outbursts (which started as small outbursts and kept getting progressivley worse and turned violent) I'm able to control my actions a little more each time I have one. So they are not only getting rarer, but they are not as violent...and a couple of times I've been able to recognize when one is coming on and I've managed (somehow) to stop them. (Yeah, progress)

Can I ask if your husband has been diagnosed? If you don't want to answer, please don't feel obligated to...I don't want to pry. Or, are you concernced you might possibly have PTSD now? Again, not meaning to pry.

[(JD)]

Welcome to psychcentral kristan. Yes, spousal abuse can cause PTSD. It pervades all of life, including one that might now have loving ppl in it. Can you seek our therapist/psychologist who is trained in PTSD to help you really begin to heal? TC

[kristenkvinna]

Schatze;
Thank you for your reply. I know it's been two weeks since I posted, but we've been over-run with the care of our "parental units". I am getting more information here locally about this - especially PTSD following spousal abuse. Just your affirmation helped a great deal.

[Schatze]

Hi Kristen, I've been away and not posting very much either. I hope to get to know you better around the forums. Take good care of yourself and I'll talk to you soon.

[ojosverde1gato]

I am a recently abuse survivor, My PTSD has gone from slim to thick,I have been through nitemares,grinding teeth and sofourth.Sweety your best beat is to have alot of faith,and be grateful you took the first step. And remember that as a survivor from abuse you are not alone. Good Luck & God Bless