How can I help my husband who has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Without getting stressed myself.?

My husband has been to the VA. He is on medication. And They are trying to get him on the right meds. But in the mean time I have to watch my p's and q's with him. I'm not use to him being this way. He use to be a strong will Man. And loved to work at home and on his job. Now he can't work because of his ptsd and his knee. He is Miltiary Retired. Been retired from the miltiary since 1991. Been to Vietnam in 1971 to 1972. He has nightmares and can't stand to be around crowds or loud noises. All this started 3 years ago and it seems to be getting worse. He's quit driving. I can't seem to get him to do anything. I have talk to his doctor and his doctor told that he needed to get out and do something. He hasn't yet. Can somebody advise me on what I can do. thank you

I would be grateful that he is seeking help. It sounds like you need to be patient with him. Have you been to the National Association for the Mentally Ill, the VA, or the local mental health association? Maybe they could help with a support group, a book, whatever works good for you.

What did he used to like to do? Are there things you enjoy doing together? Keep inviting him out. I would also ask for prayer from people. Are you involved in a church at all?

BE PATIENT! Also, has he tried EMDR? Check for a certified EMDR therapist. It works great with PTSD. One more thing--Omega 3 (fish oil capsules) for a couple of weeks can really help the brain physiology.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The...

first off god bless you. darling you have to first ask the lord to give you strength to deal with your husband, second pray for him & his defects( as we humans call them). i dont want to get too spritual with you because everyone dont chose to go that way,but i hope this help you if u practice it im sure it will. may i also compliment you on being concerend about your husband & his well being,& not pushing him to the side. Sorry i like to work my fingers. HOPE THIS HELPS YO GUYS!!! I'm out god bless.

You can't cure him, you can only be supportive. Keep after the doctors to keep trying different meds until they hit on the right one. I'm going through the same thing right now with my bf he is seriously depressed and is on Effexor and it is not working. It sucks that sometimes it takes so long for a anti-depressant to kick in. His doc just upped the dose and so far no change. Hang in there until they find the right medication.

I suggest that you get a copy of the book - Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. I am a Scientologist and have used the information in this book to help a lot of people.

I do also suggest that you still mind your p's and q's with him for a while as upsetting him does not achieve anything really.

I congratulate you for asking questions and for your continued support for your husband. Keep up the good work.