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How PTSD Can Affect Romantic Relationships

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Published
10/21/2024

Loving someone with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can sometimes be a challenge. There will be days when everything seems to be working perfectly fine. Then, there will be days when they may find it hard to spend a moment without feeling anxious. While every passing moment with them sure is a blessing, the thoughts of a potential episode can make it impossible to fully immerse oneself in spending time together. 

PTSD can change the dynamics of any relationship. It makes a person no longer like the things they used to. The looming fear of triggering them can further make it nearly impossible to relax around them. While opting for rehab in Redlands, CA, can be beneficial in treating the underlying issues causing the destress, it’s still important to understand how the disorder can affect romantic relationships and practical ways to support your loved one during this transition. 

What Is PTSD

PTSD is often seen in people who have suffered or experienced traumatic events or circumstances. These events are often excessively stressful, distressing, and terrifying in nature. It’s a psychiatric disorder that keeps a person feeling on the edge in case they’re subjected to the same trauma-causing set of events. 

Causes of PTSD

Every person is different, and their ability to withstand traumatic incidents without being deeply affected varies. Some common causes of PTSD often observed include:

  • Abuse (childhood or domestic abuse)
  • Death of someone close
  • Childbirth-related trauma (stillbirth or the general overall delivery experience)
  • War or conflict (engagement as well as being a victim)
  • Exposure to traumatic incidents (such as accidents at work)
  • Sexual and physical assault
  • Being involved in serious accidents of any kind

While it is not clearly understood how some life events impact an individual, there are various reasons some may get affected by an incident and others may not. People with a history of depression and anxiety are more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic experience. If a person hasn’t received much support or love from their family members or friends during their growth years, they are also vulnerable. 

PTSD and Romantic Relationships 

The effects of PTSD are often deeply ingrained in a person, and they are likely to convince themselves they’re not worthy of love. For instance, when dressing up nicely and you compliment them, they are more likely to dismiss it, stating there’s nothing special about it. This happens because, aside from leaving a lasting impression on memory, PTSD also negatively impacts a person’s cognition. 

Due to this, the person starts believing they are undeserving and unlovable. So, if your partner often asks what you see in them and why you love them so much, it’s possibly due to their inability to comprehend that they’re loveable. There will also be times when they tend to engage in attention-seeking behavior or act controlling, wanting to know what you’re up to and who you are with. 

While initially, it may seem like something is being done out of concern, it can be due to fear of losing you. In most cases, the partner with PTSD may struggle to express what they’re feeling and will choose heavy emotions like anger, resentment, and frustration to express. Such interactions will make it challenging for the couple to have meaningful conversations without quarrels. There’s also a chance their trauma-related behaviors or meltdowns may show up if they do not feel appreciated enough or during delicate moments like sharing an intimate moment. 

How Treatment Unfolds and What To Expect

There are various treatment methods used in combination to help a person with PTSD regain control of their lives. Trauma-focused CBT and medication are often used together to help a person uncover the deep roots of PTSD. Every case of PTSD is different, and there’s always a possibility that different methods can be used together to help a person heal. 

Bottomline

Being romantically involved with someone with PTSD can be stressful due to their meltdowns and unpredictable behavior. But it’s important to understand they’re not doing it on purpose but rather because they don’t know how to express themselves without lashing out. The lack of love during growing years and the deep impact of trauma can make it challenging for them to calm down and see things for what they are instead of acting on perception. 

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