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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think this might be PTSD?

11 replies

LibraryMum8 · 21/05/2014 23:50

Last July dh had an online affair. He had previously not known her. Through an internet site they created secret accounts and then emailed and sexted for two weeks. We then went on vacation and dh was 'hoping' she wouldn't contact him but she did when we returned.

One night at 10:30 at night he had to 'go out and get gasoline' I was asleep in the couch so only half heard him. A few minutes later I woke up and started to get nervous as gasoline is only 5-6 minutes away. Texted him and he said he was on way back. Arrived home in less than 35 minutes.

Next night he confesses to whole thing. Our sex life was never great and he made massive mistake meeting her but said he got in her car, they touched a bit and he had huge guilt rush and left car. Told her he loved me and ds and cut all ties. No sex took place.
Went for couple and individual counseling for a few months. He changed phone number, gave me all passwords, apologized for days profusely, doesn't care if I check his texts, basically did everything he could ever do to make things right.

After a month I told him I forgave him. We made a pact, no porn alone or together. He couldn't do anything more if he tried. For the first 4 or 5 months it was almost like second honeymoon. Great sex. Lots of affection and intimacy. Honeymoon has worn off but I feel we have grown and are still 'good '

BUT now almost a year later I am nervous all the time. I am very cynical of men in general. Again mine was one that would 'never ' do this. I feel very resentful, sad, etc. Not all the time, but it's growing more than it did. I don't feel depressed but sort of waiting for other shoe to fall.
Am I being unreasonable to think this might be PTSD? And do I tell him? What would you do, single therapy again? Thanks. Oh, married 14 years.

OP posts:
AElfgifu · 21/05/2014 23:54

Well, I don't think that is what PTSD is, I think that's generally something life threatening, so YABU to call it that, but whatever it is its something bad, and related to loss of security and trust, so YANBU to take it seriously.

LibraryMum8 · 21/05/2014 23:56

Post traumatic stress disorder. Full effect of traumatic event doesn't really 'hit' you for days, months or years after it happened.

OP posts:
Spongeshampooloofah · 22/05/2014 00:00

The hallmark features of PTSD are vivid uncontrollable flashbacks and panic attacks

Joules68 · 22/05/2014 00:01

Er no. It's not PTSD!

PTSD is debilitating.... Life changing

Thenapoleonofcrime · 22/05/2014 00:02

You are obviously starting to feel the emotional after-effects of his betrayal. It's not PTSD though, which is a specific disorder as others have said. You might want to ask this to be moved to Relationships, as I think you will have people queuing up to point out your mistake over PTSD and not necessarily get the advice and sympathy you need regarding his actions. I think that loved up phase is called 'hysterical bonding' and unfortunately its over and reality has hit.

LibraryMum8 · 22/05/2014 00:10

Thank you!

OP posts:
PrincessBabyCat · 22/05/2014 00:14

PTSD involves panic attacks and inability to be around anything that brings up memories of the event. So, I would go with no.

But, just because you don't have PTSD doesn't mean you won't feel a flood of emotions on an anniversary date. If this happened a year ago and the feelings are coming up around the same time something happened, then that's normal. It's probably also a sign of depression.

I would get therapy for you though, yes. Possibly couple's therapy if you feel you still need it.

Selks · 22/05/2014 00:57

No it's not PTSD, but it sounds like you are anxious.

Appletini · 22/05/2014 04:23

Sounds like anxiety. Not PTSD.

CoffeeTea103 · 22/05/2014 07:20

Definitely not PTSD. How did you get to that conclusion, anyway hope you talk to someone anyway.

OTheHugeManatee · 22/05/2014 07:27

It's not PTSD. But an unpleasant experience doesn't need to have massive neurobiological consequences to have a big impact on your life. I think you should tell him, but also see a therapist if you can afford it. It might be that this event has triggered associations with other difficult experiences that are still unresolved and in any case it sounds as if you have feelings about the affair that are still unprocessed.

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