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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Husband with c-PTSD

32 replies

Branconche · 27/02/2024 11:52

Diagnosed a few years ago as a result of previously buried significant childhood trauma. He is currently seeing an experienced psychologist, with slow but definite progress.

Most of the time it is fine, sometimes life is good, but sometimes living with him can feel like hell. I try so hard to look past the negative, grumpy, critical person he can be, as he is also such a good, loving person and I hold onto hope that therapy will set that person free. He is just so broken.

But a lot of the time I can do nothing right in his eyes, he doesn't notice all the things I say, do (and don't say) to try to accommodate his healing. One minor transgression on my part will send him spiraling into a dark hole and he re-experiences his trauma with minimal trigger. I really try to be a good support to him but I am only human and disagreements are part of life (though I've smelted them down to a tiny amount as it makes both our lives).

I suppose I just want to hear from other people who may have been through similar, and any practical advice they might have for getting through this. I appreciate some people's advice will simply be to leave him, and I can understand that, but that isn't something I'm going to do.

OP posts:
WorriedIama · 27/02/2024 21:33

I too suffer C-PTSD. I take all my pain out on myself and never shout or put people down. My trauma makes me freeze/fawn. I was married to a man who also suffered trauma from a young age, he was undiagnosed. He reacted like your partner and everything was my fault. 3 years at court and they classed his behaviour as abusive. It doesn’t matter where it stems from and I do feel sorry for what he went through as a child but it’s not right he takes it out on other people. Trauma is different for everyone but there is a fine line before it becomes abusive.

Moidershewrote · 27/02/2024 21:43

Op, how do you believe you’re actually helping him by effectively teaching him that he can abuse another adult (and by proxy his child) and that they just accept being abused (until the next time).

No abusive relationship is abusive 100% of the time, so saying that ‘mostly we are ok, until he has another abusive episode’ isn’t ok.

Why is your DH’s abuse of you more important than the future happiness of your child?

Perhaps it suits you more to put up with it?

Moidershewrote · 27/02/2024 21:49

Furthermore, why is your every move focused on his happiness at any cost?

All you’re teaching your child is that other people’s happiness is more important than their own. All you’re showing your DH is that it’s ok to abuse you and blame you when he is triggered. Who exactly is this helping?

You’re making shockingly naive comments and excuses for his vindictive behaviour. Why are you being such a martyr?

Sadly, many people are abused as children and suffer greatly throughout their lives. That doesn’t mean they should be given Carte Blanche to abuse others though.

Iwouldrathernot · 27/02/2024 21:56

His behaviour sounds abusive and childhood trauma shouldn't be an excuse. I have been there and it only gets worse, even with years of therapy. Being abusive and making someone feel guilty and responsible for triggers is not part of struggling with MH. You're already bending around him and he will use this to his advantage. Please read this and see if you can recognise it archive.org/download/LundyWhyDoesHeDoThat/Lundy_Why-does-he-do-that.pdf

kkloo · 27/02/2024 22:02

"I don't think my dh has what is needed to sustain a healthy relationship" well this hits the nail on the head, I feel the same. He thinks I am the problem but I really don't think he is capable of being in an emotionally mutual relationship at this time.

Why does he think you're the problem?
Do you mean at all times? or just when he's having a meltdown?

hellsBells246 · 27/02/2024 22:33

I have learnt now not to argue or try to defend myself as it just makes him more upset.

Ah, but you are just as important as he is.

You have needs, wants, thoughts too, and you need to be able to express these just as he does his

It sounds like he has become emotionally abusive. Can you access counselling too, op??

Is this relationship giving you everything you want from life? Could you leave him? What effect is it having on your Dc?

Watchkeys · 28/02/2024 11:40

A disagreement this morning led to a huge verbal meltdown on his part and it ended in him saying he is repulsed by me and is leaving me. He was so angry and I could see he had regressed into a scared child and had lost control

Do you think that the fact that his behaviour may be rooted in cptsd means that you have to put up with it?

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