Many couples struggle with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and don’t even know it. While there many common causes of marital tension, there are times when the root of the tension can be an undiagnosed and untreated mental illness, such as PTSD. It can be easy for one spouse to not spot it or understand it because of the different ways PTSD presents itself among genders. Our counseling team at Integrity Counseling and Wellness has seen how differently PTSD can show up in men and women.
Common differences in the way PTSD shows up in men versus women are:
Prevalence: Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. So, if a spouse has been through a stressful or traumatic situation, it is important to monitor for other symptoms.
Depression and Anxiety: Women are more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety than men. So, if a woman is struggling to stay motivated throughout the day and get day-to-day tasks done, PTSD might be at the root.
Some of these symptoms are not motivated by PTSD and could just be brought on by a rough day. So, it is important to remember that PTSD is typically triggered by a traumatic situation. For example, it is not uncommon for people in certain professions, such as firefighters, paramedics, military personnel, and law enforcement to experience traumatic situations which may trigger PTSD. Alternatively, it could be a stressful childhood situation such as abuse or neglect, a car accident, or difficult health diagnosis.
If you have any concerns that your spouse is dealing with anxiety, it is time to ask for help. Contact us at Integrity Counseling and Wellness for more information on PTSD today.