Purchased – Fight, argument and couple on sofa Jacob Wackerhausen/istock.com

Navigating relationships can be tricky under any circumstances, but if you or your partner have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can be extra difficult. Here’s some information about PTSD that may make it easier. Defining PTSD

PTSD is a mental health condition caused by living through, witnessing, or hearing about traumatic events such as natural disasters, car accidents, acts of war, or sexual abuse.

When someone with PTSD encounters something that reminds them of the event, their brain makes them feel like they’re reliving it. That can cause them to respond as if they are in immediate danger, even though they aren’t. Triggers

MORE ON HEALTH & WELLNESS

Understanding menopause and andropause

Dispelling common myths and misconceptions about postpartum depression

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease

Something that provokes a PTSD response is called a trigger. It can be anything the person with PTSD sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels either physically or emotionally. Fireworks may be triggering to a traumatized combat veteran. A light, affectionate touch from another person may be triggering to a sexual abuse victim. Seeing stories, movies, or TV shows that are about or contain events similar to their traumatizing events can be triggering to anyone with PTSD.The best way for people with PTSD to deal with potentially triggering events is to avoid them, but that isn’t always possible. Self-help practices , such as deep breathing, meditation, and expressive writing may be helpful, as can medication and psychotherapy. Symptoms The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but they are usually grouped into four categories: • Intrusive memories: Distressing flashbacks, memories, and nightmares • Avoidance: Avoiding things that are a reminder of the event • Negative changes in thinking and mood: Feelings of hopelessness, problems with memory, or detaching from loved ones • Changes in physical and emotional reactions: Being always on guard, startled easily, aggressive, irritable, or self-destructive PTSD can have a profound effect on almost every aspect of a relationship. The partners of […]

The impact of PTSD on relationships