This week I'm speaking out about my post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis over at Consumer Health Digest and things I feel people should understand about PTSD. For many of us affected by addiction, PTSD is a very real (and very scary!) thing. I won't say much more because the post explains it all!

Here's a sneak peek at the article:

When I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), I was relieved that there was a name for my nightmare. Though, not all who have been through trauma and know the effects of it feel this way. My husband, who also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, was not as pleased as I to receive his diagnosis. My proactive nature read my “label” and determined to do the work for resolution. My husband, however, said he was fine and had more of an, “I won’t think about it and therefore it won’t affect me” approach.

My husband and I both displayed very different symptoms of PTSD. He abused substances to self-medicate and assist in his “fix it and forget about it” attitude while I tried to rush the healing process, acting out in anger with myself (and everyone around me) that I was still so overwhelmed. I cannot speak for my husband but I can only imagine how my explosive reactions have made it more difficult for him to heal.

I tell you all of this because not only do I know how hard it is to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder but I know how difficult it can be to live with someone who has it. And the most mind-boggling thing about it is because our symptoms are so different, my husband and I do not truly understand each other’s PTSD.

Really.

This post was written for, "Consumer Health Digest" if you would like to continue reading PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to the article.

Leah Grey

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