KimG, thank you for the warm welcome, I will definitely make sure to read your thread as well. It's terrific to meet others who completely understand what this is all about. =)

Anthony,

To answer your question, I would honestly have to say it's both easier and harder and even sometimes humorous in this particular situation. I myself remain nearly completely untreated, where he has had (and continues to have) continual therapy and support through the Veterans Administration-
Thank God for the Veterans Administration, without them and the wealth of information they provided my husband, I would certainly be convinced I have lost my mind-

We absolutely do understand where each other's coming from, so in that aspect it makes it easier.

What makes it harder is, that although we both suffer from PTSD, it comes from two very diferent sources. Where his combat zone was overseas in a foreign land, my "combat zone" if you will, comes from within the home.

So, if he feels out of control of the goings on within the family, he reacts as a military man would in a combat zone- "If they don't follow orders, people could die". And of course, my reaction to what I percieve as an attempt to back me into a corner, I react with the 'fight' portion of the 'flight or fight' and a huge argument ensues as I impulsively feel the need to free myself.

What also makes it harder is just the fact that he has been and continues to go through treatment, and I, for the most part, have not except for the information the VA has provided Sam with throughout the years. Although he does understand why I behave and react the way I do, it is very frustrating to have to endure once again what he has already been through himself.

My biggest question that remains for me is... What will come of the children? How will they turn out having grown up in a family where both parents suffer from PTSD? That is the biggest fear of mine above all else. I have had many discussions with my children about this and have explained what we do, and why we do it in an effort to help them understand, but the fear still remains about their outcome.