This is actually a good point. I don't think its a matter of just being a closed book as such, its more about what we with PTSD suffer. Male, female, doesn't matter, anyone here with PTSD will generally say they are not talkative about their PTSD to spouses and family. The reason for that, is we actually don't want to burden those around us with what is going on inside. Whether you actually believe it or not, you probably don't want to know...

The other aspect is that when we do tell spouses or family, and mention the thoughts that are going on, ie. suicide, hurt, etc etc, then everyone tip toes around us and watches us, keeps asking if we're ok, etc etc... which really only makes things worse for us. This is a significant reason why we don't say anything, yet can say these exact things to one another, as talking to someone with PTSD, you don't get the same reaction. This is because we all feel similar emotions, thoughts and so forth, which don't need to be extended past what a few words needs to be said, nor does the person receiving the content jump up and down and make an issue out of it, as its really just our daily life.

The amount of times suicide and driving myself into a pole comes into my head within a day, people around me would be nuts, have no life, as they would be too busy watching me, when in actual fact, they are just thoughts, thoughts of which most can control to go no further than thoughts.

This is why we don't talk about PTSD with spouses and family.