James, Thank you sooo much for your post. As the girlfriend of man with PTSD there is still a lot I don't understand, though I'm learning more and more every day. My boyfriend talks a lot about how many of his fellow soldiers have become alcoholics, committed suicide and all of the other behaviors you mentioned. He's even discussed working at the VA to help others. The thing is he really seems to minimize his own struggle with PTSD. He had to admit it to me when I saw him taking his meds one day, but he won't discuss it beyond that. Once he even tried to deny he told me about the PTSD. My question to you is how can I bring it up to him and suggest therapy without making him feel upset or ashamed? The irritability, angry outbursts over small things, being cursed out and being accused of everything under the sun are making me crazy. I love him dearly and I want to stick it out with him, but I know that things can't go on the way things are. Any suggestions?

To help_ptsd, I too suffered thru Hurricane Ike and I hope you and your family the best in returning to a somewhat "normal" life. I'm so grateful to have power again!

Pastrychefarmywife,

I guess my SN explains that I am also an army wife...well ex..but once one always one. I understand where you are coming from. I don't have to much time to type but I wanted to say welcome and that you aren't alone. We are here for support, advice and well just to hear you get it out. This web-site is and was a godsend to me. These people on here are amazing. Whenever, I need a refresher on what I need to do I come on here and read then I'm okay again cause I know I'm not alone.

I'll write more later. You are in my Prayers.

-xxarmywifexx