As a wife whose husband has PTSD, after years being a first responder, I find this topic interesting for soooo many reasons; firstly the lived experience having been in the Police Force myself but also being married to a medically discharged Police Officer and secondly my tertiary studies around human behaviour, sexuality and relationships. The information I’m drawing on within this article is from numerous hours spent researching, personal experience, interviews with veterans and my professional experience working with Veterans and First Responders within the realm of relationships, communication breakdowns and sexual wellness. I’ve conducted interviews with both men and women around this topic and these are the key points I believe should be brought to light to help anyone navigating the world of sexual wellness through a very unique lens – a PTSD diagnosis.
For many veterans and first responders the transition out of this military or paramilitary organisation can be jarring to say the least, throw in a mental health issue and you’re navigating brand new waters which at times seem mighty murky.
What should I say?
What am I feeling?
What is this new life?
Who am I?
I feel alone and lost?
Where’s this brotherhood I was once a part of…?!
These are some of the questions that come up when I’m working with clients who are new to PTSD. My main focus for these articles is to touch on the key points to bring into your awareness when it comes to your sexual wellness and the role it plays in your recovery.
KEEP AN OPEN MIND
The Sexual Complexities As you’ll read – the veteran story in this article is one of increased sexual desire since discharge. When I asked one of my interviewees how PTSD has affected his interest in sexual activities, he shared the following insight: his previous role within a very high risk...
As a wife whose husband has PTSD, after years being a first responder, I find this topic interesting for soooo many reasons; firstly the lived experience having been in the Police Force myself but also being married to a medically discharged Police Officer and secondly my tertiary studies around human...
