what can a lawyer get for ptsd from divorced spouse

by Cristopher Crooks Jr. 9 min read

Can PTSD save a divorce?

Nov 23, 2021 · Divorce can be very hard. But you’re not alone in this. We WILL get you through this. Getting divorced can be a terrible experience. In addition to all the added work, time, and life drama, there is the added stress. The stress of how it impacts your children. The stress of all the paperwork. And the stress of dealing with an angry spouse. It ...

What happens to a spouse’s mental health during a divorce?

Feb 26, 2022 · Adults involved in divorce may also experience PTSD as a result of the loss of their partner. This seems to be more likely in the case of either prolonged or high-conflict divorces, as both spouses are more likely to experience emotional distress, high levels of stress, and fear in these types of divorce. This is one of the reasons cooperation ...

How to care for a spouse who suffers from PTSD?

Nov 07, 2019 · PTSD Divorce Rate. About 70% of adults undergo at least one traumatic experience in their life. Additionally, 1 in 4 of those people eventually develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can result from any type of traumatic event, whether it happens once or is repetitive. The disorder affects all genders and can arise at any age.

Does military PTSD affect marriage?

Jun 24, 2017 · PTSD and marriage: Hope for the future. The two of you deserve the most enriching, loving, and strongest marriage. Many prospectors will say that PTSD and marriage do not mix. Certainly they would agree that the statistics surrounding PTSD and marriage are extremely high. Notably so, they have not been in your shoes.

How is PTSD treated for divorce?

Having a strong social support network is essential. Reaching out to family and friends, joining a support group or seeking out a therapist, and learning effective coping strategies are some ways to help alleviate distressful symptoms of post-divorce trauma, and ultimately lead to the path of recovery and healing.Jul 9, 2021

Is divorce considered PTSD?

PTSD is most often associated with military members in combat, but it can also stem from car accidents, extreme grief, sudden life transitions, and other traumatic events. Divorce can be a traumatic experience, so it is possible for divorce to cause PTSD symptoms.Nov 21, 2019

Can divorce be considered a traumatic event?

For the divorcee, divorce can be psychologically traumatic because if unexpected, the individual could feel shocked and powerless to the event. The divorcee could also feel personally betrayed by their significant other, leaving confusion, pain, and deep, emotional scarring.Jul 2, 2014

What is spousal PTSD?

While the veteran has faced hostile forces, IEDs, and injured or killed comrades, their spouse has been at home dealing with stresses and trauma of their own. This can result in secondary PTSD or spousal PTSD.May 20, 2021

Can marriage survive PTSD?

Veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD have reported significant marital difficulties. Studies have shown that nearly 50 percent of their marriages end in divorce and that they are three times as more likely to have multiple marriages end in divorce.Jul 20, 2016

Can an ex give you PTSD?

Survivors of abusive relationships can still experience PTSD or complex PTSD (CPTSD). The symptoms involved will just be slightly different. If you attempt to avoid or block out memories of the abusive relationship, struggle to remember details, or feel detached, you could have PTSD.Apr 29, 2021

Can a divorce cause complex PTSD?

Post-divorce Trauma While a formal PTSD diagnosis doesn't normally result from a divorce, the emotional fallout from a divorce can cause similar symptoms. Going through an acrimonious, drawn-out divorce process can exacerbate your emotional trauma and result in physical symptoms of illness.

What is C PTSD symptoms?

Symptoms of complex PTSD feelings of shame or guilt. difficulty controlling your emotions. periods of losing attention and concentration (dissociation) physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, chest pains and stomach aches.

What happens in a PTSD episode?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Does infidelity cause PTSD?

Infidelity can be traumatic, causing intensely painful emotions for the person who was cheated on. They may actually experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including heightened anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress.Nov 23, 2021

How can I support my spouse with PTSD?

Helping someone with PTSD tip 1: Provide social supportDon't pressure your loved one into talking. ... Do “normal” things with your loved one, things that have nothing to do with PTSD or the traumatic experience. ... Let your loved one take the lead, rather than telling them what to do. ... Manage your own stress. ... Be patient.More items...

How does PTSD treatment work?

PTSD treatment requires patience and diligence on the part of patients, as treatment essentially works to rewire the connections in your brain to create healthier, stronger connections, and improve any deeply-held beliefs not rooted in evidence.

What are the risk factors for PTSD?

The most obvious risk factor for PTSD is experiencing a traumatic event, including divorce or the discovery of infidelity. Apart from this, though, there are some other risk factors that could increase your likelihood of developing PTSD on the heels of an incident. A history of anxiety or depression-or even a family history of anxiety and depression-can elevate your risk of developing PTSD after a traumatic incident. A family history of these conditions can also aggravate your likelihood of developing PTSD following a traumatic event. While PTSD might seem like another animal entirely, it does qualify as an anxiety disorder, so any personal or family history of anxiety and other mood disorders will make it more likely to develop PTSD.

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapies run the gamut, and can include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, auditory therapy, and light therapy, all of which have the potential to rewire some of the fractured neural connections brought about by experiencing trauma.

How long do you have to have PTSD to get a diagnosis?

In order to reach the minimum requirements for a diagnosis, you must experience these symptoms for a minimum of one month. Prolonged symptoms can lead to other conditions due to the intense nature of PTSD, so it is not uncommon to receive multiple diagnoses once you've received a PTSD diagnosis. There are physical symptoms in PTSD (most commonly, ...

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

These categories include avoidance, intrusive memories, negative changes in thinking or behavior, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Intrusive memories come most often in the form of uncontrolled flashbacks or nightmares.

Why is cooperation important in divorce?

This is one of the reasons cooperation is such an important aspect of divorce: it is not only children who experience intense feelings during the divorce process and potentially develop mood and personality disorders. Adults, too, can experience intense feelings and distress intense enough to warrant a PTSD diagnosis.

Why do children need stability?

Children rely heavily upon family stability as a means of developing a sense of equilibrium in their lives, and require somewhere to return to when life has grown confusing, overwhelming, or dangerous. If home, with mom or dad, does not provide that stability, children can easily begin to experience symptoms of PTSD.

How to deal with PTSD after divorce?

Get yourself involved with something. Isolation and the desire to have minimal communication isn’t the solution when you’re suffering from PTSD from divorce. It is essential that you divert your attention to things that are necessary, like your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

How to deal with divorce stress?

Spend time with friends and family. When you’re surrounded by positive and loving people, things change. So, to fight the divorce stress syndrome, surround yourself with people who love you the most. It could be your family, friend or even your colleagues.

What happens when you attach yourself to someone?

Humans are taught about attachment, but hardly anyone knows about detachment. When we attach ourselves with someone, we pour our heart and emotions to them. When the same person starts to maintain a distance from us, we find it hard to adjust to the situation. Things become unbearable when you’re in a relationship as strong as marriage.

How to deal with a grieving friend?

Take time to familiarize yourself with the new reality. Don’t shy away from grieving. Talk your heart out to your friend, family or a therapist. Don’t dwell into past quite often. Get yourself involved with something. Spend time with friends and family. Join the group to meet like minded people.

What happens when you go through divorce?

Everyone takes time to adjust themselves with the sudden change in their life. Indeed, when you go through divorce, overnight you life changes. Things that you’ve been doing for months and years suddenly will have no importance in your present life. This will surely shatter you and deeply hurt you.

What is the marriage.com course?

If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married.

How to get back to your life after divorce?

When you were married, perhaps your life goal took a back seat as you got busy with your marital life. After divorce, it’s time that you start looking back towards your long lost life goals. Start with daily goals and achievements.

How to reduce PTSD divorce rate?

They can do so by: Treatment is vital for post-traumatic stress disorder. Both counseling and medications have successfully helped to treat patients with PTSD.

How does PTSD affect a spouse?

A PTSD spouse may feel isolated and frustrated by being unable to work through issues and help their partner. The other partner might feel hurt or helpless because of their spouse’s inability to get over the traumatic experience. That can eventually lead to feelings of anger or distance.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Some victims also turn to gamble and pornography. Anxiety: Irritability, startling easy, feeling on guard, and having a hard time relaxing are all common among PTSD patients. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can bring problems with trust, intimacy, and communication, which can destroy the relationship.

What are the common occurrences of traumatic events?

Nightmares and flashbacks are a common occurrence. Avoidance: The patient may stay away from places or persons that remind them of the traumatic experience. Numbing: Many victims numb themselves with addictive substances like drugs and alcohol. Some victims also turn to gamble and pornography.

How to deal with PTSD?

While PTSD is a debilitating condition, it’s possible for sufferers to maintain or rebuild successful relationships. They can do so by: 1 Attending individual and family therapy sessions regularly 2 Opening up and being honest about how they feel 3 Showing respect and compassion to their spouses 4 Learning and practicing proper communication and problem-solving skills 5 Acknowledging the fun things in life 6 Learning relaxation techniques and integrating them into everyday life 7 Taking medication accordingly, if prescribed 8 Staying away from alcohol, drugs, excessive gambling, pornography, and other addictive behaviors

Is it possible to salvage a marriage?

While it’s possible to overcome challenges and reignite a relationship, not all marriages are salvageable. If you’re considering a divorce for whatever reason, a qualified lawyer can help. The attorneys at Alliance Law Group are qualified and experienced in all matters relating to divorce.

Can PTSD cause divorce?

Symptoms of the disorder may be so severe that a spouse can feel like they’re living in constant threat of danger. Work and daily activities usually prove to be hard for PTSD sufferers, contributing to increased divorce and unemployment rates .

How to understand PTSD?

According to the VA, the process for them to learn and understand PTSD starts with the parent suffering from the condition to explain it to them, without burdening the child with graphic detail. A child needs to be made aware that it is not their fault that their parent is suffering from PTSD.

How long does PTSD last?

It is broken down into two categories: chronic (ongoing) or acute (short term). In order to classify it as PTSD, the symptoms must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work. Recovery times vary, depending on the individual and whether it is chronic or acute.

Why do parents pass down their trauma?

Having a parent pass down their post traumatic stress disorder is a phenomenon described as intergenerational transmission of trauma, and it can often be caused by a child’s lack of understanding of what a parent went through , according to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

What are some myths about domestic violence?

The truth is that children may suffer from exceptional emotion and behavioral issues related to the trauma of being exposed to domestic violence.

How does Portaleos help children?

Helping children understand. One of Portaleos’ claims was that spending time with his son helped him cope with the trauma , and that can be an excellent distraction to the disorder. However, when a child gets older, they begin to question aspects of the disorder, in order to learn and understand it for themselves.

What are the treatment centers for veterans?

For civilians, there are a variety of treatment centers, such as Bridge to Recovery, Magnolia Creek, and Recovery Ranch, dedicated to helping individuals suffering from PTSD.

Can PTSD cause a custody battle?

A parent or spouse suffering from PTSD can sometimes devolve into displaying violent or abusive behavior. This can cause some courts to view the custody battle as a case involving domestic violence and find any act of violence committed as relevant material to the determination of custody.

What to do when your spouse has PTSD?

By all means, your genuine acts of love and kindness will nurture your marriage. With this intention you will reinforce the love, safety, and security that your spouse needs to feel .

How to prevent PTSD from spouse?

When managed appropriately, there will be less of an effect on you. Familiarize yourself with your spouse’s triggers. By doing so, you will be able to help prevention of a PTSD episode. Talk about the triggers with them. Find out why someone, or something, a specific behavior, or sensation is triggering.

What happens when you have PTSD?

Process through any guilt you hold onto pertaining to your PTSD and marriage. After you experience a PTSD episode you may have feelings of guilt or shame. In spite of these feelings, holding onto any guilt distracts from your relationship.

What is a VAntage Point contributor?

— VAntage Point Contributors provide insight and perspective on a wide range of Veterans issues. If you’d like to contribute a story to VAntage Point, learn how you can submit a guest blog at http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/how-to-submit-a-guest-post/

Can a spouse teach their spouse PTSD?

They will be able to teach your spouse the tools that they need. Hen ce, PTSD or CPTSD symptom management. Of course, when your loved one is able to manage their symptoms, your relationship will take a turn for the better. There are self-guided practices that they can do to reduce the symptoms’ severity.

Do PTSD and marriage mix?

PTSD and marriage: Hope for the future. The two of you deserve the most enriching, loving, and strongest marriage. Many prospectors will say that PTSD and marriage do not mix. Certainly they would agree that the statistics surrounding PTSD and marriage are extremely high. Notably so, they have not been in your shoes.

Who is Patricia Eden?

Patricia Eden is the voice behind PTSDWifey. She is a mother of two beautiful daughters and a wife to an outstanding husband who is recovering from Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and she has Vicarious PTSD.

What is the risk of divorce in 2021?

The loss of a significant relationship can be one of life’s most difficult challenges. Divorce or separation, in particular, increases one's risk of distressful psychological symptoms. 1  According to some studies, it is also a potential risk factor for suicidal behavior.

When was PTSD first recognized as a mental illness?

Defining PTSD. Once referred to as "combat stress reaction" or "battle fatigue", PTSD gained official recognition as a mental health condition in 1980 in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-lll). It was understood to be a common syndrome among war veterans.

What are the symptoms of post traumatic stress?

Other post-traumatic stress symptoms that may arise in the aftermath of a divorce or separation include: 4 . Overly negative thoughts about oneself or the world. Exaggerated self-blame or blame of others. Decreased interest in activities. Feeling isolated.

What is dissociative impairment?

Distress or functional impairment (social, occupational) Symptoms that are not due to medication, substance use, or other illness. In some cases, dissociative symptoms that may occur such as depersonalization (the feeling of being detached from oneself) or derealization (a feeling of unreality)

Does PTSD apply to divorce?

According to the National Health Service (NHS), a formal PTSD diagnosis does not usually apply to circumstances like "divorce, job loss or failing exams.”. “A PTSD diagnosis requires something life-threatening or a threat to bodily integrity,” says Sheela Raja, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist, and author of "Overcoming Trauma and PTSD.".

Can PTSD be diagnosed after divorce?

Certain risk factors appear to make some people more likely to develop a diagnosis of PTSD after a divorce or separation, such as in cases that involve intimate partner abuse, exposure to a serious threat of injury, or death. This level of trauma does not meet the severity criteria required for the diagnosis of PTSD.

Can PTSD be caused by a breakup?

“In people with PTSD from past trauma,” says psychiatrist Dr. Susan Edelman, “the breakup of a relationship can lead to worsening symptoms of post-traumatic stress ...

How to save your marriage from PTSD?

Working On Your Marriage. Accepting your PTSD diagnosis is the first step in saving your relationship. If you and your spouse are committed to making the marriage work, attend both individual and couples counseling . Do your best to be honest with your partner and share your feelings with them.

What is the best treatment for PTSD?

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been found consistently to be the most effective treatment for PTSD: receiving this treatment can give you the skills to understand and change your behavior patterns, which can result in significant improvements in your relationship.

How many combat veterans have PTSD?

It is estimated that 30% of combat veterans will experience PTSD at some point during their lives, which can lead to a number of different symptoms, including addiction, numbing, avoidance, anxiety and reliving traumas. These symptoms can create problems in a marriage, affecting communication, intimacy and trust.

Why do veterans get divorced?

Although individual circumstances vary, the reason for this is thought to be largely due to the traumatic experiences involved in active service. A rising number of veterans live ...

What are the symptoms of a spouse being unconnected to their spouse?

Under these circumstances, a spouse can feel unconnected to their partner, experiencing feelings of isolation and frustration at being unable to help.

What to do if you have too much tension at home?

If there is too much tension at home, you could consider living apart for a short period while you continue to work on your relationship.

What to do if you decide to end a marriage?

If you decide it’s time to end the marriage, meet with your attorney to draft a settlement. Bear in mind that there are some different rules for military divorce, so if you are still in service, you’ll need to check the rules for if you’re redeployed. There are also specific rules for dividing a military pension: your attorney will be able ...

How does PTSD affect people?

Avoidance: People may remove themselves from people or situations that are similar in some way to the traumatic event. Survivors may become detached from their loved ones and lose interest in their previous passions. Increased arousal: Those with PTSD may become more sensitive to their emotions or bodily sensations.

What is Dana's ex's personality disorder?

Her ex, Jim, had been diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and he has made Dana and their children’s lives miserable for 14 years. Due to the long, drawn out legal battle and Jim’s emotional abuse before and since the divorce, Dana was recently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is being treated as an inpatient and ...

How long does it take for PTSD to go away?

Someone with PTSD usually has symptoms for longer than a month and cannot function as well as they did before the traumatic event.

What is the reaction to a traumatic event?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a normal emotional and psychological reaction to trauma (a painful or shocking experience) that exists outside of someone’s normal life experiences. According to the National Institute of Mental Health people who experience a traumatic event will react with shock, anger, nervousness, fear, or even guilt.

How long do you have to be married to get VA health insurance?

Health Benefits: Former spouses maintain eligibility for VA health insurance and other benefits if they meet the 20/20/20 rule. They must have been married to the military veteran for at least 20 years, the veteran must have at least 20 years of military service, and the military service and marriage must have overlapped by at least 20 years.

What are some examples of family benefits?

Examples of family benefits include health insurance, life insurance, and educational benefits. Every military family is unique, and some veterans are now divorced from the person they were legally married to while serving in the military. Veterans and their former spouses often have questions about eligibility for VA benefits in this situation. ...

What is apportionment in VA?

The term apportionment describes the process of the VA withholding a portion of the veteran’s disability compensation and directing it to a spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent. When divorce enters the picture, former spouses can apply to the VA for apportionment if they are able to prove a legitimate financial hardship. The qualifications, application process, and distribution of apportioned funds varies according to state laws.

Why is there a garnishment for child support?

The most common reason for a garnishment is when the veteran falls behind or fails to make any payments towards child support or alimony. The amount the VA can legally withhold from disability payments and redistribute to another party ranges from 20 to 50 percent according to the veteran’s number of legal dependents.

What does post exchange and commissary benefit mean?

Post Exchange and Commissary Benefits: This benefit entitles veterans and certain family members to receive discount goods and tax-free shopping with participating merchants. Former spouses can retain this benefit if they meet the 20/20/20 rule.

Can you garnish VA alimony?

However, the following restrictions apply in cases of VA disability compensation garnishment used to pay alimony: Garnishment of the veteran’s disability payment s would cause an undue financial hardship. The former spouse committed adultery while married to the veteran and a state court confirmed this fact.

Can you garnish VA disability payments?

Federal or state governments cannot garnish VA disability payments for past due taxes, nor can creditors request a garnishment of the disability compensation to satisfy past due accounts. No party can file for garnishment of VA disability compensation unless the veteran signed a full or partial waiver to not receive regular military retirement pay ...

What It Is

Divorce and Custody Battles

Potential Harm

  • One of the myths regarding domestic violence is that if children are not abused directly, they are not harmed by the exposure to it, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The truth is that children may suffer from exceptional emotion and behavioral issues related to the trauma of being exposed to domestic violence. Domestic violen…
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The Case

  • The Syracuse Post-Standardprofiled a veteran father, suffering from PTSD, who is seeking custody of his 2-year-old son. Shaun Portaleos is a discharged Marine, who was caught up in a custody battle in state and federal court for two years. The question that the courts had to ask themselves was if in protecting the child, were they punishing the traumatic soldier who fought f…
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Helping Children Understand

  • One of Portaleos’ claims was that spending time with his son helped him cope with the trauma, and that can be an excellent distraction to the disorder. However, when a child gets older, they begin to question aspects of the disorder, in order to learn and understand it for themselves. According to the VA, the process for them to learn and understand PTSD starts with the parent s…
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Resources to Help

  • Although we, at Men’s Divorce, would prefer you seek treatment for the condition through the proper medical and mental healthcare channels, here are a variety of other resources that help individuals suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. For veterans, 1-877-WAR-VETS is set up as a confidential call center that works around the clock to hel...
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