I'm new to this, but I understand PTSD to an extent, my father was a Vietnam vet, so the remainders of it have been around a while.
I thought it out long and hard after my baby got back from deployment, and thought of many things, asked a lot of questions and had myself partially prepped.... no can really prep for nightmares, but if you are there, just listen.

I got him a Nerf gun, lol, I regretted it partially later but he loved it. It stayed by his side of the bed and when things got spooky he could shoot at anything that spooked him and suddenly he was laughing.... got him a play knife with retractable rubber blade too... it helped chase the frowns away... :)

Whenever we went out he said he would feel better if we sat in a corner booth so no one could sneak up on him. He also hated being stationary for too long, so learn how to walk talk and window shop at a quick pace....

Luckily the fireflies aren't out yet, but I avoided driving at night. Tracers and firefly glows as you drive look alike (well night vision tracers)

I avoided any areas where one might suspect a sudden loud crash or boom as well. And when he wants to talk I stop everything I can and listen....

Most of you probably already know this but I felt the urge to share.... :D

You are a very sweet and supportive girlfriend. he is lucky to have you. It is great that you found ways to make him laugh.:hugehug

how supportive!!

That is AWESOME! The other stuff I've thought of but the Nurf Gun...wooooww kuddos for that idea!!! :D

those are really good ideas!

Thanks.
It was hard when he came in, figuring out how to adjust and all, but patience was my best friend! He is better than before and he jokes about it now. But because I didn't push him away or freak out, he actually talks to me about it. Granted I will never understand it, I can always listen and help were i can. I get it to an extent, I was a firefighter for 4 years so i have seen some things, but nothing like that. But he trusts me, he knows I am not going anywhere just because he has PTSD. Somedays he gets distant, and it hurts, and some days his patience/fuse is worn short but we deal. His upcoming 3rd deployment has me worried but again, i am here for him. He is my best friend and I would hope he thinks the same.
He gets really depressed from it time and again, so I have an idea. We are going to have a holiday night before he leave. he is upset because he will be missing thanksgiving, Christmas, new years, valentines and my birthday. So, Holiday night, or holiday week :P will be before he goes and we can celebrate them all and technically not miss any!
Geez, I get to talking baout him and rant... lol:blush

These are some great ideas. Thank you so much for sharing them. My guy came home on the 23rd. He wants to know what every sound is & gets up frequently to look out the window.

aww i shared these with my DH who is showing signs of ptsd and he thought it was sooo cute and so sweet, and i think it kind of reassured him that we can get through it as a couple!!!

thank you for the great ideas and for giving us alot of hope

Wow you have a great imagination. I would have never thought to do something like getting a nerf gun n stuff. Your a great girlfriend.... Where would he be without you?