TLCDaisy

How do Supporter's deal with their emotions?

Posted on 06/16/08, 11:47 pm

I'm wondering how Family/Friends of PTSD'ers deal with their emotions, feelings...?

My husband remarked to me that it tears him apart seeing how I used to be such a strong, independant woman...to someone that is totally opposite now. He says it makes him depressed, and his depression doesn't seem to help lift me up. I feel like I need him to be my rock right now, and he is not always there as a rock...I know it's hard on him too.

IDK...does it get any better?

What helps? What doesn't?

I've bought him books to read about my trauma, and he hasn't read them yet...it's been one year since my PTSD Diagnosis...What gives?

• Reply #1 06/18/08  6:55am
  
  Aust
  For me as a wife, closed out for to many years. I feel lost, alone. been hurt to much and changed to much from the me that once was to ever find her again. Not sure how much longer I can take it. Life is passing by. But know its not his fault in any way. He knows I am drifting further away, havent and wont wear my wedding ring as dont feel I am in a marriage anymore. But no plans to cheat on him either. He doesnt deserve that. The sad part is, he is the last couple of weeks trying, but it is years to late to reconnect. I dont know your answers, sorry, ptsd reading the books, yes I read them, but doesnt change the actual problems that come with it, or the violence, episodes, isolation, and everything else you know about it. its like a dark whisper.
• Reply #2 08/27/08  7:20pm
  
  jmbj213
  Hi Diasy and Aust...I wish I knew the answer. Wish I was a real Jeanne and could snap my fingers...make all be okay. But I can't and trying to have others, who don't have PTSD understand has been all but impossible for me. It only has made me feel worse and deepened the anxiety, hurt, isolation and depression with it all. I know now, for myself, just how much this affects those around us who are not affected. They don't understand and in my situation I've gotten anger and being told that I should be over things by now...that maybe I need a different therapist, that I'm way too sensitive to everything and that they just don't want to deal with it. Inside I agree with it all...and the struggle to feel that I'll ever feel okay again only gets shot down when they say things like that. I think, for me, I've had this for many years but it has only completely surfaced this past year. I pray for peace...for you and me. THis is such a misunderstood illness. An illness brought on by others and/or other things...not something we are born with.
  

This is a group where family and friends of those with PTSD can gather support with one another and share advice...and much more. It is not easy living with and.or understanding our loved ones with PTSD...I hope this group can help make that easier!