What Does A Supporter Do To Help?

[Spiderallis]

That raw, unfiltered honesty is like gold. I was diagnosed fairly recently, seems like the PTSD label makes some people tell me everything is okay when it's obviously not. I won't learn to make better choices if I get a pat on the head and "oh, it's okay" for doing anything at all.

Word got around in my social circle that I'm going through a rough time. It's really bugging me how every conversation includes 'You know, I'd do whatever to help.' Really want to help? Stop reminding me that I'm not well! Let me be distracted for three minutes and treat me like the person I was a few weeks ago.

 

[BigBear]

It's really bugging me how every conversation includes 'You know, I'd do whatever to help.'

Now, have you said literally that to them? They can't read your mind. You have to tell them what makes you feel good (or bad). You have to tell them what makes the situation better (or worse). And if they should use it against you, you cut them firmly (and permanently) off... (as in they stop being any kind of supporter and become just very loose acquaintances. It's pretty hard for someone that you aren't invested in to hurt you in any effective way...)

Bear

 

[Spiderallis]

Thanks Bear, it takes a precise touch to whack me with a clue-by-four and you've got great aim. I haven't said it. I fall back on being polite when I don't know what to do, mostly I say 'thank you'. I think most of them mean well, there's some doubt about a few people... All the more reason to stick close with the few I'm sure of, I know they've got good judgment that I can borrow when I doubt my own.