Recent content by Mackie

Yes "Struggle Well" is a book and can be found on Amazon.

Do you personally know of anyone that attended a PATHH program at Boulder Crest Retreat (VA or AZ in US)? I heard about it on the Today Show and I started reading more about it lately. I'm currently reading "Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma". On paper it looks like a very...

Taking care of yourself and making yourself happy is not severing the bond. It's helping you to cope and find ways to be happy when he's not available for you. You'll be there when he's ready to return but in the meantime you've got to live and feel good about yourself.

Recently when a phone conversation escalated and he hung up. I texted him "I'm OK ... I'm sorry the conversation escalated". I wasn't expecting a response. I just wanted him to know I wasn't upset. He did respond though with "K Sorry".

In the beginning of 2017 I decided to get off that rollercoaster/crazy train. If he decided to go for a ride I'd see him when he got off. It has really helped me to stop the drama. It does feel at times like there isn't a relationship but when he does get off the train things have always...

@Cleo1521 we can't save them from themselves. All we can do is be there when they want to come back to us. In the meantime keep yourself busy doing things that are positive for you. At times like this I also keep in mind that not everyone is cut out to be a supporter. Not everyone will take...

@Cleo1521 that's the problem isn't it. They tend to gravitate towards people that are just going to end up treating them badly when they are isolating from you. I suspect my SO is doing something similar because being with me right now is too much pressure for him.

Thank You @B.J., @Freida, @Sweetpea76, @Buttercup, @nowthisisme, @anon1234 and @Cleo1521!! Each of you have provided valuable insight. @Buttercup and @nowthisisme I did not think about his calling while I was gone the way you presented it. That makes sense. @anon1234 and @Cleo1521 It is hard...

Since Veterans Day contact has been very limited. He's working more and has stated he needs to focus on work right now. Work is his go to but it also causes stress and overwhelms him because of the interactions with different people. Plus he's a perfectionist and a very hard worker. People...

What's the longest time you had to wait for your SO to come out of isolation?

There are a few passages I reflect on when the going gets tough. One is: Remember that romantic love is easy because it's practically automatic. However, real love demands that you continually make a choice to be loving. When your loved one has PTSD, time and again you must choose to be...

@Sweetpea76 I find your posts very informative and helpful. I've been in a 4+ year relationship with a combat Vet considered 100% disabled because of PTSD. When we first met I knew nothing about PTSD. As the relationship progressed and PTSD symptoms presented themselves I began the learning...

Hi I'm new to the board but not a new supporter. I've been in a relationship with a Combat PTSD sufferer for over 4 years. I was in the military myself but was never in a combat situation. I had no idea what PTSD was until I met him. Since meeting him I've read a lot but of course there is...