Hi

[Early]

A big hi to everyone on this forum.

I am from England and have recently met a girl on-line(in America). She has made me aware that she suffers from ptsd and suffers some quite nasty episodes. I wasn't aware of her suffering when I first spoke to her about this and I have certainly not fallen into a trap that I think that I can save her from this. However I do have very little genuine 1st hand knowledge of ptsd and have joined this forum to gain a greater overstanding.. The wealth of information that I have come across is both overwhelming in size and contradictory in it's advice. In an effort to not put my big feet in I am also worried that I don't try and walk on egg-shells whilst also avoiding saying anything patronising or clichéd.

I don't know all the details pertaining to her particular issues as I haven't earned the right yet to be told them. All that I know is I have met a wonderful and compassionate soul who has this bad thing happening to them and that I care about them. I am asking you if you could please pass me a little bit of wisdom?

 

[Sandra]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Early]

I sincerely apologise if i have posted this in the wrong place. I also forgot to say thank you very much.

 

[Tinyflame]

Hi Early, you sound like a compassionate person, but everyone is different as regards ptsd or even just 'themselves'. But there are also some great similarities. However, no one (with ptsd or otherwise) should criticize or condemn you if you say the 'wrong' thing- there really isn't such a thing as the wrong' thing if you are not callous nor condemning, just a less-informed response (often which causes you pain, too).
I am sure you have your own sorrows/ history, to manage as well.

I don't know what you mean by 'contardictory information', though?

You have to take care of yourself, I hope this site will help you both, I haven't found much that makes more sense as it applies to ptsd.

P.S- Welcome!
:)

 

[Early]

Thank you. It is not so much the worry of being criticised or condemned for saying the wrong thing, more so not wanting to say the wrong thing through simple ignorance. I would rather concentrate on the right things in life as of course like everyone i have had bad times. The contradictory information was more to do with different websites and opinions expressed therein. :)

 

[Tinyflame]

I see Early, well don't throw the baby out with the bath water, so to speak- if you connected not knowing anything that remains so.

You can always ask (any) question here, as regards what you wonder about based on your own questions or information from this website or any other, and get others' experiences, opinions and feedback..

Kind of you to try to learn about it.

 

[Early]

Thank you. :). I have no intention of throwing this baby out either inadvertently or by design; this wonderful girl is very much a keeper.

I already know more than I did this time yesterday and I aim to know more tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

[KP the nut]

Hi Early, welcome to the forum.

There is plenty of information here, I'd suggest reading in the supporters section some of the 'sticky' threads and then some of the articles.

I wish you well
KP