i can see how some people can separate PTSD and secondary PTSD, but i also think that in some situations someone can have both in various degrees.
A lot of my issues are from secondary PTSD, however, after getting beat and battered, especially after a severe beating, someone can develop PTSD symptoms. each incident of physical abuse is traumatic. and 3 years of it can really affect someone. and every situation is different. i dont take anything away from anyone who has PTSD or secondary PTSD. each has their own sitaution and no 2 situations are exactly the same. if 2 people standing together saw or went thru something traumatic, one may be affected more then the other. as in the case of the US army. a unit will be in hardcore combat and see and experience the same thing, but only a few of them develop PTSD.
And from my experience living with my husband and his PTSD, i can relate to him in a lot of ways, not every way, but we do share a lot of the same feelings and issues. I am not the kind of person who will say I relate to EVERYTHING you are going thru. i might be able to relate to a few things, but no one can ever relate fully to someone elses experiences.
