Night Guardian
New Here
I met a young man in an online forum with C-PTSD about a year and a half ago. He was behaving very oddly, and most other people steered clear of him, but I thought he might be in need of help. So I got to know him a bit better and in time we became friends. I have not yet met him in person, but we've spent countless hours chatting via instant messenger.
This poor, damaged soul has nothing: no family, no friends besides me. He lives on disability which barely gets him through. He lives in a tiny room. He is simultaneously terrified of people and in desperate need of human contact. He's so damaged and, with his burning intelligence, he is so acutely aware of it.
I've made a commitment to him to be his friend and encourage him. But he makes it so difficult at times. His misery is palpable. Sometimes his anguish seems to morph into barbs which he directs at me, or sometimes more subtly his words seem to become poisonous.
I realize that I cannot heal his mind. I see my role as one of companion. I intend to stand with him through the long night as he heals himself. But I often feel out of my league even with this. And sometimes I want to quit, and abandon him to whatever his fate might be.
I suppose I don't have any specific questions. But if any of you more seasoned carers have some advice for me I would welcome it.
This poor, damaged soul has nothing: no family, no friends besides me. He lives on disability which barely gets him through. He lives in a tiny room. He is simultaneously terrified of people and in desperate need of human contact. He's so damaged and, with his burning intelligence, he is so acutely aware of it.
I've made a commitment to him to be his friend and encourage him. But he makes it so difficult at times. His misery is palpable. Sometimes his anguish seems to morph into barbs which he directs at me, or sometimes more subtly his words seem to become poisonous.
I realize that I cannot heal his mind. I see my role as one of companion. I intend to stand with him through the long night as he heals himself. But I often feel out of my league even with this. And sometimes I want to quit, and abandon him to whatever his fate might be.
I suppose I don't have any specific questions. But if any of you more seasoned carers have some advice for me I would welcome it.
