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Ice Breaker

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Hi Vicki,
How did you get on over the weekend? It looks like a move in the right direction to be asking after his daughter, but still just take baby steps. I know it's difficult to keep quiet about something you know. Give him time to get past the phisical stuff and then have a rethink. He hates me going to work nevermind overnight. I just wouldn't be able to relax at all. He sometimes just won't answer the phone, or even respond to a text, so I would be on edge the whole time. Nevermind, nobody said it would be easy.

Talk soon,
Cathy x
 
Yeah, he probably needs you and wants you, but he's all messed up. For myself, I know that part of the syndrome is inability to decide until the last second, keeping all options open. This makes sense if you think about it to adapt a man to tactical fighting. Things are always changing and settling down means death. That's why I think PTSD is an adaptation, not exactly an illness. But at some point he has to figure out that he needs to temper himself. It's possible to override those impulses. One way I do it is to think of the person I care about as a frightened squirrel, and what would I do if I wanted to tame that squirrel? I've schooled myself to relax my face, move slowly, and act like I would with a wild animal. I've schooled myself to be reliable in relationships. It takes thought and focus at first, but it's doable. Relating to figurative wild squirrels makes things about right for me with women.

You have to care for yourself too. You can't be his emotional punching bag and it's an easy thing to fall into. It won't be good for you.

As a practical note, if you really want to divorce, there are usually ways to force it through court action if the person refuses to cooperate. But it doesn't entirely sound like that's where you're at. You do love him. Question is, what do you want to do with your life? What do you really want?

He needs to get somehow that he has to make some changes I think. He can, even though it's difficult. You might be able to go see him and just tell him what you need him to do. Generally men tend to respond better to blunt specifications. We aren't wired at the best of times to figure things out from hints. A guy with heavy PTSD and a history of childhood neglect? He's gonna have to work on it. But he has to do it.

I'd vote for just going to see him, writing a list of things you have to be blunt with him about and telling him. I'd vote for talking about the childhood neglect myself. I've come to dislike secrets, dark things breed in the darkness. (Sometimes good things, but bad things definitely.) I'd vote for laying it out clearly, giving him things he has to do, and if he does it, fine. If not, your call. Doesn't matter if he's got this or that problem, you have to establish what's ok and what isn't. He can do things. I'd vote for as long as he's really moving and up to some minimums. A bit of a halfway house thing for a while.
 
Hi Cathy,

How are you? Well I'm just at work at the moment so thought I'd log on quickly to reply.

Well I completely messed up the next day I called him as he had asked but he pressed the busy tone so I guessed he didn't want to talk. I should have left it, but later I asked him by text why he wouldn't see me (been 5 months longest time ever, afghan 2 months and hospital 3) when he goes out drinking with his friends (I know I shouldn't have) I think prior to Christmas he was probably better but I believe he has gone down with an infection, from his response which was that he is fighting for his health through an infection and doesn't need any grief from me when he is able he will see me.

I know I messed up but I'm going to leave it, and let him make contact if he wishes I feel a lot better for doing so even though its only been a couple of days!

By the way Cathy how did you get so strong?

Take care Vicki xx
 
Hi Johnny,

Thank you for your post, from this and the site everything seems to make a little more sense. He is still in hospital, but wont allow me to visit, in fact the first hospital had a detailed list of who he would and wouldn't see.

I find it hard to strike a balance in showing that you are there for someone and being a total annoyance! Ive decided to back off as I was getting quite down about it, but I think there is little I can do if he tells me nothing is wrong and its just a phase.

Thanks once again Johnny sorry for the short post time to leave work now!.

Take Care v
 
Oh Vicki,
I am so not that strong. It's easy to be strong for other people! My Andy was at the psyc yesterday for the first time. They have given him medication and will see him again next week. He is also back to the GP this morning.

I lost it a bit with the psyc... Everyone keeps calling me Andy's carer... How can I be a carer when I leave the house at 7.45am and get home at 6.30pm five days a week. I don't know if I will be coming home to a meal or a suicide note. (Had both in the last week).

Just wake up every morning and do what I have to do. Keep my fingers crossed and pray for the last few miles home in the evening. I keep smiling and telling him it will get better, I promise it will get better.
I don't know if it will get better.

Like I said before just go with your instinct. There is no right and wrong here! He is in a safe place with lots of help. Chin up chick, one day we will sit and have a coffee and look back on this with much wiser heads and some peace in our lives.

Cathy x
 
Hi Cathy,

Thinking of you.

You are an inspiration.

For me it looks like it is the end of the road, and I am totally gutted. He text me today to say leave him alone as he has met someone else and it is causing him problems being in contact with me.

He is going to see a solicitor next week, I just keep crying and feel I am just about keeping it together. I need to be strong for my little girl and so I dont blow my chances of going to Uni. Yesturday I got a distinction for my work, so everything is going well but part of me feels like im juggling and the balls are about to be dropped. Well my lovely big hugs and kisses to you, I have to go as I am welling up as I type.

Vicki x
 
Vicki,

Never the end of the road! In my experience, they find it easy to hit out at those they love. We will keep taking it and still love back! Besides, you have a daughter in common, so just let him take the lead. Put a time limit on it and then think again.

Where in UK are you?

BIG hugs sweetheart, you are not on your own.

Cathy xxxx
 
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