Relationship Intimacy

[James4545]

Hey guys. Me and my girlfriend have been dating for almost a year now. We both know she has CPTSD and it's something were both working on. The one thing our relationship lacks is intimacy. We both know it's a problem, but some days it gets really difficult. I know she is trying, really hard, and I'm never gonna give up on her. (We were friends for 5 years before we started dating) but I just want to know how other people cope with this issue or how your significant other helps you. I know people with CPTSD find it hard to open up to people, especially when it comes to sex, how can we both treat this issue?

 

[Emily L]

PTSD can have a numbing effect on emotions, even the ability to enjoy romance and become intimate. This does not happen to every sufferer, but it does happen to those with PTSD and CPTSD. Does she have the numbing effect on her emotions?

 

[Deleted member 44030]

With my c-ptsd partner it is mostly connected to the level of stress he is experiencing. When we got to a point where things were going well in the relationship, I was surprised to see that the intimacy came back, something I had given up hope on.

For him there is no such thing as makeup sex. When we've had a fight, he can shut me out for a very long time.

 

[Amber P.]

My husband and I only have sex two or three times a year and only for my benefit. He is never interested and never wants to talk about it. Lack of intimacy has been the hardest thing to cope with even though he is angry a lot. I miss feeling wanted and desired by him and often feel like it is my fault, that I am not attractive enough. It hurts! I am sorry you are going through this too!

 

[Deleted member 44240]

I really thought the reason for the lack of intimacy was my ed. I never thought for a minute that it could be a symptom of ptsd.