Supporter Learning To Be The Best Support

[LoveAVictim]

Hi everybody!

I started dating somebody I've known for 9 years who has PTSD from an abusive history from his family and exes, and he's also a veteran. He sees a therapists but admitted he only gives what the guy wants to hear and doesn't really open up. He opens up to me, but I don't know how to help or what to say many times. I've come here to learn how to be the best support I can.

 

[Saint Nik]

Welcome. Hope the forums help you in some way and you will definitely get support here if and when you need it :tup:

 

[intothelight]

@LoveAVictim Welcome to the forum!

As a person that has PTSD, I can only offer advice from my own perspective. No one should enable me should I engage in destructive behaviors; no one should keep me small, but keep encouraging me to push through and go to the next level; and mostly just honest, open communication between the two primary people in the relationship. PTSD is not who I am and it is something that I have and live with. At this point it doesn't make my life horrible, it just makes some things different.

 

[Truthful_Whispers]

Best thing you can to is to simply be there to listen. You don't have to fully understand.

 

[Namenotdiagnosis]

Welcome to the forum x you will be supported here and listened to.