My Partner With Ptsd

[Desperateforhelp92]

Hi, I am desperate for some help and advice.
I have been with my partner for 3 years.
He got injured in Afghanistan in 2011.
We recently moved in together after he had got a job at the other side of the country and I went to be with him. After a few months, this is when we saw the signs and he finally realised he had PTSD. He would push me away, avoid coming home til really late spend all his time at work and cause arguments over anything and really distance himself.
He finally decided enough was enough he couldn't treat me like this anymore and needed to seek help to become the man I deserve. He really broke down and was so upset, it was a really scary thing to see, he was really honest about how he feels in his head all the time, the only time he would ever feel safe and not think about war was when he was flying or lying with me relaxing watching
Silly movies.
I helped him write a list of how he feels and triggers to take to the counselling sessions he promised to go to.
However now I have moved home, I can only take his word he has been seeking help which I don't think he is.
We have spoken everyday and both love each other so much but he now is pushing me further and further out of his life, I have tried to help and be there for him, but he doesn't want it he just wants to do it alone. He has got so much other stuff going on with his life with work, I am scared he is just going to get worse and worse and push me out completely.
Is there anything I can say or do to help? Or do I have to just walk away and pray he gets the help he needs and hope he comes back in my life one day?
It's really wearing me down I can't imagine life without him and just want to help him get back to who he used to be.
Sorry for the essay, I hope someone can help!

 

[Sighs]

He needs professional help and so do you. PTSD is a lifelong condition. It can be managed but its hard work for sufferers and supporters.

He will never be the man he used to be. Can you turn toast back into bread? No. But you can learn to like toast.

 

[Wastinglight]

Hi @Desperateforhelp92. I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through this. I am experiencing similar, in that my guy is increasingly pushing me away, although in my case he now seems to be saying that I'm a major stressor in his life. Things seemed to have gotten gradually worse since I moved in about 7 months ago (it's funny, I thought they would get better once I moved in!).

There's not a lot you can do if someone's pushing you away like this. Are you seeing a therapist? If you can find one who is a good fit for you, then they are probably the best people to give advice on what steps you can take to look after yourself while you are supporting him. Especially if you can find someone who has experience with military PTSD.

I know it is hard to accept - things are bad with my guy at the moment, I think it might be the beginning of the end, so I get how you must be feeling right now, but in the end, all we can do is respect their wishes if someone wants to go it alone.

Hugs if you want them.