Relationship Needing Guidance

[medley29]

I'm new here. I just started dating a PTSD sufferer about two months ago. His symptoms were not manifesting when we first started dating and things were wonderful. He's struggling now, and he's completely different. I've been reading all I can find, and I watched the 18 short videos someone posted. They worked wonders for my perspective. Sometimes I just find myself at a loss when I don't know what he needs, and I'm not hearing much from him. I've heard the oxygen mask illustration-- that I have to take care of myself and be in good shape to be able to help him. Any tips on how to do that?

 

[Purplemunchkin]

When he's in a good place try to set some mutually agreed ground rules for next time he isolates, i.e. he needs to text once a day just to check-in and you will only contact him if there's an emergency. Or whatever works for you two.

What did you do before you met him? Keep up with your hobbies, your friends, etc and try not to obsess over him when he's being distant.

The best advice I can give though is to keep reading these forums!

 

[Sweetpea76]

Just distract yourself as much as you can... Go out with girlfriends, do things you enjoy. Go window shopping, read a good book... If you sit and worry about him, you will make yourself nuts. It is super-easy to wallow in it if you let yourself.