So I'm new to this forum, and really new to dating someone who's been in the military. I am just looking for any advice from anyone who have gone or are going through something similar or just has some decent advice.
I am just hitting the year mark with my boyfriend who is a veteran. Recently he received his honorable discharge certificate and it hit home for him. Though he's been out for four years, I can see the military is still getting to him, of course, why wouldn't it? I don't pretend to understand what he's going through, but I do my best to understand and and listen when he does choose to open up, which isn't very often. I think he is still suffering from PTSD and he blames himself for the death of some of his friends, even when it wasn't his fault. He has an issue with alcohol, we can't even go out without him having a minimum of 6-8 drinks. I am not a huge drinker, and I find it hard to deal with. I realize things could be way worse, but I am worried things will only get worse if I stay with him. It kills me to hear him blame himself and wish he was back in the Marine's. Am I not being understanding enough? Is there something else I should be doing to help him? I'd like him to speak with someone and I have told him this, but I don't want to push it too hard if he doesn't want to do it. Any advice would be great. I appreciate it.
I am just hitting the year mark with my boyfriend who is a veteran. Recently he received his honorable discharge certificate and it hit home for him. Though he's been out for four years, I can see the military is still getting to him, of course, why wouldn't it? I don't pretend to understand what he's going through, but I do my best to understand and and listen when he does choose to open up, which isn't very often. I think he is still suffering from PTSD and he blames himself for the death of some of his friends, even when it wasn't his fault. He has an issue with alcohol, we can't even go out without him having a minimum of 6-8 drinks. I am not a huge drinker, and I find it hard to deal with. I realize things could be way worse, but I am worried things will only get worse if I stay with him. It kills me to hear him blame himself and wish he was back in the Marine's. Am I not being understanding enough? Is there something else I should be doing to help him? I'd like him to speak with someone and I have told him this, but I don't want to push it too hard if he doesn't want to do it. Any advice would be great. I appreciate it.