Sympathetic
Hello Dog,
As a recovered victim of PTSD I not only understand how difficult things can be on the side of the victim and can relate to everyone's advice, but through conversations with people I affected while I was sick I can also understand your frustrations. From my personal experience, when people were there for me almost "too" much, it made my episodes worsen. Everyone always asking if I wanted to talk about "it" even if "it" wasn't on my mind, made me remember "it" and spells would occur of days without sleeping, impulsive outbreaks, etc. I have a feeling that when your girlfriend is asking for space it is because she might realize that she doesn't want to bring you down along with her during these times. If I were you, just try and be as patient as possible, but also let the therapy do its work. She is seeing a professional for a reason, and all you can be is someone to talk to when she needs it. If she needs it, she will let you know, and you need to be receptive to that. Don't push it, or think that anything you find online is the trick to help her. The therapy, if with a good PTSD therapist, will work in time and every person is different. What works with one might not work with another.
I think the most important thing you can do is what you can do for yourself. Allow your anger to be present in your own time so it does not blow up later and make a small fuss into a bigger, un-needed one, and also know your limits. Just as much as she deserves to be happy, so do you. If the timing is not right for your relationship, you need to allow yourself to step back so you don't lose yourself as well. I know this is a trying time for anyone suffering from PTSD, but I also empathize with the supportive, loving people it also affects. Stay strong and listen to your heart.
: )
Hello Dog,
As a recovered victim of PTSD I not only understand how difficult things can be on the side of the victim and can relate to everyone's advice, but through conversations with people I affected while I was sick I can also understand your frustrations. From my personal experience, when people were there for me almost "too" much, it made my episodes worsen. Everyone always asking if I wanted to talk about "it" even if "it" wasn't on my mind, made me remember "it" and spells would occur of days without sleeping, impulsive outbreaks, etc. I have a feeling that when your girlfriend is asking for space it is because she might realize that she doesn't want to bring you down along with her during these times. If I were you, just try and be as patient as possible, but also let the therapy do its work. She is seeing a professional for a reason, and all you can be is someone to talk to when she needs it. If she needs it, she will let you know, and you need to be receptive to that. Don't push it, or think that anything you find online is the trick to help her. The therapy, if with a good PTSD therapist, will work in time and every person is different. What works with one might not work with another.
I think the most important thing you can do is what you can do for yourself. Allow your anger to be present in your own time so it does not blow up later and make a small fuss into a bigger, un-needed one, and also know your limits. Just as much as she deserves to be happy, so do you. If the timing is not right for your relationship, you need to allow yourself to step back so you don't lose yourself as well. I know this is a trying time for anyone suffering from PTSD, but I also empathize with the supportive, loving people it also affects. Stay strong and listen to your heart.
: )
