New Member And Carer Of A Ptsd Sufferer

[leweyoz]

Hi,
My husband was diagnosed about 6 yrs ago with PTSD and medically retired from the Fire Brigade where he had worked for about 34 yrs. During that time he witnessed more than the human body should have to see and was diagnosed with Chronic PTSD has his traumatic experiences were accumulated over such a long period of time and were not dealt with and were multiple.

I am the wife and carer of course and at the time of diagnose I googled like mad to find out all I could about PTSD. Whilst I found much information (knowledge is power) I didn't find much in the way of support for Carers or that was Australian based... or that petained to Emergency service work. I must have been on the edge of this site being established, as I missed it. Late last year my journey led me on the path of establishing a Support Group in my local area for Carers of those diagnosed with PTSD through Emergency Services work, as this is my knowledge base. I am currently studying Certificate IV in Chaplaincy to aid in my Support Group and I have to undertake a research project which I may list under the research section. Basically this is not a Group Therapy session but more coming alongside someone and letting them know they are not alone. I have met with a few wives of retired Police Officers and they commented that I helped to make them feel "normal". As you know PTSD can be very isolating and whilst friends and family may care, they don't always understand. Thanks for listening (reading).

 

[purple butterfly]

Welcome !

 

[wife of]

Welcome to the ptsd version of the arc.

 

[Sandra]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[leweyoz]

Thanks guys

I'm from Sydney area NSW Aus. What about you?

 

[CraftyCath]

Hi Leweyoz and welcome to the forum,

I'm a CPTSD sufferer from the UK, lots of Aussies on the board though!

<Please remember to post in the forum default style text. Keeping Artistic posting for the Chit Chat area Only. Thanks Amethist>

 

[leweyoz]

Thanks it's great to find such support here. I looked around about 6 yrs ago when Hubby was first diagnosed, couldn't find anything... and haven't looked agian til now.

Good to dee such a Global community come together.

 

[blackbird]

Hi leweyoz, I too am new here as a carer, and also in Sydney! Your post inspired me to join rather than just reading from the sidelines.

Good on you for creating a support group of your own, to help other carers come to terms with their feelings and in turn better support those they love. And best of luck with your study!

 

[leweyoz]

Thanks Blackbird,

Figured I'd jump right in. Thanks for the support re my support group idea, my hubby figures if something good can come of this "crap" then go for it. One of the people I met with in my group said she was so grateful to know that someone understood what it was like. She felt very isolated and alone. I'd set out to help her but found also that it was amazing to hear "my words" come out of her mouth so to speak. (Just that someone else understood what it was like to live as a Carer) Another person I spoke to was a mother of an adult son with PTSD, because of confidentiality she had been given very little information. Again she felt reassured to speak to someone who gets this, (talking about our sufferers freaking out at Thunder. I'm in no way belittling this, it's absolutely heart wrenching holding your big tough hubby crumble in a heap.). I was also able to help her to see a need to ease off, she had these great expecatations that a yr had passed and he should be getting on with it. Sh'ed give him tasks to complete and he'd have melt downs in the shopping centre, poor guy. So I hope, as with this forum and others sharing their own stories to be able to help in some small way to make a difference and let other Carers know they are not alone.