Supporter New Member

[Kitty]

I am Kitty. I have a close friend who has PTSD. She is in my age group and a rape survivor. I want to remain her friend, and I need advice. She is so angry at the world, having more than one traumas in her life. We are Southern Baptists. So many people think she has a "chip on her shoulder", but I've spoken to her, done a lot of research, and understand where her anger and mistrust come from. I want to support and help her. I need advice so I don't do anything detrimental to her. I do get frustrated and hurt, and need also to know how to take care of myself. We go places together and I am teaching her to quilt. I want her to know she can trust someone. She has also lost her husband and father in the last two years (8months apart). I'm her for her. I'm not going to walk away. We just started a weekly Bible study together. Thanks for reading, Kitty

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Oh, I'd love to give you a hug as you are truly trying to be a great friend! Many people with PTSD don't have such support in their lives.

I encourage you to read both the supporters and the sufferers sections here on the website, as it will give you a perspective from both sides.

Trust isn't an easy thing to come by for many of us with PTSD. Simply being there for her, and doing the things you are doing such as going out and teaching her to quilt will show her that she can trust you. But it may come over time rather than right away. As for getting hurt, well, it oftentimes comes with the territory (no, I'm not making excuses), so it's important for you to have firm boundaries and do a bit of your own self-care. (Taking care of yourself will help you be a better friend to her.)

This is just scratching the surface, I'm sure. Please feel free to post in the supporters section to get more feedback from other members, as not everyone visits the intro forum.

And of course, Welcome!

 

[anthony]

Welcome to the forum Kitty...

 

[Shellbell]

What an amazing friend you are Kitty. To actually research yourself so you can help her is such a wonderful thing to do. Your friend is blessed to have you. I hope she is okay.

As ScaredOfLonely said there is a whole supporter section, so I'm sure you will get some great advice and support.

 

[Whitneys story]

Kitty, Welcome to the forum. You are a special person. As you support her be certain to take care of yourself as well.

 

[KP the nut]

Hi Kitty and welcome to the forum.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome to the forum. :)

 

[Kitty]

Thanks, everyone! My friend is going on vacation and is going to learn more about quilting with another friend. She was saying last night that she her family doesn't really communicate with her and she feels she has no one to talk to and she WANTS someone to talk to. I told her I'm here. My family also likes having her around. My best to all of you! Kitty

 

[nimkekaa]

She is lucky to have a friend like you.

Welcome!