One other thing I feel is important to add, which it's taken me a long time to learn - it's not personal. It is so easy, and understandably so, to feel like it's our fault when we're pushed away, that we're being isolated, but it's not. We're just the ones to experience it more, and feel it more, because of how much we care for our sufferers, because of how close we are to them, because we are who they can feel safe to be themselves with, because we're who they're with most.
Last week I accidentally triggered my girlfriend by tickling her when we were messing around. It sent her into a state where she couldn't stand to be touched - no contact at all. Now, as the person who had triggered her, I felt this was my fault, and I offered to go get her roommate and best friend to give her a hug, which usually helps cheer her up somewhat, as I couldn't. She refused. She didn't want anybody touching her, but she didn't want to be left alone. As her boyfriend, the person who would usually hug her, kiss her, hold her hand, etc. I was the one who felt this more than anyone else, but it would have been the same for anybody.
That feels really poorly written, but I've had a few late nights this week from work and my brain isn't entirely switched on this morning, but I think the gist is there. When she isolates etc. I feel it more than her friends and colleagues because I'm the one it affects more, because I'm the person closest to her, not because it's me.
