Supporter New To Forums And New To Sharing.

[forgotten shadow]

Hi everybody,

This is the first time that I've really posted on any forums so I'm a little nervous and apologise in advance for any errors in my English or in what I'm actually writing about.

I will have been going out with my girlfriend for 2 years in june however PTSD has only been an issue since november; when she had to translate for her mothers psychological evaluation. Since then it's been a very steep learning curve for the both of us.

I've joined this forum after my girlfriend mentioned how friendly and supportive everybody is on here and after she had suggested that I needed to talk top some people that understand what I'm going through. This is because her PTSD is becoming worse and so is requiring more support and energy from me and I'm also dealing with my dad being diagnosed with cancer. Luckily he is recovering well from the operation and, fingers crossed, it hasn't spread or grown back but it's still put a massive strain on me as I attempt to keep everything keeping going as my mum is completely stressing out between that an not the stresses from her job.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Hi and welcome:)

If you go to the supporters section you will meet a good group of people who can assist you.

It is nice to meet you.

 

[BigBear]

Hi Forgotten Shadow,

Did I get correctly that your GF has PTSD and her mom has Psych issues?

I know that you are going to have a lot of questions. Please ask them, but maybe I'm getting ahead of my self. No one lasts long without supporters in these situations. Not even the supporters! So your first step must be to find an appropriate level of comfort. You'll never be able to talk about things until you are comfortable. You must be comfortable with those that you choose as supporters...

Secondly, yes this is a PTSD forum, but PTSD is caused by stress and is spiked by stress. All kinds of stress. So anything that is stressing you is relevant. Also anything that is stressing her is relevant. Don't jump to assumptions about what is "off topic".

Finally, we supporters are always being invited to the supporter section. it's great, but there is much to be learned in the sufferers sections too. We supporters don't necessarily know what we know. Repetition however teaches much. Many sufferers, many differences, but all similar.

Hope we can help!

Bear

 

[Pale Warrior]

Hi Forgotten Shadow,

Glad to read that you dad is on the mend, how stressful for you all. Anthony's "cups" explanation has really helped me understand how stress works in PTSD.

Hope to see you in the supporters section when you feel ready.

PW

 

[Tifanee]

Welcome forgotten shadow!

Like Big Bear already said, you need support just as much as those you care for. You and your GF have alot going on right now, and that stress can put alot of strain on a PTSD sufferer and subsequently the support. Take the time to read the stickies on the supporter and sufferer side. You will be drained after you get all that knowledge, but you will find the best wisdom in how to approach and respond with your GF, and how to manage the stress in the home.

Good luck!

 

[ProudWife99]

Welcome! I am sorry to hear about your father. Mine was recently diagnosed with Cancer as well. He went through all the necessary treatments and is doing very well, but I know how much of a stress it can be. Even if there is absolutely nothing we can do for them, we hurt.

I agree with Bear, find answers anywhere you can. Sometimes when I'm reading things a sufferer wrote, it helps put things in perspective for my husband and myself. When I need to rant or when I need advice, I know I can always rely on those in the supporters section to be honest with me.

Good luck to you.

 

[Lucycat]

Hi Forgotten Shadow!

Actually I think you are not forgotten at all, although maybe it feels like that. I am really pleased when supporters come here. It takes a really special person to support those of us with PTSD. We really do all need each other to get through this journey.

Thank you for caring enough to join the forum!

Regards
Lucy x

 

[forgotten shadow]

Thank you for your words of support, advice and kindness! You are correct in saying that bear as that is the situation.

FS