Sufferer No Idea What to Do - sufferer & supporter

[JennyB]

Hi all. I am new here. I suffered PTSD in my late teens to late 20's. I am now in my late 30's and am married with 2 kids (2 & 6). My husband is finally dealing with his cPTSD.

 

[Riley Jones]

Welcome to the community! I'm glad you found your way here. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and it's brave of you to seek support. It's great that you're also supporting your husband as he deals with his cPTSD. Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly valuable. Feel free to explore the different forums on myptsd.com where you can share your experiences, ask questions, or simply connect with others who have been through similar struggles. If you or your husband feel like you need professional help, don't hesitate to reach out. You are not alone in this journey, and there is support available.

 

[Rose White]

Welcome!

 

[arfie]

hello jenn. welcome to the forum.

i am both sufferer and supporter. unfortunately, my own ptsd is managed, but still quite active. playing both sides of the help desk can get quite colorful. i often wonder if i need more help with the supporter side of the help desk. my own mental health challenges are frustrating and confusing enough in their own right. when providing my support, i feel like my best guess is the best i have to work with.

on either side of the help desk, peer support helps me with the venting and sorting. this very forum is a most excellent place to start.

welcome aboard.

 

[JennyB]

hello jenn. welcome to the forum.

i am both sufferer and supporter. unfortunately, my own ptsd is managed, but still quite active. playing both sides of the help desk can get quite colorful. i often wonder if i need more help with the supporter side of the help desk. my own mental health challenges are frustrating and confusing enough in their own right. when providing my support, i feel like my best guess is the best i have to work with.

on either side of the help desk, peer support helps me with the venting and sorting. this very forum is a most excellent place to start.

welcome aboard.

Hello Arfie,

I really appreciate you sharing.

I have been isolated for years due to having kids (currently 2 & 6). I'm realizing that I need to create a support network, or several, for me to have any chance at being successful playing both roles.

I have also noticed that I'm starting to separate my emotional and physical stance with my husband. I don't feel that I can expect a 50/50 relationship if I'm the supporter. (He cannot duel role). I feel that this turns me into a caregiver and could create emotional dependency for him. I struggle with the push/ pull. How far do I push/ challenge him? How far do I let him pull me for support?

The other hand is my own survival. I do not get triggered as often and the flashbacks and emotions are definitely not as powerful as they once were. Since my husband and I have similar PTSD types (his was sustained, min was specific instances), I sometimes get triggered by him talking through and processing his experiences. I then feel guilty I cannot dedicate 100% of me to support him.

Thank you again for the warm welcome.

 

[mszl]

Welcome!