ISupportHer
Diamond Member
Just noticed a notification that it was my 5th year anniversary here. Hard to believe really!
It makes me reflect on how things have changed for me as well as my wife. Changed for the better. My Mom was just commenting yesterday that when she talks to my wife, it's like the problems several years ago didn't happen. Of course, that is not the truth and that is an example of those who don't understand about PTSD don't know what they don't know. PTSD is the "gift" that keeps on giving.
My wife will always carry the burden in some way. She does, however, on the outside seem so much better. And yes, it is no longer at the forefront in her daily life. But she still sees her therapist weekly and works hard at it. For me? It is like a weight off my shoulders not worrying about her being hospitalized yet again. And I no longer walk on egg shells. Well, maybe a little as I am now always playing the "chess game" of thinking ahead 2 moves when I react.
So, 2 things. First, there can be hope. I know that all stories do not have a happy ending. Or that our story continues and that things can go sour again. But there IS hope. I'm not sure I believed that when I came here 5 years ago. Change can happen. It's not be as quick as we'd like but it CAN happen. If there is one message I'd like to convey is to keep working for that change. Sufferers and supporters alike. It takes years, not days or even months. No quick fixes.
Second thing is that I am not here as much anymore. Yet I still feel pulled here. I have friends here and, at least on occasion, post a comment of support or observations to others. Just as others did before me. I means so much to know that someone else out there hears you when you are in pain or is going through what YOU are going through. And I also know I can, at any time, post about any concerns I have if things worsen again. I know this supportive community, although changing in individuals, will be here with the same spirit of community. I think I will always feel "at home" here.
My wish for all here is peace and healing.
ISH
It makes me reflect on how things have changed for me as well as my wife. Changed for the better. My Mom was just commenting yesterday that when she talks to my wife, it's like the problems several years ago didn't happen. Of course, that is not the truth and that is an example of those who don't understand about PTSD don't know what they don't know. PTSD is the "gift" that keeps on giving.
My wife will always carry the burden in some way. She does, however, on the outside seem so much better. And yes, it is no longer at the forefront in her daily life. But she still sees her therapist weekly and works hard at it. For me? It is like a weight off my shoulders not worrying about her being hospitalized yet again. And I no longer walk on egg shells. Well, maybe a little as I am now always playing the "chess game" of thinking ahead 2 moves when I react.
So, 2 things. First, there can be hope. I know that all stories do not have a happy ending. Or that our story continues and that things can go sour again. But there IS hope. I'm not sure I believed that when I came here 5 years ago. Change can happen. It's not be as quick as we'd like but it CAN happen. If there is one message I'd like to convey is to keep working for that change. Sufferers and supporters alike. It takes years, not days or even months. No quick fixes.
Second thing is that I am not here as much anymore. Yet I still feel pulled here. I have friends here and, at least on occasion, post a comment of support or observations to others. Just as others did before me. I means so much to know that someone else out there hears you when you are in pain or is going through what YOU are going through. And I also know I can, at any time, post about any concerns I have if things worsen again. I know this supportive community, although changing in individuals, will be here with the same spirit of community. I think I will always feel "at home" here.
My wish for all here is peace and healing.
ISH
