General Pattern To Behaviour?

[Learning123]

Hi guys,

I'm pretty new to all this, but I'm learning all the time and trying really hard to be helpful and patient.

One thing that I seem to have noticed with my friend who is a sufferer is that there are patterns to when her ptsd get's worse, what I mean is that at the beginning of the month, until around the 16th, she is able to express herself really well, identify her behaviours and even express concern for the way she becomes when things get tough. (Not all of the time, but a majority of the time)

And then, all of a sudden, after this point, it gets worse and she seems angry and not as able as she was to identify why she acts this way. Of course I know that this can be brought on by stress and difficult situations, but I wondered if perhaps this sounds familiar to people?

I am aware that it gets better and we are able to discuss this once again when things calm down, and I am able to brace myself when I see it coming, but I'd love to be able to work out a way in which we can work together on this to help her as well as me.

Thanks guys

 

[amethist]

Hi Learning123

Could this be connected to PMT, time of the month type of thing. Just an idea that you could check out with her, if this is the case, then maybe ask the doctor if this could be a hormone issue.

Hope you can work a way round this between you.

Amethist

 

[Learning123]

Thanks Amethist.

Yes I have considered that, and I think that there's every possibility it contributes. We are now at a stage where she is beginning to recognise her behaviour and so I think I could address this with her. On a positive note, just because I remember the thread about recognising the little victories, I think it's really important to acknowledge that she is recognising what happens when things get tough. Might not seem like a lot to many people, but wow, what a huge step, I'm really proud of her for that!

Thanks again for your reply, it's great to know I can come on this forum and ask questions without feeling that I'm being intrusive or interfering!

 

[Nicolette]

Knock your socks off Learning123 as we are all happy to help as we totally understand and appreciate how difficult dealing with PTSD can be so if we can support you or just listen we will. We may give advice but that is up to you to take on board or leave as you see fit. Welcome aboard.

 

[Learning123]

Thanks Nicolette, really appreciate that. I'm blown away by this forum and the help it offers. It's so strange, but I had absolutely no way of processing my friends (also my ex) behaviour before I knew about ptsd. Since I have, we seem to have formed a really strong bond, probably more so than when we were together. On top of that, she even commented on how amazing I'm being through all this - wow! I'm not telling you that because I want praise. I guess the reason that I'm saying that is because there are times when carers feel so exhausted, flat, unappreciated and so on, but when a sufferer can say something like that, even with everything they are going through, I think it demonstrates just what a little patience and compassion can do for them. Sometimes, as mentioned so many times on these forums, the little victories are so big!

Much love to this site that's all I can say, it's transformed my whole outlook on life and in a very positive way.