Supporter Recently Learned That My Boyfriend Has Ptsd

[chelly]

Hello there,

My name is Chelsea and I learned about a month ago that my boyfriend of over a year and a half has severe PTSD. Once I found out, I began doing research about PTSD and trying to figure out how I can better myself to be there for him. The kicker to this relationship is the fact that we're primarily a long distance couple. He lives in Texas and I live in Ohio; however, we're fortunate enough that I am able to fly down every other month or so for a couple weeks at a time. I have never dealt with someone who has suffered with PTSD and I am constantly looking for advice! He already has a therapist and this past week when I was in Texas, we both decided it would be a good idea for me to attend a session with him and that made me feel better about everything and it was very reassuring. We're going on 2 years and we're getting serious, we have began the beginning steps of moving in together, but we are really taking our time with that.

I am very happy that I discovered this website! There is a lot of wonderful advice and support here and I can already tell that this will help me. Right now, it's just scary because I don't know the answers. I don't expect to, I don't think anyone likes not really knowing what to do. Everyone is different and everyone has different triggers and the one thing that I have been struggling with is letting my fear overcome me. I know that figuring out his triggers might take awhile, but I'm afraid of being the person that triggers an attack. I suppose that is something that overtime you just accept will happen and learn how to manage it. Any advice or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking time to read my thread! :)

 

[KP the nut]

Hi Chelly and welcome. The forum has great support and information. Check out the supporters section. Those folk always have the kettle on and can give good advice.

 

[Deleted member 20280]

Hi Chelly. You sound like a great supporter to have.

I wish you every happiness and healing.

Kindest regards and :hug:s if you accept them.

Laurie

 

[Caterpillar]

Welcome to the forums. It's great that you want to learn more about PTSD, and that will doubtlessly make life easier for both of you. As someone who's been a supporter many times, I'd suggest you don't worry too much about triggers. When you spend a lot of time with someone with PTSD it's inevitable that you'll occasionally trigger them to some degree, and it's important to view that as a part of the disease rather than you having done something "wrong". It's not your fault or his fault, just something that happens sometimes.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Chelly,

Sounds like you are both aware of the potential pitfalls. I hope you find the information and support here helpful

 

[chelly]

Hi Chelly,

Sounds like you are both aware of the potential pitfalls. I hope you find the information and support here helpful

Yeah, I wanted to make sure I knew the pitfalls right off the bat. When him and I first met I actually was struggling with a pretty severe eating disorder and even though being states away, he was there through all the good, the bad and the ugly and I plan on staying by his side through this all.

 

[amethist]

Hi chelly

Come down to the supporters area and pull up a chair. Good advice can be found there and the kettle is always on the boil.