Isn't it interesting when we can tell others are struggling and fighting with the same things we are? I've often thought there was a link between childhood trauma and domestic violence in adulthood. The woman I worked with was married to a man for twenty years that was horribly physically abusive. She told me some stories that took my breath away. Yet, she's never talked about her childhood. Last night she disclosed a little bit about her father. I had suspected this. She said her father said children should be seen and not heard. She said she went to a friend's birthday party. Her dad heard her laughing too loudly with her friends when he went to pick her up. He told her she was going to get it when she got home. She told him he would have to catch her first. She kind of laughed it off but said he caught me and tore me up. It only happened a few times she said. Yet, I noticed her facial expression. Oh honey, this happened a lot more than a few times. She didn't leave her husband until her father died. The day her dad died she packed her bags. I thought this was very profound. Why do you think that was a catalyst for her?
I've mentioned PTSD to her but she doesn't understand it. I tried to explain it's the way when I walk in the room and need to wave both hands to get her attention. If I don't she gets startled and starts to shake. I try to never surprise her. I'll try to hum or make noise so I don't scare her. I also don't invade her personal space. I let her walk up to me. I don't push. She's never been to therapy or taken medication for her anxiety. Yet, I can tell she suffers. She's just been taught like a lot of us to just suck it up and keep moving. She seems to enjoy talking about vacations. Last night we talked about Disneyland. I just want to be respectful with her situation.
I've mentioned PTSD to her but she doesn't understand it. I tried to explain it's the way when I walk in the room and need to wave both hands to get her attention. If I don't she gets startled and starts to shake. I try to never surprise her. I'll try to hum or make noise so I don't scare her. I also don't invade her personal space. I let her walk up to me. I don't push. She's never been to therapy or taken medication for her anxiety. Yet, I can tell she suffers. She's just been taught like a lot of us to just suck it up and keep moving. She seems to enjoy talking about vacations. Last night we talked about Disneyland. I just want to be respectful with her situation.
