General Tips Or Ideas For Keeping Your Sanity

[kahlan]

Ok I've somewhat dealt in the role of supporter for over a year and a half as a friend to a sufferer with whom I have more reccently moved into a romantic relationship. I've decided to get back into therapy myself as a proactive measure for myself because even though I've never seen him at his worst I have been there for a few tough times for him and I know that being close to someone with ptsd can be very stressful. I would just like to maybe hear some ways other supporters support themselves :)

 

[Sweetpea76]

Hobbies help me calm down, especially crocheting. It's repetitive, soothing, and doesn't require complex thought. I also do some low key things with my vet that we both enjoy. For example, we both like to cook, so we do "new recipe night." It is quiet, we can do it at home when his nerves aren't up to being around other people, and there's no pressure, because if it tastes like crap we give it to the dog and order pizza.

I also make sure to get a good nap in if I'm tired, and a long bath in if I'm stressed. Me being calm seems to help him be calm. Amethist has a great thread on aromatherapy that I originally became interested in for my vet, but I found helpful for myself as well. [DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/aromatherapy-that-may-help-relieve-some-ptsd-symptoms.13571/[/DLMURL]

If all else fails, or if he needs some alone time, I go have some margaritas with the gals or go shopping.

 

[kahlan]

Thanks for the link sweetpea :)

 

[amethist]

I have a favourite cafe I go to at least once a week, it is above a crystal shop so the atmosphere is very serene and peaceful.

 

[LizardViolet]

I have secondary symptoms so my therapist is essential to my survival.

I have work, and my family. Sometimes my kid gets on my nerves, but sometimes he is just the person to lift my spirits.

I take walks and practice mindfulness. I am periodically trying to learn to meditate.

I like to watch movies and there are a few TV shows I watch on my computer.

 

[Sunshine71]

Mine is my work - I love what I do and run my own business. However I am now not sure if I spend too much time working! I dont remember any hobbies/ interests... I do take time out with my son however this is usually stressful too... so sadly work, work, work... (I wish it was all making money type of work - lots of other things to do when its your own business!!)

:O)

 

[Sweetpea76]

Make sure to have fun with your sufferer too... be silly, do something non-stressful that you both think is fun. Joke around. It can be something as simple as an inside joke that you both think is funny.

We have one that is so silly and lame, but it makes us both smile. :p We leave post-its around for each other that say "A(his name) rules, and B(my name) sucks" or vise versa. It's not mean, but jokey. We leave them in odd places, like inside the cabinets, in each others wallets, and once even inside the toilet lid. Anywhere that one of us will run across it at an odd time. I guess it kind of evolved from wanting to prank each other with out a startle factor that would stress him.

 

[kahlan]

Sweetpea we have a couple of those little games we play :) Our similar weird senses of humor definitely go a long way in keeping stress down lol.

 

[Briggslee]

I simply read a lot of books.

 

[Sweetpea76]

I simply read a lot of books

Oooo yeah. A good book can do wonders :D

Our similar weird senses of humor definitely go a long way in keeping stress down lol.

You just have to have a sense of humor when dealing with all of this hullabaloo. If there weren't happy times then it'd just be work. ;)

 

[amethist]

I try and spend time with my grandchildren away from home. This give me a break from being a supporter as well as having some fun too.