I have ptsd and a few triggers, not really too many. When I am triggered, I withdraw and turn things on myself. I do not understand attacking others. I have a relative that I am sure has ptsd. She is 42 and been abused too many times. She escapes in alcohol, maybe even drugs-not sure. A couple months ago, she wanted me to do something that I did not want to do and attempted to attack me because I said no. Someone held her back. Then she texted me a nasty message and now just calls my friends and says I should apologize, never stating why. Funny, the particular friend she calls was present, and knows I simply declined an invitation.
I will not engage in any relationship with her. I can not afford it mentally. Further, this incident has been a trigger. I have found myself rageful (something new) and would never hit anyone but broke a bottle and slammed a door one day repeatedly. I am preaching to the choir. I know this, but need to remind myself. People who are abused will abuse others if they do not get help, find intervention, etc.
Even though I can not imagine hitting another person, I know why she is that way. Without alot of help, we often put ourselves in relationships with those who are not worthy (who refuse to own their stuff), and when that happens, its nearly impossible to see self improvement. I know I cant afford it emotionally. It is tougher with age if it does not improve, and it wont with toxic or violent people.
Now if you are strong enough and not being abused, of course that is different. As a sufferer, I feel bad for those close to me who are burdened at times like this, but I would never attack them. Just my humble opinion and how it has related to me, or I related.
