Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.
I have PTSD, actually my new therapist thinks it Complex PTSD, although my trauma wasn't recurring. Not sure I fully understand that though. I am just finally getting help at 48 years old. Trauma happened at 16 The thing is, I got involved with a man who has PTSD and TBI from combat. Things were wonderful, he said he loved me, and I him. We would talk daily, video chat, laugh, cry...he was always sending me songs and so on. He opened up and shared about his trauma, guilt, and shame from war...and most recently remembered some sexual abuse as a boy that he had repressed. When we finally were together in person, it was wonderful. The coonection was strong and he looked me in the eyes and told me I'm his, only his and vice versa. The next day he slept on and off almost all day. Said he couldn't believe how comfortable he was with me that he could sleep like that. We left the next day, and he was gone. Not completely ghosting, just no more terms of endearment, no more I love yous, and then just that he was going through so much and I couldn't help him. I asked if I should back off, he said not completely, just a bit. After a week I sent him a message saying that I would leave him alone, that he broke my heart, and I didn't want to be where I wasnt loved. He replied tht he is sorry he broke my heart, but he does love me. He is just dealing with so much right now that he had to sever, but not completely, the ties. Time and distance. Does anyone have experience doing this or having been through it? I know when I am struggling, I avoid the people I am closest to, but not completely like this. I don't know if I should keep sending him brief "I'm here for you" messages and the like, or if I should just not contact him. I don't want to be another burden, by any means. I also don't want to lose him, if I haven't already. I see him on messenger so I know he still chats with people, but just not me. My biggest issues with PTSD are with abandonment and fear of loss. Obviously, with that being said, I'm really struggling here. Ruminating about him and the situation. Any input would be appreciated.
-
I did the dumbest thing today. I charged my earbuds, unplugged the block and put the block in my little bag instead of the earbuds. I wasn't happy about that when I got to the gym. What a dummy!
-
Ever since I stopped doing therapy because of insurance, I've been feeling that old tense and irritable sense of anxiety and stress. I hate that. I was making so many strides and changes during therapy, my therapist would acknowledge all of my progress and accomplishments, and I miss that reassurance. Today I thought about it, and I made those changes! She would always tell me that I chose to...
The need for time and distance in order to deal with my own cPTSD psychoses (pl) remains a recurring theme in my own 38 year marriage. My condition often makes it difficult to distinguish 1968 from 2018. The lines between the relationships and emotions involved get even fuzzier. Flashbacks, et al, are not logical phenoms and do not respond well to facts, much less logic. It was a long and hurtful road to find ways to deal with those ugly, strictly personal twists and turns without my husband taking ^it^ as a personal rejection. It remains a delicate balance.
Dunno if that applies here and I don't have easy answers for either of us, but. . . Healing hopes. Gentle support while you sort your own. Sort freely. Sort often.
Welcome aboard.
Thank you so much for replying and your warm welcome. Just hearing that it isn't personal helps. I keep trying to remind myself of that, until I convince myself it is me.
Wishing you peace.
Long distance relationships are usually exactly what they seem...but not always.
Sometimes people will say things that the mean in the moment...but the moment doesn't last.
It's always your decision at the end of the day.
Looking back on all other similar relationships I've observed, the probability is quite high that he isn't going to reciprocate.
You are the most important in your healing process. You.
I'm a very nice guy, yet it still affected my intimate relationships as an adult such that I'm twice divorced and stopped dating. I live alone better than I do with any other person in my household simply because I have a permanent startle response to anyone being in a room behind me. It's as simple as that for me, the hair on the back on my neck stands up. It's an exhausting way to live through the day.
When I live alone, I go through those moments but they subside more quickly not having to explain them. Explaining them is hard, because I don't always know how to pinpoint each trigger. Chasing triggers throughout the day to explain them would be even more exhausting for me.
I didn't have a lot of conflict in either of my divorces, it's more like both marriages just wore out. There was no shouting and certainly no physical conflict. Both partners just found other partners who were an easier fit into their lives. It was painful but it was realistic in the end.
I thought I'd share my experience of intimate relationship from the perspective of a person with a PTSD diagnosis. I don't know if it's relevant. Much support to you as you sort things through.