I feel that way a lot. Sometimes I get glimpses of a better life.

I guess it really depends on the person and the cause. I know I felt that way for a while. I'd withdraw and just not want to be around people at all. But sometimes I needed people that were close for support, even if I couldn't tell them everything.
For me it depends on the day if it comes in episodes or is continuous, sometimes, like today, I wake up with it. Other times it comes and goes. Meds ability to work also depend on the person as well as the meds themselves.
Hope this helps, it's great that your trying to understand and support your friend :)

I shared the trauma of my base PTSD with 10 siblings. No two of us reacted the same. If you compare my PTSD to my sister's, you WILL hurt her. Please don't hurt my sister. She is in enough pain already.

I surely love that you are friend enough to do this and encourage you to continue. A friend can be the most important healing aid in the world. Keep it purely personal.

Yes, all those symptoms and more can manifest in PTSD. The unique nature in which they manifest is important. Every time for each individual.

Ditto arfie's praise for you as a friend, wanting to learn about ptsd. I think the "not feeling" aspect you describe may be what therapists call "dissociating" in ptsd.

Even though I'd been through years of ptsd therapy with a VA specialist, I learned a lot at a web site someone here shared with me. It's the Pete Walker website, if I recall, the website of a California therapist.

Lots of links there and succinct information in accurate but simple form that helped me put my own experience into words. Google Pete Walker & PTSD and you should get there. Good luck.

Ditto on the posts here. I agree. Like it was said, it's different for all of us but I think a lot, if not, all of us will experience no type of loving or warm feelings towards others or things. Because I can relate, some ppl can go through intense periods of depression and dissociation and some may not.

Meds are a different topic. I am continuously trying to keep an open mind to meds as I find that it might be necessary for my well-being and others as well. It's a learning process,as I have a lot to digest myself.

I find that it depends on what triggers it. Sometimes it's something I saw, something I heard, something that just randomly popped into my head(cause yes, I have a lot of that)....but, for the most part...it's not continuous.

Though, I do know that there are people out there who have continuous PTSD...it's not unheard of. It's hard to deal with as an outsider of the sufferer. But that doesn't mean you can't try to support them. Ultimately though, just like with any other illness...you can't help them...until they're willing/ready to be helped. If they don't think there's a problem...then they won't go looking for any affirmations, reassurance, comfort...any form of help. But if your friend is looking for that...then you can try to be as positive as possible!!! Perhaps try finding out what their triggers are. EVERYONE has them. :)

Thank you everyone! Your responses are very helpful. Yesterday I saw my friend at the mental health clinic. It showed me that he's being proactive about getting treatment. I relate all the information I learn to his girlfriend and together we've been encouraging him.

Thanks again! I'll still be reading different posts so I can learn more.