that's a hard one. i guess you could find some information about it online and have them read it. i'm not sure if anyone who doesn't have PTSD can actually really understand it though.

That's what I am finding. My brother doesn't know what it is. I told him to look it up on-line.

All I know is that within a year after returning from Iraq the 2nd time, I was diagnosed with PTSD and had lost my family, money, anything I owned before the deployment went up in smoke. I have tried a few different times to rebuild my life and start over fresh and everytime didn't last long. I now have a new girlfriend and will be honest. I am scared that the pattern will never change. It's hard to love someone now. Somehow I have managed to fall in love again though. The answer to your question is that you cannot make anybody understand PTSD, you just gotta hope and pray that there are people out there that care enough to want to know, and they will open up to your disorder.

Yes, I am hoping my family will understand PTSD. I am still learing about it. Flashbacks happen to me a lot. I can't control them. I can only learn to deal with them.

It is tricky. Most abuse is from family. I am not sure if that is why you have ptsd. That is why they will deny at first.

If your ptsd is other reasons they may not understand but hopefully be compassionate.

for them to get it, it will take alot of heart to hearts and honesty. My Dad understands but my in laws don't. My Dad was with me through the abuse. He tried to get custodyover and over but he was forced to listen to me every other weekend and not be able to help me. Others think I should just get over it.

It's HARD for families to get PTSD. You can explain it to them....but it seems they just want things to get better soon, and wonder why you're not progressing...You were once so strong...blah, blah, blah.

They really won't understand it...but they can try. And keep a tab on that post of family do's/don'ts to educate them on things to do and not do...to make it easier on you.

I have to keep reinterating things to my family. They still see me as an achiever and strong...and don't get why I can't work as a Nurse anymore. They have never truly seen the whole PTSD me...I've tried to brace them for when it happens.
They don't understand why I can't sleep at night...they think I should just go to bed, not sleep during the day, and get on a schedule and everything will be fine...SO NOT TRUE! They don't get it, and they want the old you back.

I was stronger 4 years ago, but I am strong in a totally different way now. I am progressing in ways they don't see.

It's SO hard!

Woo that's a hard one. I agree that they have to care enough to want to learn but most abuse is in families where denial runs deep.

And I am with all that say, unless you have it it's very difficult to understand. However, learning about the dos/donts will help no matter what.

One would think that family would read up on it but if that isn't possible...then you can do the reading and you can make copies of the information and read it out loud. So make copies of the info and then hand any of them a paper to read. Here is a good link: http://www.bullyonline.org

there are others just google or get a book at the library.

Hi Julia,

I think it was TLCDaisy that posted this link a while back. I printed the article and gave it to my hubby to read. It really helped him to understand that:
1) It's a real thing
2) I really can't help it - although I try
3) There are some things he can do to support me and help me through the rough times

I hope it helps you, too:

http://www.sandf.org/articles/PTSD.asp

Bright Blessings,
Wistala

I really don't think anyone truly understands it. I don't think my hubby nor my parents get it. My mom thinks I can take a pill and it will be ok, my hubby thinks I should just let it go and so on and so on. So called friends say, you weren't in a war to have PTSD. Well, I really was you see, because I was raped by my ex husband and I had to move to another state to get away from him and his family. Even then, it didn't work then it was the BIG custody battle and on and on and on.

Other than people here, does anyone really get it?

Sorry- about the rant, it's late and I think I'm a bit tired.

educate them there are books and videos you can show to them familys are difficult sometimes because they are too connected.

Hehehe, rant away, sister! I hear you and agree.

Blessings,
Wistala