How Can I Deal With My Boyfriend"s PTSD?
I hear this question all of the time: How can I deal with my boyfriend/girlfriend's PTSD? We love the people that we are with and don't want to add to their stress, but dealing with this disorder can be very challenging at times.
The degree to which someone will allow you to interact with him or her can vary from symptom to symptom.
Sometimes the answer is to draw the person closer and at times, the answer is to give them some space.
It all depends upon the situation and the person that you are with.
When people who have PTSD are experiencing a symptom that is too great for them to deal with alone, they may really need someone that they trust to be there and to reassure them that they will be ok.
Sometimes, this simple act can be the most comforting thing that you can do.
Other times, the person may want to be left alone because they need to make sense of it all.
They need to deal with their symptoms themselves.
When symptoms arise, it can be a challenge to know for sure because one strategy that worked in one situation might not be as helpful in another situation time.
If you are in doubt, try simply asking the person what they need.
They'll likely be honest with you and grateful for your thoughtfulness.
Make sure that you have a strong support system for yourself in case your partner prefers to be along and isolated for long periods of time.
This is not uncommon, but it is tough on a relationship to spend days or weeks apart.
Realize that it is not your fault.
Don't take it personally.
Spend the time with other friends and family and engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself.
Treat yourself to something nice and enjoy a mental break.
Dealing with a boyfriend or a girlfriend who has PTSD can be challenging and confusing at times.
Sometimes you have to use a great deal of critical thinking and common sense.
Flexibility will go a long way towards keeping your sanity intact during these times.
At times, it is hard to know what will be the most helpful and what will set the person off.
Ultimately, education is the key to dealing with PTSD.
Once you know what to expect, it is not too difficult to personalize a solid plan that is specific to the person that you love.
The degree to which someone will allow you to interact with him or her can vary from symptom to symptom.
Sometimes the answer is to draw the person closer and at times, the answer is to give them some space.
It all depends upon the situation and the person that you are with.
When people who have PTSD are experiencing a symptom that is too great for them to deal with alone, they may really need someone that they trust to be there and to reassure them that they will be ok.
Sometimes, this simple act can be the most comforting thing that you can do.
Other times, the person may want to be left alone because they need to make sense of it all.
They need to deal with their symptoms themselves.
When symptoms arise, it can be a challenge to know for sure because one strategy that worked in one situation might not be as helpful in another situation time.
If you are in doubt, try simply asking the person what they need.
They'll likely be honest with you and grateful for your thoughtfulness.
Make sure that you have a strong support system for yourself in case your partner prefers to be along and isolated for long periods of time.
This is not uncommon, but it is tough on a relationship to spend days or weeks apart.
Realize that it is not your fault.
Don't take it personally.
Spend the time with other friends and family and engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself.
Treat yourself to something nice and enjoy a mental break.
Dealing with a boyfriend or a girlfriend who has PTSD can be challenging and confusing at times.
Sometimes you have to use a great deal of critical thinking and common sense.
Flexibility will go a long way towards keeping your sanity intact during these times.
At times, it is hard to know what will be the most helpful and what will set the person off.
Ultimately, education is the key to dealing with PTSD.
Once you know what to expect, it is not too difficult to personalize a solid plan that is specific to the person that you love.
