PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an anxiety disorder that is caused by a tragic, unbearable event. There are many different incidents that can cause one to have PTSD such as an accident, military combat, natural disasters, assaults, etc. PTSD is not something one should take lightly. Statistics show that around 7.7 million adults today suffer from PTSD. Although there is not an age limit, it can occur with everyone. PTSD is not easy to live with, and it is not easy to love someone with it either.
When loving someone who is living with post traumatic stress disorder, it helps to know when to talk about what they went through. Not everyone is willing to talk about it, which is also a hard concept to grasp. I know, you’re probably thinking, how can I love someone that will not even open up to me? The answer is, just leave it alone. When the time is right, that person will be able to open up, or if they stay bottled up, it’s probably not what should be talked about anyway. Everyone goes through and handles tragedy differently. You must know that you will never be able to fully understand what they went through, no matter how hard you try. They will worry. A lot. It is something that they will actually be very good at and you have to know when it is time to step in for moral support, or step out and give space. Similar to a roller coaster, that is exactly what one would compare their emotions to, just strap along for the ride. There will be times that even on the happiest of days, one thought can lead to anger or tears. When this happens, just listen. The key to loving someone with PTSD is assurance. Don’t judge or look at one differently, keep reminding them that you love them and that is what matters between the two of you. It will be hard with emotions running wild and stress level out the roof, but support means more than you know. If they want to talk about it, listen. If they don’t, don't pressure them. Yes, you might get pushed away at times or anger may be taken out on you, do not walk away. It will happen, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want or need you. It’s complete opposite actually.
Loving someone with PTSD may be a challenge, but it doesn’t mold them. People shouldn’t be judge by what they went through, it is what’s on the inside that matters. You can do it.
