Significant other has PTSD
Hi. This is my first post. My S.O. has had PTSD for a very long time. I was bipolar for many years, so I have been very understanding and supportive throughout our relationship. The difference is that I seeked treatment through therapy and medication and overcame my mental illness. My S.O. hasn't and have always kicked against any form of treatment. I know PTSD is different from depression and I feel powerless when my S.O. struggles with the symptoms. Recent family disputes and circumstances have also made things much worse. How can I help someone with PTSD who wants to overcome it but doesn't want therapy or medication?
@SallyForest
It sounds like you are doing your best to support your partner as they struggle with PTSD. It is a complex condition and it's clear you understand how important therapy can be in alleviating their suffering. It sounds like things have escalated for you and your partner recently because of the family issue you mentioned. Has your partner identified the initial trauma? Sometimes, knowing what happened can help you both explore support for that trauma and identify resources that may help your partner get support. It's possible, though exploring resources together, it can help your partner see they are not alone. As you may know, fear of being judged and stigmas around mental health can be a barrier for some in seeking and getting treatment. I hope your partner chooses a healthy option to cope with their PTSD. Our community offers support for those living with PTSD, if you feel your partner would be interested.
Thank you for your comment. Without going into too much detail..the initial trauma was a violent crime. The problem is, firstly, we live in a high crime area so we can't ever escape the trauma, and secondly, my partner had a few bad experiences when treatment was sought in the past (wrong medication etc). I might try to suggest this platform, but at this point I'm afraid of pushing too much
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@SallyForest
That makes a lot of sense. The area you are in is triggering for them and they had some bad experiences with therapists, too. It's much harder to reach out to professionals if your experiences in the past have been negative. Without asking you to divulge too much information publicly, would your partner's insurance provider be willing to cover the cost of remote treatment so that your partner can be at home for any visits? Are there any specialists they're family doctor can recommend, if your partner has trust and report with their family provider?
While I am asking so many questions, please let me ask how you are doing? Are you taking time to care of yourself?
Thanks, but no. Remote treatment is not possible and there isn't really a trusted family doctor so to speak.
I am doing better now thanks... Though I don't have a lot of time to deal with my own stress at the moment. And trying to keep things positive can be difficult.
What's his objection to therapy? There are different types of therapists and different types of therapies, so he has options. Therapy is a great place to start. The PTSD is unlikely to go away on its own.
Yes I know and somehow there have been bad experiences with different therapies too... It makes it extremely difficult to convince them that each therapist is different and that therapy takes time.
@SallyForest
dang, i wish i could afford it to treat that very thing.
i wonder why they fight against therapy
Affordability is another issue we have with therapy.
Just bad luck with bad experiences with therapists.