Beginning a new relationship with trauma
Hello Years ago I was in a relationship with someone who didn't treat me right. I left the relationship with a ptsd diagnosis. For a long time after that I opted not to date at all because of this trauma Recently ive starting dating again however. Ive found a man who I connect with very well. He is very respecful of me and ny boundaries and I have grown quite attached to hin. Even still, since I've started dating him I've been struck with episodes of mood swings and panic attacks. I even find my opinions on him swinging back and forth dramtically: from admiring and adoring him to thinking he cant be trusted and thinking of him as pathetic. I think to some degree I am having a trauma response to being shown affection. I dont know what to do. I don't want to lose him or hurt him but it appears the very act of being in a relationship is triggering me and it doesnt seem healthy
@AprilN Hey, April!
I sometimes experience these drastic changes of mood (and even opinion) in my own relationships. I always put it down to my bipolar, but I agree that it could be a trauma response. As time goes on, I get better at identifying the moods and telling myself, "I don't really* feel that way. Give it a day."
Giving it a day or a few hours, letting the feelings come and go, has been really helpful. When these swift changes of mood come, what do you normally do?
Best,
Zep
It does sound like a trauma response. I have some trauma issues and my ex partner had some relationship trauma, too. They would have similar issues as to what you were describing. Are you able to access counseling? It might be very helpful to work with someone on this. I would highly recommend not to make any rash decisions before ending this relationship, only because you now have your partner emotionally involved.